Maui: A Love Letter
Aloha! If you follow my instagram you know I recently had the privilege of photographing a stunning client in the breathtaking landscapes of Maui. This long-time client was turning 50 and her husband had the great idea of a “Hawaii 5-0 trip” that included some gorgeous images of her ringing in her 50th year! Isn’t that an adorable idea!? From the ethereal beaches, to cascading waterfalls and finally vibrant sunsets provided a backdrop that was nothing short of magical. Seriously. These are some of the most beautiful images I think I’ve ever taken.
But, as many of you might be aware, mere days after we returned from Maui, the wild fires began to terrorize the land and people. The experience was a poignant reminder of the dual nature of life. One minute you’re taking in a gorgeous rainbow over the ocean and the next everything is devastated. But that’s not the end of the story-just like it’s not the end of the story when life completely shocks us. This beautiful island is a place of wonder, natural beauty and profound resilience. Just like our own individual hearts, despite the current challenges Maui faces, I know it’s spirit remains undaunted.
My client, with her natural grace, complimented Maui's serene beauty, making every frame a testament to the harmony between nature and human spirit. As we wandered through the lush landscapes, the sun casting golden hues on her silhouette, it felt like the island was whispering stories of ages gone by.
Many of my clients are interested in traveling boudoir sessions, but often the images we create don’t show the work that went into making it happen. And every traveling session is different! This session was filled with laughter, playful breezes, and the rhythmic sound of crashing waves. It was also filled with long hikes up waterfalls (literally climbing up rocks for 45 mins), hours of driving the road to Hana and listening to “Carl” our audible guide who directed us as we wound our way through Maui. Maui’s beauty is so stunning, it often felt sacred. I found myself constantly offering thanks to the land and people for existing and allowing us to bear witness.
To return home and hear of the devastation that hit the island was heartbreaking. As a photographer, I often aim to capture not just the external beauty of a location or a person but also the underlying emotions and stories. In Maui, the juxtaposition of natural splendor and the island’s contemporary challenges was palpable. Yet, it’s remarkable how adversity can sometimes accentuate beauty. Knowing the resilience of Maui’s people, their love for the land, and their hope for a brighter future reminds me that no natural disaster can steal her spirit.
To Maui: Thank you for the continued lessons in strength, the tales of endurance, and the testament to the human spirit's indomitable will. This session will forever be etched in my heart, not just for the gorgeous images we created together but for the deeper appreciation and connection it fostered. I was in Maui exactly two years ago when I was at the beginning of my divorce. To return two years later to the same spots was a beautiful backdrop that highlighted exactly how far I’ve come from such a hard season of life.
I have a friend named Laurence who is a pilot on Maui. He actually was my instructor when I flew my first plane! He has been working tirelessly to fly much needed resources around the islands. The fuel cost is incredibly high, so if you’re so inclined here is his go fund me where you can donate to help with those costs. Please give what you can.
While we enjoy and share the beauty of places like Maui, let’s also remember to be conscious travelers, advocates for sustainable practices, and supporters of local communities-especially when they have been devastated by a natural disaster. Every small effort counts in ensuring that gems like Maui continue to flourish for generations to come.