Yay!!! I'm Malia, and I'm so happy you're here! I am so excited that you're interested in letting me capture your Fiji memories! I'm a big believer in showing the real you, capturing your connection, and in the kind of images that remind you of the joy that can be found in the simplest of moments.
I want to create images that are begging to be printed, placed in beautiful frames and hung on your walls for years to come!
I've created this resource to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from your family session with me, and to help you prepare. I will also give you suggestions when picking outfits to let you know what photographs well, if you need any help.
Becoming a mom has given me a huge appreciation for family photos. I understand firsthand the power these images hold – the cherished moments, fleeting expressions, and the quirky stages kids go through. With each click of the shutter, I strive to capture not just a photo, but the emotions, stories, and connections that make each family unique.
I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
Welcome
Expect FUN! Yup, we are going to have fun and I cannot wait to laugh with you and love on your family! My sessions are not "sit still and say CHEESE" - they are full of laughs, cuddles, dress twirls and connection. There will be times for big loud laughter and moments of quiet cuddles. I plan to tell your family's story while honouring my style of photography.
Prepare to interact, play, and cuddle while oddly enough, NOT looking at the camera. I want to show you how gorgeous you look while being a mom/wife/dad and that requires letting your guard down and just being in the moment with your family. But don't worry, I won't leave you hanging! I achieve this by giving directions and prompts that bring out emotions and I will set the scene and keep us rolling.
Oh, and of course we will get some of those looking at the camera and smiling shots too :)
What to Expect
P.S. there is a very good chance that you and the kids may end up wet and sandy :)
Getting kids on board for photos can be overwhelming and a little bit tricky so here are some of my tips as a photographer who has worked with my fair share of kids.
-The biggest tip I can offer is to let them be. Kids are not going to be able to sit and smile for long. But thats the beauty of my photography style- THEY DON'T NEED TO! The best photos that I capture are of you playing with your kids and letting them be, or comforting them if they are upset or shy in front of the camera.
-Try to avoid punishing them during the session. I know it's hard - trust me, I have two wild boys - but don't MAKE them smile, or smile better, or tell them not to smile like that, or to look at the camera. I will let them know what I want and sometimes that requires not looking at me at all. And if they don't want to do what I ask them to, that's totally fine!
I always tell parents "you can't hear photos" and that is something to remember during your session. You can see faces and tension in photos but that sound of your toddler screaming? No one will know! I will pose them away if this happens and you can snuggle them in close and embrace the chaos and act like you are loving every moment of it! And voila!! A beautiful raw moment can be captured. Just remember to relax - if your kiddo needs a break thats ok too.
Any songs your kids love or anything I can bring up that they love should be mentioned in your questionnaire.
Let them be little...
If you are doing your session on the mainland, it will happen at sunset (or sunrise if you'd rather). I know this can be late in the evening for littles so be sure to adjust nap schedules and don't overdo the beach or draining activities that day. I do not offer times other than "golden hour" unless for some reason the weather or my transfers to and from your island requires it. I want to give you the best photos possible and my style favours that golden hour light. If I am coming to you on an outer island, we will just need to work within the timing I have out there. You'll still get beautiful photos, it'll just be a bit different from my norm.
As much as you want everything to be perfect, try not to stress about small things like windblown hair, or kids clothing not sitting how it's supposed to!! There will be no such thing as perfect hair/clothes etc. but that's what I love! The perfectly imperfect! Try to let it go and let it be. I need to move fast with kids especially when they are cooperating and I'd hate to miss the shot!
Golden Hour... Magic!
Don't worry, I will grab some "looking at the camera" formal photos throughout the session. I will grab a portrait of each of the kids as well (as long as they aren't fighting it). The rest of the time I will be giving you prompts, and documenting your family as you are. I love to get different combinations of family members as well, so sibling photos, kids with mom, kids with dad, motherhood moments, just you parents etc. You will be cuddling, playing games, having tickle fights, and splashing in the water.
Think about how you want to feel when you look at your photos. Try to keep a smile on your face or get really emotive when you snuggle to get your desired mood. I will guide you along the way!
I will send you a questionnaire to fill out where you can let me know all about your family, each child's personality, the mood/feel that you are hoping to achieve.
My sessions are typically very playful, with a dash of quiet reflection.
Connection...
01. LOCATION + TIME
Most of the time, family sessions take place at the resort you are staying at. If you are up for an adventure and your kids are at an age that they can handle a bit of a drive, there is an option to choose a different location. We can chat about it and figure out what is best for you and your family. We will finalize our start time when booking, but I schedule sessions for the best light of the day (typically sunset/golden hour). If you are late, this will cut into your session due to lighting!
02. PREPERATION
Make sure your kids are well fed before the session and don't skip their nap. Sunset can be late for little ones. I also recommend to not over do it at the beach or in the sun that day as well. If you are planning on dinner afterward, bring a change of clothes or be ready prepared to get back to your room to change. We will most likely be sitting in the sand and splashing in the water!
03. YOUR PHOTOS
My turnaround is 2-3 weeks in the high volume season. I try to deliver your images as quickly as possible because I know how excited I always am to get my photos back! That being said, I also want to make sure I give your images the time and attention they deserve. You will receive an email with a gallery link where you will be able to easily mark your favourites, share with friends and family, and download web sized & high resolution images.
Final Details...
-I don't pose, I Guide! I will give your prompts and you will make it unique to you! Be ready to play and to cuddle!! Even if your babies are crying, don't stress, you can comfort them as you normally would. And I'll be there to capture those genuine interactions.
-Bring a change of clothes for after! We will be playing in the sand and water. So if you have dinner scheduled for after the session, give yourself enough time to get everyone changed.
-Bring snacks or treats the kids love! I'm not above bribery :) and snacks can definitely save a session!
A little recap...
Collections
-One Hour
-Images delivered via an online gallery with access to download high resolution images
-A minimum of 60 images
800 usd
one
collection
-45 minutes
-Images delivered via an online gallery with access to download high resolution images
-A minimum of 45 images
650 usd
two
collection
-30 minutes
-Images delivered via an online gallery with access to download high resolution images
-A minimum of 30 images
500 usd
three
collection
There is a shop in the online gallery where you can purchase print products if you wish.
You can add a Custom Keepsake Album for $400
~ 8X8 20 page Linen cover album
~Album upgrades are available
Add-Ons
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Thank you for a great shoot, you obviously had the kids very comfortable and they sailed through…
The shots are amazing, you are so talented, and I’m so glad we booked a session- I cannot wait to have them up in our home!
Thank you so much for giving us these amazing pictures we can have forever x
Jen & Clint
you had the kids very comfortable, and they sailed through!
“
REVIEW NO. 1 OF 5
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Sam & Kerrod
So thankful for our beautiful photos! We can not recommend Malia enough. We had family photos to celebrate our 10 year anniversary at the Shangri-La. Malia went above our expectations and we are so in love with our photos.
Thank you for these special memories!
...above
our expectations
“
REVIEW NO. 2 OF 5
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Sarah & Will
Thank you so much for our lovely pics. We are completely gob smacked how many goodies you got in the chaos!
So thrilled with our decision to have you take a few snaps on our recent trip! I hoped to get 1 or 2 of our lot and ended up with so many we love!
so many goodies in
the chaos!
“
REVIEW NO. 3 of 5
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Melanie & Steve
WOW. We are honestly blown away with the photos. They’re amazing!! The whole family just love them.
Thank you again for capturing our special Fiji memories, we’re so happy we’ve got these to remember the trip of a lifetime!
Will definitely recommend you to friends and family who are also travelling to Fiji.
honestly
blown away!
“
REVIEW NO. 4 of 5
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Carly & Joel
The photos are absolutely incredible!!! We love them all so much!!! So so grateful!
Thanks again, we will treasure these forever xx
we will treasure these forever...
“
REVIEW NO. 5 of 5
I'm a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember the precious memories I capture.
Think about this fact: 10-15 years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a CD. With how quickly technology changes, it would be such a hassle to try and access those photos. Even the online galleries I deliver don't last forever.
One of the best ways to make your Fiji memories last is in an album. These high quality handcrafted albums come in a variety of linen & leather colours. These aren’t the same albums of the past (printed photos slipped into plastic sleeves). They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
Handcrafted Albums
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR TIME IN FIJI
A travel fee is added to any location not on the main island of Viti Levu (because they require boat transfers or flights). A travel fee will also apply to any location further than an hour away by road. Fees vary, so ask me for more details on your specific location.
A:
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Fantastic! To reserve your date, I’ll need a signed contract and a 50% non-refundable retainer. Any Add-on's purchased before the session date will receive a 5% discount.
Confirm your date with me and I'll send the contract over!
You'll be able to look over the details, sign electronically, and make the initial payment with your credit card or bank transfer. The second payment will automatically be charged to the same payment method on the date in the contract so you won't even have to think about it. We accept all major credit & debit cards.
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We love your work and want to book. What is the next step?
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That depends on the Collection you book. I guarantee the minimum number mentioned in each Collection, but typically there are quite a few more. I
How many photos will we receive?
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When do you charge travel fees?
Yes! Feel free to bring an outfit change. Just keep in mind that you'll want to be able to change quickly so it doesn't eat away too much of our session time. Also, depending on where our session is, there may not be a private space to change, so you may need to get creative.
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can we bring an outfit change?
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Yes!! You can order an album any time before or after your session. Please let me know if you'd like one and I'll create an album design for you to see after the session is over.
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i've seen the albums you share on instagram, can we get one from our session?
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You can expect your full online gallery 2-3 weeks from your session day. I try to deliver your images as quickly as possible because I know how excited I always am to get my photos back! That being said, I also want to make sure I give your images the time and attention they deserve.
How long will it take to receive our photos
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Questions
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Thank you so much for considering me to capture your family memories! If you’re interested in working with me, the next step is to set up a time to chat! You can reach me directly at
