Tad Craig Photography: FAQs
Depends on what side of the island you are staying on. Because Maui is a fairly large island, it is better to stay close to where you are staying so you don't have to deal with traffic or road closures, which can happen. If you are staying on the south side of Maui, I recommend Polo Beach, White Rock Beach, Maluka Beach & Makena Cove. All are beautiful beaches that have pros and cons. Maui's west side has some of the most gorgeous beaches on this island. My favorites are all a bit north, featuring fewer buildings & more natural scenery. One of my favs is Kapalua Beach as it has all the elements that make an iconic Hawaii beach. White sand, lava rock, palm trees, incredible water color, & the sunset directly in front of the beach. Another amazing beach on Maui's west side is Ironwood beach. This beach features a long white sandy beach, with tall cliffs on the south side of the beach. This beach is famous for huge waves breaking on the lava rocks & the wind carrying the waves more than 75 feet in the air at times. Incredibly dramatic! Unfortunately, geography blocks the actual sunset, so this beach doesn't get a direct sunset, but it is an amazing beach for family photos. If you are staying on Maui's North shore Baldwin Beach is a showstopper. Its a long beach with windswept sand and sometimes very large waves. Please reach out if you have questions & I'll gladly give you the scoop on each.
Each session is designed to tell a genuine story, combining candid moments, inclusion with beautifully composed portraits.
Because Maui and Hawaii are popular destinations, many families book Tad Craig Photography several months in advance. For family sessions, it is best to reach out as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Engagement sessions, surprise proposals, and family photo sessions may sometimes be scheduled with shorter notice depending on availability.
Once you inquire, Tad will confirm availability, discuss your vision, and reserve your date after the booking agreement and retainer are completed.
Heres what not to wear? Dont go to Hilo Hatties and every member get the same out fit. That look went away in the ninety's (haha). Actually it all depends on what your vision is. If you have white walls and you imagine putting lots of images up from the sesion, do you want to be wearing all white so it matches, or blue jeans or a mix of aloha wear. All depends on your style. The one color I am not a fan of is teal green as I personally dont think it looks great with the background colors.
Yes Tad Craig Photography is fully insured with PPA Lockton Affinity Insurance. If your venue or hotel needs to review it beforehand I can produce it for them. On Maui, beach licenses are needed, but general the wedding coordinator or minister take care of it. My PPA insurance does not allow beach permits.
Yes. Tad travels throughout the Hawaiian Islands and has photographed events on all of the islands except the minor islands. There is an added travel fee for inter island events, and every effort is made to keep those costs as reasonable as possible.
Of course it all depends on your little ones & if they have adjusted to "Hawaii Time yet" Personally I much prefer the evening time as the quaility of light is much better, with the actual sunset usually the focal poit of the day. Then just after the sun goes down the softest, prettiest light of the day magically appears for a few short minutes. I like to finish the session using that flattering light. I have an entire article discussingthis very topic under Maui Sun Rise OR maui Sunset?
Booking starts with a conversation about your event or session. Clients usually reach out through the website contact form, email, or phone to share details like the date, location, and type of photography they need. Tad Craig Photography then discusses available packages, answers questions, and helps guide the planning process. Once everything is confirmed, a booking agreement is signed and a retainer secures the date on the calendar.
Tad Craig Photography offers a variety of packages designed to fit different events and timelines. Shorter sessions such as engagements or elopements may begin with one-hour coverage, while larger weddings can include multi-hour coverage. Some packages may also include engagement or honeymoon sessions, and additional photographers may be available for larger celebrations. Pricing and package details vary depending on coverage time, number of images, and added services.
Before your event, Tad Craig Photography works closely with you to understand your vision and priorities. Many clients schedule a call or exchange messages to discuss locations, timing, lighting, and any must-have photos. Tad also helps refine the photography timeline to make sure there is enough time for portraits, candid moments, and family photos. Clients are always welcome to ask for guidance on clothing, locations, or session planning.
That is a great question. Having been in the industry for many years, Tad Craig Photography has a network of photographer partners available to step in if needed, though this is very unlikely. Regarding weather concerns at beach locations, we have several options. Often, a storm cell will pass if we wait a few minutes. Additionally, your beach permit allows for a secondary location, which is a viable option if the weather appears stationary. .
Tad Craig’s approach blends candid storytelling with gentle direction when needed. During weddings and events, he watches for emotional and spontaneous moments while also guiding couples into flattering light and beautiful locations. The goal is to capture genuine reactions and natural connections rather than overly staged poses. When it fits the moment, Tad may also suggest creative setups that take advantage of Maui’s beaches, sunsets, and dramatic landscapes.
The number of images delivered depends on the type and length of the session. On average, Tad Craig Photography captures hundreds of images per hour during a family portrait session. After carefully reviewing and editing the photographs, a large percentage of the best images are delivered. The final gallery is designed to include a mix of portraits, candid moments, scenic shots, and meaningful details from the day.
Tad Craig Photography is known for fast turnaround times. Many clients receive teaser images within about 12 to 36 hours after their event so they can quickly share highlights with friends and family. The full gallery is typically delivered within a few weeks once the images have been carefully edited. Photos are shared through an online gallery where clients can view, download, and share their images.
Yes. Every delivered image is professionally edited to enhance lighting, color, and overall quality while maintaining a natural look. Tad uses professional editing software to make sure the final images feel polished and timeless. Clients may also request additional minor edits to favorite images after the gallery is delivered.
Absolutely. Having photographed thousands of sessions across Maui and the Hawaiian Islands, Tad is very familiar with beautiful beaches, scenic overlooks, and lesser-known spots on all islands, with incredible light and backgrounds. Whether you want dramatic ocean views, lush tropical scenery, or warm sunset tones, Tad can recommend locations that align with your vision and timing.
Yes. Many of Tad Craig’s clients travel to Maui & Hawaii, for destination weddings, elopements, surprise proposals, and vacation photography sessions. Tad regularly works with couples planning from the mainland or abroad and provides guidance on locations, timing, and logistics. His experience with destination events helps make the planning process feel much easier from afar.
Tad Craig Photography combines decades of experience with a strong focus on personal connection and storytelling. Tad has been photographing weddings and events in Hawaii for more than two decades and has captured thousands of celebrations. His approach emphasizes communication, preparation, and helping clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. The result is a gallery that feels authentic, emotional, and deeply connected to the beauty and experience of Maui & Hawaii.
Follow me on Instagram! @tadcraigphotography
~HAWAII BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER EXTRAORDINAIRE~LUXURY WEDDINGS~ ~EPIC ELOPEMENTS~SURPRISE ENGAGEMENTS~COUPLE SHOOTS~ADVENTURE SESSIONS~LGBTQ~SPONTANEOUS MOMENTS~ FAMILY GATHERINGS~ BIRTHDAY PARTIES & CORPORATE EVENTS~
Maui and State of Hawaii LGBTQ+ Wedding/Romance Photographer
Totally committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable experience for all!
Tad Craig Photography | 120 Baldwin Ave, #791996, HI 96779 | 808.283.0617 | Established in 1999
tad@tadcraigphotography.com | ©Tad Craig Photography LLC |2026