Frequently Asked Questions

Breakdancing on the Beach

Maui Frequently Asked Photography QuestionsBreakdancing on the Beach

Here you’ll find answers to the questions I get asked most about a Maui Portrait Session.

What should we wear?
This greatly depends upon your personality and the type of portrait you’re looking for. I have found over the years that lighter colors work best for sunset sessions – especially right at sunset. Many families like to coordinate white and white/khaki combinations which always look fresh. If you’re going for a more “lifestyle” approach, I recommend you wear things that represent your personality, especially for children. Since we’re usually at a beach location, I recommend shoes that are easy to take off. Also please take note that you may be in the ocean ankle-deep and pants and long skirts may get wet at the bottom. If you’d like to see some of my favorite color combinations, visit my Pinterest page!

How does a morning and sunset session differ? Do you have a favorite?
Morning sessions are where you’ll find vibrant blue skies and ocean. Generally a very “fresh” look to the day and usually lower tide. During summer months sessions start at 7:30am and during winter months they start at 8:30am.  Sunset sessions cast a golden color to the surroundings, with a grey/blue color tint to the ocean. Sunsets can vary in color and intensity and are the most popular time of day for photography.

What are your favorite locations?
I have a variety of favorite places to photograph on Maui. While I frequent mostly beaches (locations page to be updated soon), I also love other locations – especially in upcountry Maui with amazing views, Old Maui High with the ruins and sugarcane fields, and Maui’s North Shore near Mama’s Fish House.

How many pictures do you take?
This greatly depends upon you and the situation. If you are a family with teenagers and follow my lead easily I won’t snap as many images as say, a family with three children under the age of five. The more fun you’re having on your Maui photo session, the more you give me to capture. You can generally expect the minimum number of images you’ve chosen for your package  – depending upon various factors for each individual session of course.

What does edited images mean?
After our session, the images are culled. This means that I remove images that are universally unflattering – such as eyes closed, mouth open, hair in the face, ect. Additionally, if I take three images in a row that are identical, two will be removed so you don’t have a duplicate of the exact image. If an image reflects character and is fun, it will remain in your session. I only want you to have images that reflect both you and me in the best possible way.

What is the turnaround time?
If you’ve selected that you want a blog sneak peek, you’ll generally see a few images on my blog within 14 days of our session. I also post to facebook as well. The full gallery is usually available within 3 weeks of your session and your disc will ship out the same day your gallery is released. It usually takes 5 days to reach mainland destinations.

Who will be our photographer?
You’ll get me – Mariah Milan Dagupion – as your Maui photographer. We’ll have lots of fun, I promise!

What is your cancellation policy?
To reserve your session, I ask for a $50 deposit. This deposit becomes non-refundable 14 days prior to our session (since I have committed my time to you, and only you!). If someone in your party becomes ill or there is a family emergency, I will refund this deposit at any time. I kindly ask that you let me know as soon as possible if this happens. If you decide to cancel within the 14 days because you have mis-scheduled another activity, you “just don’t feel up to it”, or something else of that nature, you forfeit the $50. If you forget the session and do not show up, you forfeit the $50.

What do we do if it rains?
Maui is wonderful because it can be rainy in one area and sunny in another. If it is raining at our selected location, I will try to find an alternate non-rainy locale. If it is raining island wide, we can reschedule if I have another date open that works mutually for you and me. If I don’t have another date open, I will refund your $50 deposit. Cloud-cover does not constitute a rainy day – cloudy days photograph just as beautifully as sunny days.

Why do you charge extra for certain locations?
For certain locations like Hana and Haleakala I must schedule additional time for babysitting and the fee goes directly to my babysitters.

Is Milan your last name?
Milan is actually my middle name – I got it in honor of my great grandfather so I wear it with pride. My last name is Dagupion, which is a little challenging so I usually go by my first and middle name in my professional life.

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How Can We Help?

Prefer to email?
aloha@mariahmilan.com
Text: 808-207-5711

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