What makes the Monica Lau Photography studio a fun, engaging, and unique experience?

Capture your piece of Hawaii in your portraits at our tropical oasis. A private escape landscaped specifically to enhance the ease of your child’s portrait experience, the Monica Lau Photography studio garden will relieve you of the inconvenience that comes with common portrait session issues such as location and permit procurement as well as unexpected rain, wind, heat and sweat, glaring sun, and a trusted place to change. It even provides a place for your child to take a break and run around if desired. Whether you choose to have your session outside or inside, or both, our comfortable air-conditioned studio will ensure wardrobe changes plus hair and makeup are a seamless experience.

When should I book my session?

Creating your exceptional portraits takes planning. From scheduling your hair & makeup artist to gathering wardrobe and accessories to ordering leis. Post session time is taken to craft your images with retouching to ordering your artwork piece from Italy. We recommend having your session scheduled at least one to two months in advance to have your artwork in time for special occasions and holidays.

Do you require a deposit to book a session?

Yes. The total amount of your non-refundable session fee will be due at the time of booking in order to secure your date and professional hair and makeup artist. Your artwork will then be available for purchase separately at the reveal.

When do sessions take place?

Sessions are held Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please note that teacher workdays, early dismissal days, and local school holidays are the most desired booking options and thus book quickly.

Do you take bookings on Saturdays?

Saturdays are reserved only for clients pre-purchasing our largest premium collection which includes both our Italian-made wall art and largest folio box collections, as well as a complimentary voucher for your next session.

I see beautiful dream destinations in your portfolio. Do you travel for sessions?

Monica Lau can be booked for private portrait sessions in other domestic and international destinations. Travel fees will be added on top of your session fee and pre-purchase of our largest premium artwork package.

Where will my session be?

Your session will take place at the Monica Lau Photography studio located within the heart of Kailua, Hawaii. There, you will be able to lavish in the splendors of having access to both a private indoor set and outdoor tropical garden.

How long do sessions take?

While sessions with older children and teens involving hair and makeup are typically 3-4 hours in length, we will adjust the session to accommodate the attention and energy of a small child. We are devoted to creating the perfect artwork whether it takes 1 hour or 4. For young children, we suggest booking a morning session. Children are fed, well rested, and have the most energy of the day.

What is you #1 tip you can offer parents?

Do not bribe your children! Trust your expert on this one!

Example: Parent: smile for the camera and I’ll take you out for ice cream. Kid: the quickest cheese smile, only one, and then the kid is heading to the door to get ice cream. They did their job. They are ready to go.

What if my child has a _____ (melt down, needs momma, needs a snack, needs to run around, needs go to the potty…)?

We are very well set up for all these situations. Our sessions are not based on time so the kids can take time to have snack breaks, potty breaks, running around in the yard breaks… Monica is a mom. She gets it. We want to get the best images possible.

How do you get those expressions in those photos you show? My child won’t look at the camera.

Monica spends time having fun and bonding with the child. It’s so important for getting those sweet shy images to those heartfelt laughing and giggling moments.

Are parents or friends allowed to stay and watch at my session?

Having one-on-one time to explore a collaborative, on-set creative energy is what allows Monica Lau to create heirlooms the family will be glad to look back on. A parent or adult guardian is always required on the premises. Parents and friends are welcome at the beginning of the session to help get settled then depending on the age of the child, the parent or guardian can enjoy some relaxation time outside in our garden.

Can I share an entire session with a friend?

Detailed attention to your unique experience is paramount. To ensure you acquire the incredible artwork you deserve, we can only accommodate one session at a time.

Can I have a pet in some of my pictures?

Pets are a welcome addition to your session. During your consultation with Monica Lau, you will have the opportunity to discuss options and the unique logistics involved.

Can I have friends or family members in some of my pictures?

Your portrait session is a time for you to express your creative vision however you see fit. It is suggested that additional guests join only towards the end of a session so that Monica may give you the time and attention you deserve during your session.

Can I repost or share my images on social media?

We encourage you to share images of your legacy artwork with your friends and family in any way you desire. Should you post to social media, we’d love for you to tag us @monicalauphotography on Instagram.