For the inspired & intentional
Legacy Storytelling
THE BIG ISLAND
OF HAWAII
Wild Places
Unique Stories
Bold Hearts
The
Island
Of
Hawaii
Big-Island Based Family
& Maternity Photographer
You Can Have The
Experience,
Photos,
& Memories
You've Always Wanted...
...And we can have fun while planning it all!
The Best Part Of Your
Finally, all your favorite people in one place. Everyones here on the Big Island, and you've been dreaming of FINALLY getting the family photos you've always wanted.
let's get started
Story Is
Just Beginning...
Sound like you?
You're in the right place.
inquire here
→ How do we plan this out?
→ Where do we go?
→ What do we wear?
→ What if we feel/look awkward in photos?
→ Our kids are CRAZY!
→ Is it worth it??
Let Me Take A Lucky Guess.
99% of ALL of my clients bring up the exact same questions. My process makes this not just painless, but actually gets you the photos you've always wanted.
You so badly are looking to get those dreamy family photos, but have more questions than answers...
See What My Clients Are Saying
My family photo albums shaped my life. We had 20+ albums on a two-tier shelf growing up, and I kid you not, my siblings and I looked at these every day.
The story of our lives were captured in these albums. Where we didn't have answers as kids, or maybe wanted to see what life was like before we existed, we'd always have these photos to reflect on.
Nostalgia and warm memories filled my childhood because of the work my parents put in.
I'm Joel
Let's change the paradigm on family photos. These are the building blocks you are giving your kids, grandparents, etc. so you can live life fully & always go back to the nostalgic memories of days gone by.
Family Photographer Based On The Big Island
The One Behind
The Camera
The Gibsons
Honestly was such a professional and laid back experience for my family and I. We have a one year old and Whiteshell Photography did such a good job keeping everything natural as well as delivering photos so much better than I could even picture for myself!
You can tell Joel is very experienced in photography and with the island - therefore is able to deliver exactly what you want while also being flexible with locations, babies and shots... highly recommend.
"Honestly was such a professional and laid back experience for my family and I."
testimonials 01 / 05
The Henrys
Joel was fantastic! He took beautiful photos of my wife and our first child. From the start he took any stress away from the experience, he recommended a beautiful location and knew the area well. He brought a blanket for us to sit on for a different variety of photos, and walked us through lots of different poses in a fun but efficient way.
We were able to get a lot of excellent photos that we will treasure for many years to come all before our baby started to tire out! We even got the photos back much quicker than expected!
I would happyily recommend Whiteshell Photography Co!
"From the start he took any stress away from the experience, he recommended a beautiful location and knew the area well."
testimonials 02 / 05
The Thaches
Joel is an exceptional artist with an eye for timeless photography. We were hoping to have a more relaxed and family friendly atmosphere for our photos this year. Joel nailed it with every detail. He was fun, attentive to our kids, and very professional. His friendly nature along with his expertise gave us great confidence during the photo session. After receiving our photos 4 days later, (unbelievably fast in this sphere) we were blown away by how genuine, beautiful, and captivating our photos were! It’ll be no time before it’s impossible to book him — SO YOU SHOULD NOW!
"Joel nailed it with every detail. He was fun, attentive to our kids, and very professional."
testimonials 03 / 05
The Lazaruks
What an amazing experience it was working with Joel! He was incredibly communicative from the very start especially after sending him a ton of inspiration for the shoot. We received the photos back to fast and it was EXACTLY what we pictured. He made my kids feel so comfortable during the shoot. We are just over the moon so happy and will definitely use Joel next time we are in Hawaii!
"We received the photos back to fast and it was EXACTLY what we pictured."
testimonials 04 / 05
The Muh Family
This was our first time visiting the Big Island and we wanted to get some updated family photos while we were here! I found Joel/Whiteshell Photography’s page on Instagram and immediately fell in love with his style of photography - obviously booked a shoot. Joel was so easy to work with. He was personable, down to earth and easy to talk to, all while staying very professional. He took the extra time and had a huge amount of patience for our family that included two young (4.5 and 1.5 years) boys. Highly recommend using Whiteshell Photography - cannot say enough good things about our time with Joel. Cannot wait to see the pictures!
"Joel was so easy to work with. He was personable, down to earth and easy to talk to, all while staying very professional."
testimonials 05 / 05
inquire now
Starting Investment $800
Average Investment $1100
My packages are made around serving you and your families needs. Once you inquire, you'll be able to see what packages serve you, your family, and vision best. And, you'll have full access to me and the resources I have prepped for you so that our time together is smooth sailing.
Investment
This is the highlight of my day. When you're ready to get the conversation started, send me an inquiry, tell me your vision, and I'll take it from there!
+ Shoot Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call
- inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
+ Shoot Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call Or Email Response
I'll confirm my availability, and if the date is available on my calendar, I'll send you a calendar link where you can schedule your consult call with me.
If it's a standard session, we'll bypass the call and just connect over email.
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
+ Shoot Day
- Proposal | Contract & Invoice
If we're the right fit, I'll send you your proposal. Once the contract is signed and retainer paid, you are officially confirmed in my books! You'll also get resources, guides, and full access to me.
+ consult call
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
The long awaited day is here. We'll meet, shoot your day, and party all night long.
- Wedding/Session Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
I take max of 4 weeks to edit your gallery and deliver Hi-Res & Web-Size images through an online gallery for easy downloads and access.
+ Shoot Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call
+ inquire
- Editing & Delivery
The Process
i'm feeling aligned
✗ you need your family to be perfect (Imperfect is welcome!)
✓ you love laughing and having a good time with your family
✗ you're want a quick "in-and-out" family session
✓ your family is kinda crazy (just like mine)
✗ no one wants to have fun! (so important)!
✓ you like a natural editing & shooting style
✗ you want 100% posed instead of having candid moments
✓ You value quality over quantity
✓ Candid & Natural moments are the dream
✗ Matching Aloha shirts are the theme (😬)
We're a good fit if....
We're not a good fit if...
Where I've Been...
...Where I'm Going
100,000+
Photos
Taken
10+ Years
Photography
Experience
Published In Kona Coast Magazine
Drank
1000+ Cups of Coffee
☆☆☆☆☆
35+ 5-Star
Google Reviews
100+ Galleries Delivered
Few more testimonials
I take on what I can manage well, without sacrificing quality and intention with my clients. That gives me the margin to do my best work, stay creatively fueled, and give each couple the attention they deserve.
How many family sessions do you take per year?
I’m based on the Big Island of Hawaii, and yes—most of my couples are flying in for their vacation and plan a session while they're here.
Where are you based? Do families ever travel to you for shoots?
Image count depends on the session and package, but I typically deliver around 100 per hour for family sessions. My focus is on creating intentional, meaningful art—not just stuffing galleries with duplicates or filler.
How many images do you include?
Max of four weeks from shoot to delivery.
What is your turnaround time?
I have up to 3 payments that you can pay as we lead up to your session. A retainer will be required to hold your date, but then even payments afterwards leading up to your session will follow.
How do payment schedules work?
You’ll get a full guide from me with outfit inspiration, tips, and ideas. I’m also happy to help you pick outfits personally if you want feedback.
What do we wear for photos?
The retainer is non-refundable since it secures your date, but I handle reschedules on a case-by-case basis depending on availability. If something unexpected comes up, reach out and we’ll work through it together.
What if we need to cancel or reschedule our shoot?
We’ll reschedule if needed—no extra charge. I’m also flexible and can shoot in most conditions depending on what you’re comfortable with. We’ll chat and make the best call together.
What if there’s bad weather?
Absolutely. I help build out with outfits, timing, locations, etc. Any questions or tips and tricks (if not provided in my guide already) are more than welcome. Once you're booked, I'm fully in your corner.
Do you help in the planning process?
My typical group size is a family of 3-8, but if you're doing a full trip out with the entire/extended family then that is definitely not a problem! We may just need to add on more time.
How big can our group be?
How big can our group be?
Do you help in the planning process?
What if there’s bad weather?
What if we need to cancel or reschedule our shoot?
What do we wear for photos?
How do payment schedules work?
What is your turnaround time?
How many images do you include?
Where are you based? Do families ever travel to you for shoots?
How many family sessions do you take per year?
I cannot reserve your date until a contract is signed and your retainer payment has been made. I book dates “first-come-first-served”, only offer one family session a week, and I don’t disclose info about same-date inquiries—so, to avoid letting you down, let's schedule that call and get started and get your date booked!
A quick, but important note
YES! Let's talk more
