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 it can be a stress-free and fun experience!
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 | 10
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 | 10
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 | 10
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 | 10
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 | 10
The Power Family
We found Joel through instagram and knew instantly that he was the photographer we wanted for our family holiday photo shoot. He was incredibly accommodating and responsive and even changed his plans to work with us as we had a tight window to take photos. Joel gave us so much helpful information before the shoot that we all arrived feeling confident and he was so friendly that we instantly relaxed and were able to take some wonderful photos. I could not recommend Joel more, the photos are so beautiful and we’ll treasure them forever!
"I could not recommend Joel more, the photos are so beautiful and we’ll treasure them forever!"
testimonials 06 | 10
The Padilla Family
Joel made our family very comfortable! He did great in keeping our kids attention while also letting them be fully themselves. He was patient when tears came from our 3 year old. He asked what we wanted and delivered exactly that and so much more. We are so thankful for his work and all that he did!
"He asked what we wanted and delivered exactly that and so much more."
testimonials 07 | 10
The Kimi Family
Joel did an amazing job capturing beautiful candid maternity photos of me and my family. He has such a creative eye! Joel made us all feel comfortable and made our photoshoot very fun. His communication prior to us meeting was top notch and better than any other photographer I’ve ever worked with. I would definitely recommend him to my family and friends and use him again in the future!
"His communication prior to us meeting was top notch and better than any other photographer I’ve ever worked with."
testimonials 08 | 10
The Souza Family
Joel went above and beyond making our family feel so comfortable with the photos, my wife and I didn’t know how to pose or what to do and he directed us in every step! Our photos came out amazing! We loved it, a moment we will forever have framed!
"Joel went above and beyond making our family feel so comfortable with the photos."
testimonials 09 | 10
The Sherwin Family
From the moment we met Joel on the Big Island, his warmth and calm energy instantly put us at ease. He embodies the aloha spirit—gentle, kind, and genuinely connected to the people and beauty around him. That energy translated into every moment of our shoot, and even more so into the final images he delivered. Joel has an incredible gift for capturing joy. Each photo feels vibrant and full of life, yet completely natural and unforced. Some of our very favorite images were the candid ones—those little in-between moments that reflect who we truly are. The laughter, the movement, the subtle glances—they all came through with such clarity and heart. Nothing felt overly posed or stiff, and somehow Joel made magic happen in the most effortless way.
"Joel has an incredible gift for capturing joy. Each photo feels vibrant and full of life, yet completely natural and unforced."
testimonials 10 | 10
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
Inquire For Packages & Pricing
"Joel did an amazing job capturing beautiful candid maternity photos of me and my family. He has such a creative eye! Joel made us all feel comfortable and made our photoshoot very fun. His communication prior to us meeting was top notch and better than any other photographer I’ve ever worked with. I would definitely recommend him to my family and friends and use him again in the future!" - Shantel
I Got you! Whether it's just you and your Significant other, or a few mini's are already in the mix, I offer a selection of Maternity packages that are sure to serve you.
Looking For A Maternity Session?
inquire now
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
For weddings, 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 family or couples session, we'll bypass the call and just connect over email.
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
+ Shoot Day
- Proposal | Contract & Invoice
From here, I'll send you your proposal. Once the contract is signed and retainer payment is submitted, you are officially locked in my calendar! You'll also get resources and guides.
+ 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 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....
Maybe 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
☆☆☆☆☆
50+ 5-Star
Google Reviews
100+ Galleries Delivered
Few more testimonials
I usually only take one per week, and availability is first come first serve. This let's me do my highest quality work without sacrificing quality and intention with my clients. That gives me the margin to do my best work, stay creatively fueled, and give each family 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 families 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
