I don't think I have had any kind of portraits done since 2nd grade, and only because it was mandatory. haha. Never saw myself that way and definitely wasn't raised that way, as my family almost never takes pictures. Which is sad because you miss out on memories. Plus, my family since I can remember would tell me how fat and unattractive I was. Well, through the crazy world of Facebook, I kept seeing friend after friend posting these stunning photos. One who is getting divorced and handling life as a single mother a two. One happily married with SEVEN kids plus a full time job. etc. All walked away feeling BEAUTIFUL, taking away a much needed lift and inspiration. With so many transitions and trials in my life, I wanted a boost too, to see myself in a more positive light. So I thought, "Why not?"
Well, with Mother's Day around the corner and my grandmother getting up there in age, I thought it'd be good -whether they liked it or not- to get some photos done. For them to have memories for later and to feel good about themselves. So I booked my appointment with Mapuana.
Mapuana is such an incredible warm, inviting person from the moment you walk into her studio. Malia, who does hair and makeup, explodes with energy and personality. What's comforting is they both listen to what you want out of your look and shoot and work their tails off making that happen.
I was so surprised with the space. If you take the time to look at her website or Facebook page and browse through the remarkable photos and watch the behind the scene videos, you would never guess how small the studio is. But Mapuana is a wiz at her craft and uses the space in such a creative, efficient manner turning out breathtaking stills.
Also, give them much credit for handling a family photo shoot was such class and grace. My mom is not easy to please at all and makes faces all the time that can be discouraging. And my sister can be quite tough too. But Mapuana and Malia were absolute pros!
I did have to dock off a star (would've been two...but see the next paragraph) because I was disappointed in being charged for my sister's hair and makeup which wasn't nice or any kind of transformation. They used my sisters makeup and it wasn't full face either. And just the bottom of her hair was curled. The top didn't look good. It wasn't their fault. She said she was going to come with it done but didn't. However, being charged full price, full hair and makeup should've been done with her walking a way looking enhanced and she did not.
In spite of that, my sister's baby also came along for the shoot. And as fussy as she was, crying nearly the entire shoot, Mapuana went above and beyond trying different settings to get a few good frames, taking breaks when needed for my sister and the baby to calm down. She even spent extra time after the shoot was done to get some photos with just my sister and her baby.
That kind of care and effort is so hard to come across. Overall, it was a good experience and that's based on not seeing the photos yet. We have a viewing scheduled for April 30th. Will post an update then!
Hassle-free parking behind the First Hawaiian Bank on 12th ave instead of feeding the meters. Easy walk to the studio!! :) read more