Express yourself

Imagine the possibilities

Let your legacy inspire a vision curated for more than just the pages of a yearbook. From 1-on-1 creative collaborations and lessons in posing technique, to a day of relaxation and creative exploration — immerse yourself in the enjoyable experience of creating a work of elevated art for your senior portraits with Monica Lau Photography.

schedule your complimentary consultation today

The Creative Process

A collaborative experience from start to finish.

THE HAIR & MAKEUP

THE PORTRAIT SESSION

The Consultation

Set your legacy apart from the rest. Whether you have a clear picture of your wall portrait or just don’t know where to begin, Monica Lau’s dual consultation approach can help guide you.

PARENT CONSULTATION

Revel in a flow of creative conversation during the initial consultation just for Monica and parents. After discussing other works of art for inspiration, as well as Monica’s pricing guide, you need only sit back and enjoy creating your image wish list.

SENIOR CONSULTATION

During a second consultation with just Monica and seniors, they will build a second image wish list, as well as thrilling plans for wardrobe styling, hair, and makeup that work together to create a work as unique as you.

The Story

As you and Monica plan what themes your portraits will embody, you’ll be able to collaborate on creative portraits that show you’re more than just an accomplished graduate. Monica's inviting artistic process coupled with her skill in the editorial Vanity Fair-style and bold Nike-look, will evoke sophistication however you choose to express yourself.

CREATIVE WRITER • LEAD JOURNALIST • WAVE CRUSHER • PRO GAMER • HULA DANCER • BROADWAY STAR • BONAFIDE INFLUENCER • WIND SURFER • MUSICAL PRODIGY • GALLANT EQUESTRIAN • GOLD MEDALIST • INSPIRED ARTIST • PROM QUEEN • UNDERWATER EXPLORER • LEAGUE CHAMPION • MAKEUP GURU • STAR PLAYER • PASSIONATE DANCER • RECORD SETTER • RUNWAY MODEL • FORMIDABLE OPPONENT • PROUD GRADUATE

The Studio

Step into a tranquil oasis brimming with inspiration. With an indoor and outdoor professional fine art photography studio right in Kailua, Hawaii, at your disposal, you will be able to plan on capturing multiple creative concepts without regard to weather, sun, or inconvenient locations.

HIGH-END PROFESSIONAL STUDIO EQUIPMENT AND SET

Quality lighting, cameras, hand-painted canvas backdrops, and other professional equipment will bring sophistication and versatility to your portraits.

TROPICAL GARDEN OASIS

Private access to beautifully-landscaped, lush tropical fauna bursting with colorful life ensures you can have a piece of home in your portraits.

EXPERT TEAM WAITING TO PAMPER YOU

On-site hair, beauty, and styling artist makes everything from getting ready to getting touch-ups easier.

The Wardrobe

Each Monica Lau senior portrait session includes multiple wardrobe changes that can range from what you wear every day to what you wear in your wildest dreams. With experience in fashion photography and styling, Monica will collaborate with you and your family to coordinate looks that compliment your authentic self.

A PIECE OF HOME

From your prom dress or your team uniform to haku leis or your best streetwear looks, there are no rules. Consider instruments, sports gear, or even sentimental items like your Mom’s jewelry, grandmother’s vintage dress, dad’s denim jacket, or even a memento from your best friend.

A NEW LOOK

You are also invited to wear the curated collection of gowns available at the Monica Lau Photography studio. There you will find gorgeous vintage-styled 1920s apparel, elegant Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, and a touch of Hawaiiana in Noa Noa pareos.

The Hair & Makeup

Step into the Monica Lau Photography studio and allow yourself to be whisked away by the personal hair and makeup artist included with your session. Grooming is available upon request. You may choose to go as bold or natural as you wish. Included enhancements can range from false eyelashes that heighten your beauty and allure to glistening artificial sweat that adds drama to your epic sport looks.

HAIR

Go for a softer look with loose beach waves
Get creative with an edgy updo
Master the elegance of a simple slick-back

MAKEUP

Opt for an elevated glow
Make a colorful statement
Heighten the drama with special effects

The Portrait Session

Embrace the joy of a private set for just you and Monica to explore both planned and spontaneous creative direction. Monica and her team will be there with you at every point to provide you with the glamor of a true magazine experience.

• Step-by-step posing guidance

• Multiple wardrobe changes

• Music of your choice

• Comfortable ambiance

• Surprise personal touches

The Reveal

After the fun of your photo shoot, you and your family will be invited to rejoin Monica Lau at her studio for an exciting, large-screen reveal of your artistically enhanced images. All photographic artwork can be purchased at the time of your image reveal.Though it is common to love every single one of the images you had a hand in creating, what you order is entirely up to you.

The Unveiling

You will be invited once more to join Monica at the Monica Lau Photography studio for the final unveiling. Choose from museum-quality wall art, folio box collections, or both. The unparalleled artistry, detail, and premium quality of your new heirlooms will be yours to experience for generations to come.

Schedule session

PRICING

Session fees begin at $399

THE SESSION FEE INCLUDES:

• PROFESSIONAL HAIR & MAKEUP

• IN-PERSON CONSULTATION

• GUIDED PORTRAIT SESSION

• MULTIPLE WARDROBE CHANGES

• RETOUCHING

Add on family and friends for an additional fee

Legacy Artwork

WALL ART

Beginning at $1000

Create a memory you can look at every day with handcrafted, museum-quality matted artwork for your wall. The matching digital file is included with each purchased image.

PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTIONS

Beginning at $1,900

Add to your heirlooms 5, 15, or 25 illustrious matted prints, rated to last 100 years, held within an exquisite custom folio box handcrafted in Italy. The matching digital file is included with each purchased image.

Individual 7x10 matted prints $500 each, minimum of 2.

Major credit cards accepted. Payment plans are available upon request.

Book Now

“I loved the experience! We incorporated outfits that represent different parts of me, like my hula costumes and my professional looks. My hair and makeup really reflected that too. I was nervous at first because taking pictures is not my thing, but I love my photos!”

— Shontee P.

“Once in a lifetime experience! Monica arranged for a professional to do my hair and makeup, and helped me choose my favorite outfits to be photographed in. She set up professional lights, backgrounds, and even had props. I had a great time, but the best part was seeing my parents’ and grandparents’ reactions to the beautiful portraits that Monica created”

— Catherine W.

Q&A

We are here to guide you every step of the way.

What makes the Monica Lau Photography studio a sophisticated, 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 senior 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. Whether you choose to have your session outside and inside, our comfortable air conditioned studio will ensure wardrobe changes plus hair and makeup are a seamless experience.
When should I book my session?
Most senior sessions are held during the summer, right before senior year begins. As senior portraits are generally requested by school districts around October, booking your session in advance of the June through September peak can ensure a more relaxing experience. In addition to increased session availability, we will be able to help cross one of their most enjoyable senior experiences off the list before the demands of senior year truly begin.
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 senior 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 involving hair and makeup are typically 3-4 hours in length, we are devoted to creating the perfect artwork.
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.
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. Parents and friends are welcome at the beginning of the session to help get settled and then again at the end of the session to share in some of the excitement and sneak peaks.
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.

If you do not see your question answered here, you are welcome to contact the Monica Lau Photography team at 808-349-5148 or Monica@MonicaLauPhotography.com