Lauhala Photography is now

Makamae Photography, LLC.

20+ years of visual storytelling

Professional photography in commercial & editorial,
portraits for lifestyle and luxury living, 'ohana & keiki, weddings and events.

Welcome to the re-brand of Lauhala Photography…Makamae Photography provides now an elevated photography experience for portraits and weddings. Makamae Photography was founded by professional photographer, Amber Makamae, as a rebrand from her 20+ year professional photography business, Lauhala Photography. Amber continues to passionately capture stories amongst ‘ohana and those who live aloha, as well as individuals who desire to express their pride and love in their photographs.

A family stands together on a tropical beach with palm trees and ocean views in Hawaii during golden hour.
Three people stand together in shallow ocean water on a tropical beach with palm trees and volcanic rocks.
Family in coordinated outfits poses on grassy coastal terrain at sunset.
Young child with bright blue eyes and blonde hair lies on white bedding with a joyful smile.
Two people share a loving moment on a beach with volcanic rocks and ocean in the background.
A family poses for a portrait on a Hawaiian beach with palm trees in the background.
A group enjoys a stroll along a scenic Hawaiian beach with palm trees and lava rock walls on a sunny day.
Three friends smile together during golden hour with trees in the background.
A couple poses together outdoors at sunset among tall trees.
A group poses for a beach photo on white sand with black volcanic rocks and ocean waves behind them.
Two people share a warm embrace on a tropical beach with palm trees and sand in the background.
A romantic couple embracing on a beach at sunset with waves crashing around their feet.
A young person in a blue shirt and floral shorts leans against a palm tree in a tropical setting.
Three people pose together on a sandy beach path with volcanic rocks and ocean views.
Three people pose casually on a rural road at sunset.
A person in a patterned white shirt and khaki shorts poses against a rocky coastal backdrop.
Two people share an embrace while standing on black volcanic rocks near the ocean.
Three people stand together on volcanic rocks by the ocean with greenery and blue sky in Hawaii.
Two people in summer dresses and flower crowns stand on rocky shore at sunset.
Three people sit together on a rocky beach with ocean waves and palm trees in the background.
A couple holding hands while dancing in the ocean waves at sunset.
A woman in a floral dress and flower crown poses on volcanic rocks at sunset.
Person wearing floral crown holds child against sunset beach backdrop.
A pink and red flower crown held against a white dress in warm sunlight.
A couple shares a candid moment together in tall grass during golden hour.
A person jumps with joy on a beach while two others watch from behind near palm trees and volcanic rocks.
A couple stands in shallow ocean water on a tropical beach with palm trees in the background.
A family group poses together at sunset on a Hawaiian beach with volcanic rocks and palm trees.
A group enjoying a casual stroll along a tropical beach with palm trees in black and white.
Family walking together along a scenic beach shoreline at sunset with volcanic rocks and ocean waves.
Friends with raised arms celebrating together on a beach at sunset.
Sweet family moment captured at sunset on rocky beach with floral crown details.
Couple in coordinating outfits sharing an intimate moment on beach at sunset.
Romantic couple in matching floral outfits embrace during golden hour sunset on a rocky beach.
A family stands together on rocky coastal tide pools during golden hour in Hawaii.
Two people share a joyful moment on black volcanic rocks by the ocean at sunset.
A family of four poses together on a coastal cliff with the ocean in the background.

E Komo Mai ▴ Welcome

Aloha kākou! I'm Amber, aka Sis/Tita/Aunty/your professional visual storyteller, of Hawai'i, emphasizing in lifestyle portraits & fine art portraiture, events & weddings, and luxury lifestyle photography experiences. Through the use of natural light and my passion to capture authentic moments and connections between loved ones, I create unique imagery that is timeless and emotive. Photographs are meant to be printed and enjoyed, therefore, I offer quality prints and heirloom albums along with digital files. These are memories captured in my home-state of Hawai'i which you will forever cherish.

Introducing

Mana Wahine Portrait

Capturing the story of wahine who embodies her genuine empowerment, intelligence, strength, and courage. A unique portrait photoshoot which allows a wahine to feel a sense of uniqueness and her impeccable beauty through photography, with a miraculously vibrant flowy dress.

A magenta dress billows dramatically on coastal rocks during golden sunset.
A flowing red gown billows dramatically against a tropical beach backdrop with palm trees and large tree trunk.
A dramatic red dress flows in the wind on a Hawaiian beach with swaying palm trees.
A flowing red dress spreads across green grass in an artistic pose.
A vibrant pink dress flows in ocean breeze as sun sets over volcanic coastline.
A red dress flows dramatically against volcanic rocks and ocean at sunset.
A bright pink fabric flows dramatically over black rocks at sunset along a dramatic coastline.
A flowing red dress catches the wind against a dramatic sunset on rocky coastal terrain.
A red gown contrasts against black volcanic rocks beside blue ocean waters.
A flowing pink gown catches sunlight dramatically against vivid orange sunset over ocean.
A flowing red dress silhouetted against golden sunset over beach and rock formations.

An exclusive Hawai'i photography experience

Polynesian dancer in traditional costume smiles while performing in tropical setting.
Two girls in white dresses share a joyful embrace on a sunny beach.
Family enjoying a tropical beach vacation with palm trees and black lava rocks in Hawaii.
Woman in pink sundress and tropical flower crown poses on sandy beach with mountains behind.
Family enjoying playful moment together while walking on tropical beach with palm trees.

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Family group poses together on wet volcanic rocks at sunset by the ocean.
Testimonials

"I highly recommend booking Amber from Lauhala Photography. I researched many photographers before booking our session while visiting the Big Island. Amber’s storytelling style of photography really captured my attention. I am so happy that we chose Lauhala Photography! Amber was the most amazing photographer to work with. She was welcoming, attentive and knew exactly what we wanted for our family portraits. She made me and my family feel comfortable while taking photos. Our photos turned out absolutely beautiful. There are so many pictures in our gallery that I will treasure forever. Lauhala Photography captured our Ohana story and I am so thankful she did!"



YEZENIA FOREMAN

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Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment on beach at sunset.
Testimonials

“Amber was so wonderful to work with. We were blessed to book with her, kinda last minute mini session. Our photos came out amazing. The lighting was gorgeous. She does all her own editing. Truly a gift, she has. Book your session. You will have absolutely NO regrets! Mahalo Nui Amber. Maika’i 🙌🏾”


Tiffany Mitchell

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Family in coordinated outfits poses playfully in coastal grassland setting.
Testimonials

“Amber is such an amazing photographer!

Can I give 100 stars?!!! I found her on IG while I was looking for a photographer in Kona, I just love her style. When i message her she responded right away and very accommodating with our schedule, since we are visiting from the mainland. when we met her in person, she is so friendly and she make you feel like ohana. She made my family very comfortable in front of the camera. Gave us directions and made it fun for the kids as well. She definitely captured the right moments. I highly recommend her!!! Hire her!!! You will not be disappointed.were instantly drawn into Jane’s work, the moment we accessed her website. Jane is like sunshine, she comes into your life and brings so much light, joy and energy.”



Honey McVicker

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A dramatic black and white portrait of a dancer wearing traditional Hawaiian attire.
A traditional Hawaiian dancer performs on black lava rocks by the ocean.
A dancer in a coral skirt and floral crown poses gracefully on a tropical beach.
A person in a floral skirt poses dramatically on black rocks at sunset by the ocean.

For the couples celebrating aloha

A couple shares an intimate moment while standing on wet rocks in a forest stream.
A happy couple shares a loving moment against a bright blue sky.
A couple poses under a vintage theater marquee displaying April 22, 2023.
A couple sits together on coastal rocks overlooking turquoise ocean waters.

For the artists & inspired souls of aloha

Person wearing a flower crown and lace shirt in black and white portrait style.
Two women wearing traditional Hawaiian headpieces pose against tropical foliage.
Sepia portrait of person wearing floral lei crown and patterned shirt with arms crossed.

For individuals & 'ohana living aloha

Fire dancer performing with glowing flame trails in dramatic nighttime show.
Happy family in coordinated blue and white outfits pose together on a tropical beach with palm trees and ocean backdrop.
Family wearing flower crowns relaxing together on grass under palm trees in Hawaii.
Parent lifting child playfully at the beach during sunset.

Passionately weaving stories into photographs to preserve & perpetuate significant moments.

Graduate in white dress and pink cap smiles while wearing graduation attire outdoors.
Group of tourists admiring colorful rainbow eucalyptus tree trunk in tropical forest.
Romantic couple embracing on rocky shore during golden sunset.
Young girl in a green floral dress twirls and dances on a sandy path through grassy fields at sunset.

Amber Makamae Shepp is a proud member of the Professional Photographers of America!

A baby wearing a floral crown and traditional Hawaiian outfit sits in the grass.
A couple embraces while watching sunset on a beach in tropical attire.
A woman in a flowing yellow dress and floral crown poses on a beach.
A romantic black and white photo of a couple standing on rocky coastline at sunset.

From mauka to makai

Hawai'i, Maui, O'ahu & Kaua'i

Amber Makamae Shepp is available for travel: Hawai'i lifestyle portrait photography experiences throughout our islands of paradise! Each island has its own unique features from the white sand and lava rock beaches to the lush mountain ranges - your story is guaranteed to be captured in exquisite surroundings, with intent to not "look like another person's photograph" but your very own. Should you desire a true local adventure for your photography experience, not only will you be guided through our beautiful land, but you'll get a brief education with stories that'll give you an entirely different perspective of our Hawaiian culture! Examples of an island experience include lei making sessions, spiritual connections with pure nature, tasting real local plate lunches, in-season fruits, coffee and more!

Tall palm trees line a tropical shoreline with lush green mountains in the background.
Aerial view of a tropical island cove with palm trees and buildings at sunset in Hawaii.
Row of palm trees silhouetted against purple sunset sky with perfect reflection in still water.
Dramatic orange sunset over ocean horizon with glowing clouds and dark waters.
Coastal view of blue ocean and palm trees along grassy cliff in tropical paradise.
Palm trees dot a green lawn with mountains silhouetted in the distance at dusk.
Golden sunset over rocky coastline with tall grass swaying in foreground.
Tranquil lake reflects dramatic sunset clouds with mountain silhouette in Hawaii.
Dramatic coastal landscape with red dirt terrain and ocean views under cloudy skies.
Majestic mountain ridges of Hawaii framed by overhanging tree branches and green field.
Elegant white chapel interior with arched windows overlooking the ocean and tropical palm trees.
Tall palm trees sway against an overcast sky at a tropical beach location.
Serene turquoise ocean waters meet blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Gnarled tree branches frame a rustic coastal scene with red dirt and ocean views.
Sandy hiking trail leading through green hills under dramatic cloudy skies.
Palm trees and lush vegetation grow along a weathered shoreline in a tropical setting.
Palm tree leaning over a sandy beach with ocean waves and rocks in the background.