If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Aloha, my name is Carena!
I’m a professional photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing couples, families, proposals, luxury weddings, and destination experiences throughout Hawaii. My work has included collaborations with luxury resorts, professional athletes, and exclusive clientele, with features in notable publications and consistent five-star reviews.
My approach is focused on creating a personalized, elevated, and stress-free experience from start to finish. I take the time to understand each client’s vision while guiding them naturally throughout the session so they feel comfortable, confident, and fully present in the moment.
Whether you’re celebrating a proposal, family vacation, wedding, or special milestone, my goal is to create timeless, high-quality imagery that feels authentic, refined, and meaningful for years to come.
I look forward to working with you 🤍
Overview
Hired 48 times
Serves Kilauea, HI
Background checked
1 employee
23 years in business
Business hours
Sun6:00 am - 8:00 pmMon6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
Services offered
Photoshoot type
Photo style
Traditional posed
Candid
Artful composition and lighting
Natural or environmental
Wedding photographer also needed
Yes
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
19 reviews
5
100%
4
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3
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2
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Eric S.
3 weeks ago
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Hired on Thumbtack
Carena was great to work with! Despite the weather challenges, she made our family look great and we are very happy with the final photos she took for us. Carena was super responsive during the whole process and handled our family gathering perfectly. I will definitely reach out to her again if we need a photographer in Hawaii again. Thank you!
Details: Family or children's portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Outdoors • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Portrait Photography
Prerak D.
Mar 13, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Carena, is extremely professional and made sure she could accomodate our photoshoot even when she was injured. The photos came out really nice and captured some great memories with my wife and infant. I would highly rcommend Carena when you are at Kauai.
Details: Family or children's portrait • Candid (captured in the moment) • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Outdoors • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Portrait Photography
Anthony A.
Aug 18, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
We couldn’t be happier with our experience! From the very first conversation, Carena made me feel comfortable and truly cared about capturing our story. During our engagement shoot, she gave us just the right amount of direction while still letting us be ourselves, which made the whole session feel natural and fun.
The photos turned out absolutely stunning, every little detail, from the lighting to the candid moments, captured perfectly. We’ve already gotten so many compliments from friends and family, and we’ll treasure these memories forever.
Details: Other • Fewer than 25 guests • Outdoors • Digital or online download
Wedding and Event Photography
Jordan S.
Jul 27, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Unforgettable Proposal Thanks to Carina!
I’m from Chicago and had never been to Kauai before, so when I started planning a surprise proposal in Hawaii, I knew I needed help. Carina was a lifesaver. From the very beginning, she made the entire process seamless and stress-free. She was incredibly friendly, professional, and full of thoughtful ideas that helped shape the perfect moment.
Carina offered several beautiful setup options and even sent photos to help me choose what felt right for us. We ended up going with a heart made of white rose petals and orchid leis on the beach—and it was absolutely stunning. The whole experience felt magical, and it wouldn’t have come together without her guidance and care.
During the actual proposal and photo session, Carina made us feel completely at ease. She has such a warm and welcoming energy that made the whole experience even more special.
If you’re planning something meaningful on Kauai—especially from out of town—I highly recommend working with Carina. She went above and beyond, and I truly hope to work with her again someday.
Details: Couples portrait • Candid (captured in the moment) • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Dave D.
Aug 7, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Absolute perfection! From the first contact to the actual photos themselves, I couldn’t be happier. We had our family together in Hawaii for the first time in a while and Carena captured the moment perfectly. STOP SCROLLING and contact Carena.
Details: Family or children's portrait • Traditional / classic (looking directly at the camera) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Outdoors • Digital or online download • My home, venue, etc.
Portrait Photography
Credentials
Background Check
Carena Phillips
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I provide editorial quality work at a moderate price.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I strive to make magic happen for my clients, always working with their vision and preferences. I inquire about venue location, party size and event type. I provide Island-wide location options, if needed and booking options for stunning lighting.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied Photography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, & have been a sole business owner for over 15 years working as a freelance artist in editorial print and fine art galleries.
