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Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Travel Photographer in Maui, HI
DesertSea Photography is a premier travel photography service established in 2015, dedicated to capturing the unique essence of families, couples, and special moments through film and digital photography. Founded by Gaylin Howbert, a former marine biologist turned photographer, the business combines a passion for storytelling with a deep appreciation for natural beauty. With a focus on laid-back, joyful sessions, we specialize in creating timeless images across Hawaii, California, and global destinations.

Our approach prioritizes client comfort, offering personalized guides for session planning, location selection, and outfit inspiration. Having documented over 600 families and couples, we bring expertise in navigating diverse environmentsfrom beach sunsets to mountain adventureswhile maintaining a commitment to authenticity and client satisfaction. Our work has been celebrated for its ability to preserve memories with warmth, creativity, and technical excellence.
Services
Family Photography Couple Sessions Wedding Coverage Travel Photography Film & Digital Services
Details
  • Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
  • We offer over a decade of experience in family and lifestyle photography.
  • Our team travels globally, adapting to diverse environments for perfect shots.
  • We prioritize client comfort with personalized session planning and guides.
  • We use both film and digital techniques for versatile, timeless results.
  • Our work has been praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance.
What people say
Fantastic to work with Great communication Perfect photos Stress-free experience Quick turnaround
Services
Family Photography
DesertSea Photography specializes in capturing authentic family moments in natural settings. Our approach prioritizes comfort and spontaneity, allowing families to interact naturally while we document genuine connections. Sessions include location guidance, outfit planning, and editing to ensure timeless, high-resolution images that preserve multigenerational memories.
Couple Sessions
From engagements to anniversaries, our couple sessions focus on intimacy and connection. We offer tailored location recommendations, directional guidance, and film/digital hybrid techniques to create romantic, emotive imagery. Clients receive edited galleries with printing rights and quick delivery for milestone celebrations.
Wedding Coverage
DesertSea Photography documents weddings with a blend of candid storytelling and curated portraits. Our packages include full-day coverage, multiple photographers, and comprehensive editing. We specialize in destination weddings, offering travel flexibility and expertise in navigating diverse venues for comprehensive, artistic documentation.
Travel Photography
Our travel services extend to worldwide locations, focusing on utilizing local landscapes for unique backdrops. Clients receive location-specific planning support, weather advisories, and adaptable session structures. We accommodate both short visits and extended stays, ensuring cultural and environmental context enriches each photographic narrative.
Film & Digital Services
Combining film's timeless quality with digital versatility, we offer hybrid sessions for diverse aesthetic needs. Film captures organic tones and textures, while digital ensures flexibility. This approach provides clients with artistic depth and practical options for preserving memories across formats.
People
Gaylin Howbert
Founder & Lead Photographer
Gaylin transitioned from marine biology to photography after a life-changing experience in 2015. Based in Maui, she brings a passion for natural storytelling, having documented over 600 sessions globally. Her work focuses on joyful, authentic moments.
Questions
What types of photography sessions do you offer?
We specialize in family, couple, wedding, and travel photography with both film and digital options.
Do you travel outside Hawaii for sessions?
Yes, we offer services in California, across Hawaiian islands, and worldwide with travel fees included in packages.
How long does it take to receive photos?
Edited galleries are delivered within two weeks, with sneak peeks available within 24 hours.
Can sessions accommodate large groups?
Yes, packages support up to 18 participants with multi-location options for larger families.
What should we wear for a photoshoot?
We provide a detailed 'What to Wear' guide with outfit suggestions and color coordination tips.