"Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.” 
Sue Monk Kidd

Stories that matter

Roxanne Engstrom

Hi, I’m Roxanne. There are new folks here and I haven’t just said HEY in a bit-  I’m Roxanne -Photographer. Storyteller. Hype woman. Mama of four. Flaming extrovert. MS warrior. Former teacher. Spicy-food enthusiast. Dancer for any reason ever. Woman of faith. And a person with absolutely no problem talking to strangers. I love people. […]

A Skeptical Hype Woman’s Ongoing Story

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I’m back! Two weeks off and I am genuinely, deeply refreshed and cannot stop smiling (plus you can’t tell me nothin’ when I am tan) the kind of refreshed where you tear up in gratitude.  Kauai was a dream. I know, I know everyone says their vacation was the best ever, but truly: Kauai is […]

Celebrating 25 years in Kauai Hawaii

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Real talk:  I’m about to peace out on all of you, and I’m not even sorry.  From July 16th through August 1st, I am fully, unapologetically unavailable (no emails, no discovery or planning calls, no answering questions. I’ll be off with my family doing the most important kind of co-creating: renewing our vows in celebrating 25 years of marriage […]

Peace Out- See you all in just over 2 weeks!

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I was shooketh when Akilah Driver left me a voice memo today and I’m still a little shocked typing this… Hawa Images has been nominated for Raleigh’s Best Photographer! 😭🫶❤️📸 This news hits the same week I’m celebrating 2 years in the Raleigh area and honestly, the timing feels like God’s handwriting all over it. […]

Vote for Hawa Images for Raleigh’s Best 2026!!!

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Can I tell you something I absolutely LOVE about New York City? NYC literally says- I am so amazing and cool that you all will come here and love it AND we will just throw our trash on the sidewalks. Hot garbage smell in one the most amazing cities ever (IMO). On my recent trip […]

The trash on the sidewalk taught me something about my business.

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No clients. No deliverables. Just three women, their cameras, and a city that endless inspo and ideas to create fun imagery. Let me tell you something about what happens when a group of photographers who also happen to be dear friends decide to get together with no agenda except to create (well let’s be real- also […]

Three Days, Three Friends, and the Creative Reset I Didn’t Know I Needed: NYC

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Ready to take your brand photos from “meh” to magnetic? from “ok” to OKRRRRRRRRR? ✨Here’s the real deal: creating images that connect with your ideal clients isn’t complicated but it does take time, strategy, intention, and leaning into your unique personality. This is why I always say I do not roll up to your shoot […]

If you want scroll stopping images DO THIS….

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Our family trip to NYC over the 4th of July was an absolute blast. Seriously the timing was PERFECT for this trip because our teens loved the city and were able to take the subway and adventure all day long (as long as we kept the food and coffee flowing). Happy 24 years of marriage […]

Family Adventures in NYC

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When it comes to a brand photography session, your props aren’t just pretty extras—they’re storytelling tools. The right ones help connect the dots between who you are, what you do, and why it matters AND you want your personality to be a part of your session- it is what makes you YOU and will connect […]

Props to Bring to Your Brand Session (That Actually Tell a Story)

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