Images by Jeffrey

Photo Challenge Theme "Water"

2012-01-30T23:57:00.005-10:00

I am participating in a personal monthly photo challenge with a group of local photographers. Our first theme is Water. This is a personal image I very much enjoy. It was taken with a Mamiya 645, medium format film. It was taken out by the pier off of Mala Wharf here in Lahaina. It is a well known and popular dive location that I myself have been through a few times. To see images from the other participants, start by viewing Trish Donroe Barkers image at her blog.

Katy & Wesley

2011-12-13T00:14:00.002-10:00

Leah & Justin

2011-12-09T22:14:00.001-10:00

The Laurel Family

2011-12-03T00:29:00.003-10:00

Very talented photographer friend Wendy Laurel and her family stepped in front of the camera.

Rachael & Jake

2011-11-30T01:32:00.002-10:00

Rescue Efforts

2010-02-18T23:49:00.002-10:00

This afternoon and into this evening there has been a Coast Guard Helicopter searching the coastline. This search has gone into the evening. I do not know the cause for these efforts, however I was able to get some powerful images.

Jehnifer & Butch and a Kapalua Morning

2010-02-06T20:13:00.005-10:00

The skies were blue and the morning air was fresh. After cloudy skies, and chilly days, our recent weather has taken a turn for the beautiful. This allowed me to capture a great session with Jehnifer & Butch.

This happy couple is visiting from Alaska, and wanted engagement images to share with friends and family for their 2010 wedding. No date was settled as of this morning, however, they stated they would have it settled by the time they left. Click on Jehnifer & Butche's Slideshow to see more from this session.

Thanks for a great session and the opportunity to capture such a wonderful morning. Can't wait to hear what is decided for the date. Best wishes.

Rachel & Matt Honeymooning in Hawaii

2010-01-28T23:41:00.006-10:00

Congratulations to Rachel and Matt who were just married on the mainland. They had dreamed of a Hawaiian wedding on the beach so to fulfill that dream, they brought their wedding attire on holiday with them. We had a great session on one of Maui's most beautiful Wailea beaches.

Recent weather has filled the skies of Hawaii with Vog from the Big Island. The lack of wind lately has kept all the particles in the air, and provide all the right elements for an incredibly colorful sunset.

Mother and Daughter Portraits

2010-01-18T16:13:00.002-10:00

We had a great time shooting this session of Erriette and Victoria. These two wonderful ladies had great spirit and really enjoyed one another which shows through in laughter and love in these images. Thanks for a fun and wonderful shoot.

3 Time Champ

2009-12-09T15:57:00.003-10:00

This years Billabong Maui Pro womans surf contest which is anually held at Honolua Bay Maui was won by Stephanie Gilmore of Austraila for the 3rd year in a row. She was able to score one perfect wave score today in her chase for her 3rd straight victory. This win was also her second consecutive ASP Triple Crown win. Nice job, way to ride.

Little Paisley

2009-12-03T22:33:00.004-10:00

It has been so Chilly here in Hawaii for the past few days. This scene was a great place for Paisley's first Christmas card picture. Treasure, Daniel and their beautiful family live in Upcountry Maui and we wanted to showcase the area. The colors of the old pineapple field give a sense of the season and made an incredible location for these images.

My friend Treasure also has her own Framing Business. If anyone locally is looking for a the best handmade custom framing for your artwork or other valuables, check out Framed Treasures. Here on Maui we all like to support our local small business owners, and friends. Aloha.

Great Day in the Sand

2009-12-01T14:30:00.020-10:00

Had such a fun session with Christy and her 2 wonderful children. We got some great playful shots and caught a few moments in time as well. Hope you enjoy. Aloha.

Fast Track Awesomeness

2009-11-19T21:27:00.006-10:00

Fast Track Roadshow came to Maui and was the best business education I have participated in. Can't say enough great stuff about Dane Sanders for sharing this information. But I must say Thank You! More importantly, have to thank all the Fast Trackers! Also David & Sally for participating and letting us all take turns shooting the 2 of you. Was great to get to know and work with such wonderful individuals. FEO.

"All I Want For Christmas Is..."

2009-11-09T14:06:00.001-10:00

This young gentleman has a very small request for the Holiday season.

Family Fun

2009-11-06T09:49:00.002-10:00

Loved the opportunity to shoot really close friends last night. Two of the greatest kids alive and they have the best parents to chase them around. Not to forget Jake, the big Boxer. I loved the shot of Jake and Lauren walking to the beach. We had so much fun and got the best smiles from these beautiful kids. Thanks for being a great part of my life.

Wonderful Family Evening

2009-11-03T13:52:00.002-10:00

Was such a pleasure to meet Jonathan & Mayra along with their 3 beautiful kids. This was a very small family on the beach wedding. We shot the ceremony at Kapalua Bay and took some pictures on the beach, as well as up in the grass. Jonathan would later leave one of the most heartfelt messages on my voicemail I have received. It was my pleasure to be apart of this wonderful family evening. Congrats to both you Jonathan and Mayra, as well as your incredible kids. See their full story here @ Jonathan & Mayra

Beatiful Day for Tessa & Daniel

2009-07-08T23:24:00.001-10:00

Wanted to share an older post I never got around to. I had the pleasure of assisting another friend photographer shoot her clients wedding at the Olowalu House. It was a beautiful day as always. The Olowalu House is situated just south of Lahaina. The weather is most always clear provides for great expansive views of Lahaina, Lanai, and South Maui. We had a great time shooting this wonderful couple. Thank you for letting me be apart of this event.

Happy Forth of July

2009-07-04T08:31:00.003-10:00

Happy Fourth of July. Have a great image from Alaska to share. I shot this a 6:04 AM. The light was great in Alaska. I took this shot early on one of the first days I was there. I continued to watch the wind and the clouds on top Mt Marathon and never found a time where both the wind was blowing the flag around and the mountain top was clear. In the end, this is still a cool shot.

I mentioned in my first Alaska post that Mount Marathon holds the oldest race west of the Mississippi. Once you start up the hill and get out of the tree line, you make it up to the path you see on the left. That path continues to the top. And then the racers jam down the mountain. Today, the race is on. I have not seen that myself, but thought I would share a picture before the storm kinda thing.

This shot was taken of the flag poll at the local VFW, just down the street.

Rough, First Look

2009-06-28T14:53:00.005-10:00

I have some of my film images from Alaska to share. These images are very rough. Make note that the colors you see here, the glare, and other impurities are not on the film. The shots you see here were taken of the film on a light box to illuminate the image. These are very rough pictures of my slides, yet they are visible. I shot a lot of medium format film in Alaska, both 645 and Panoramic. From here I will send the film off to a lab (in Australia) that will do a proper job of scanning them to a digital file. I am super excited to have my film back and see what I got. Here are a few of the shots, hope you enjoy.

Alaska the Beautiful

2009-06-16T23:30:00.022-10:00

Alaska is huge! I have just returned from my week off spent visiting a great friend in Seward, AK. Had a great time, took a bunch of pictures and did a lot of hiking.

One of the highlights of my trip was taking an airplane ride around Seward. Got a bunch of great images from the flight. We took off and went out Resurrection Bay and then flew over the Harding Ice Field, and Exit Glacier. Looking at all the mountains from the ground, or just driving around gives you a sense that Alaska is big and bountiful. The view from the air continues as far as the eye can see. I highly suggest you head down to the Seward airport and look for Andy and his business, Raven Aviation.

The image at the top is taken from Mt. Marathon. Every 4th of July the Mt Marathon Race is run. It starts in town, goes to the top (3022ft), and back down. The record time currently stands at 43min 23sec. This picture was taken from around the 1000ft level. I have made it to the top before, but not this trip.

While in Alaska, I did see one bear. It was a black bear that poked its head out over a guardrail on the highway. The bear quickly retreated into the forest, so no bear shots this trip. I did however get a shot of this Moose in a marshy pond. I also captured a few shots of this sea otter cracking shells on his chest.

Attached here are some of my favorite shots from the trip. While there, I did shoot a lot of film as well, most especially from my Fuji 617 Panoramic camera. Once all gets developed, I will post a few of those shots as well.

Matt & Honey

2009-05-19T01:26:00.008-10:00

Congratulations to Matt & Honey, married 5/16/09. This was the nicest couple of people who were truly in love. They come to us from North Carolina, which explains why they chose the white and baby blue for their attire.

The wedding ceremony was held Saturday night on Makapu Beach in Wailea and performed by Rev Al Terry. Monday morning we shot the 2nd session at Cove Beach. Lately the 2nd session has been very successful. I like to shoot all the wonderful colors of the sunset hour shortly after the ceremony and then come back during the morning to get some more relaxed, romantic shots.

The 2nd session also allows couples to let there hair down as you can see Honey did here. Usually there is a dinner or party after the ceremony so people are less likely to want to take advantage of the ocean and get wet. I have found that providing that opportunity at a later time is appealing to couples and works really well. As always its a personal choice how involved people want to get with the water. Matt and Honey had every intention to splash around a bit and we did get some really great images of them enjoying Maui to the fullest.

Thanks and congratulations to Matt & Honey. Best wishes.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-07T15:03:00.001-10:00

Paul & Lindsey were married on Cinco de Mayo at the Seawatch Restaurant in Wailea. The couple is made of the groom from Australia and the bride from Canada. Maui is a bit of a mid point for the 2 families to meet in the middle.

Weather was nice and cool. There was a feeling of fall in the air because the Monkey Pod trees were dropping their leaves and we had cloud cover. The Vog level was very high as well, creating a gray haze in the sky. This vog came in handy at sunset time. You can see the sun in all its color and glory here in the sunset images. What a great day for a party.

Congratulations to Paul & Lindsey. It was a pleasure to be apart of your special event.

Caleb & Caitlin's Incredible Backdrop

2009-05-07T00:27:00.001-10:00

This evenings wedding was shot at the Royal Lahaina Resort. We met the groom outside the office and took a few shots with him. I like to make sure that I capture the details of each event as well as the emotions. The shot of the boutonniere is one of those little details that is a big part of your event.

One of my other favorite shots to capture is the grooms first duty given to him as husband. That is holding the flowers for your lovely bride as she signs the marriage license making it Official!

We went down to the beach to finish off our sunset event and have a look at the sky blessing this couple on their big day. Lately we have had a bit of vog in the air that diffused the sun through the haze and produced this colorful moment.

Congratulations on a long and colorful relationship to Caleb & Caitlin.

Robin & Ed Wedding

2009-04-22T15:18:00.004-10:00

Robin & Ed were married April 17, 2009. I would like to thank this wonderful couple for allowing me to be apart of your special event. We had great weather, and a sunset like no other.

The ceremony was held at the beautiful Napili Kai Beach Resort here on Maui. The resort has just created this small grassy corner on the edge of the rocks, just feet from the well known Napili Bay. It was decorated wonderfully with bogenvalia lining the edge of the rocks and Tiki Torches for ambiance.

The ceremony was very intimate. Just the couple, minister Pia, myself and my assistant. I can say the highlight for the couple was the incredible blessing provided by Pia, and the surprise violet sunset that showed itself for only moments.

As we were finishing up with our shots on the beach, our sky went from the dark color of the end of sunset to the most amazing violet and purple sky I have seen in a very long time. All of us scrambled, me setting my camera, fumbling with the lens cap. My assistant racing to get our light set just right, and the couple having to put all there gear down and jump back into the sand. In the end, we were given such a beautiful sunset on a perfect day for a wedding.

Nice Ride

2009-04-14T23:42:00.006-10:00

Tonight I met up with a few other photographers from our local Maui PUG group to share techniques and learn from each other. We had the pleasure of shooting Billy & Laysha as our models. Billy rode in on this sweet machine that he built himself. We had a great time shooting.

This location was chosen mainly because of the high winds today. I think it turned out to be a great place to shoot in contrast to the black bike and black attire of Billy & Laysha. This structure had florescent lighting, one bulb right above where we placed our setup. We used 2 Alien Bees as our main light source. I like what became the overall color of the images.

Dancing with the Stars

2009-02-22T06:19:00.000-10:00

Friday evening I had the great opportunity to shoot Dave & Kristina. First, congratulations are due to this wonderful couple. Dave asked Kristina to marry him during this trip, and she said "YES!" Best wishes to the happy couple. You can see their connection in these images.

It was an extra pleasure working with an individual who was used to the fan fare of onlookers (just me and my camera). Kristina is a Ballroom Dancer by trade. She was very graceful and moved rather fluidly. As well, she knew just how to bend Dave into the pose. I got this great shot of Kristina adjusting Dave's posture for a shot of them in a dance pose.

You will probably notice the Cook Pines again. I like the depth and the color of this area. The wind comes through pretty good up here, causing the tall grass to blur in the background.

We had a great evening to shoot and between the sunset and the ocean, were provided this dramatic setting . Have a look at the top image. This shot captures the couple in a passionate embrace, in a very comforting space, amongst some of natures most powerful forces. The ocean provided a perfect wave for the shot.

I backed away from the couple to give them some room and came up with this great wide shot. All evening, we had great surf as a backdrop. I also like the heaviness of the clouds above paired with the lava rock. I am going to make a mental note and use this spot again when we have high surf here on the island.

Dave & Kristina were such a pleasure to work with. I wish them all the best and a great future together.

Love Whale Season

2009-02-15T22:35:00.000-10:00

Gotta love whale season around here in Hawaii. Each year I go out a few times on the boats to shoot whales. This last trip was the best ever. As always, I go on Safari Boat Excursions.

This trip Captain Dave had found a competition pod of 8 whales. That would be 1 female and 7 males. This was the most active group I have seen in any of my previous trips on the water. We saw a total of 11 breaches and we saw 2 whales breach at the same time. There was one that kept sticking his head out of the water and bumping the others. The female was definitely enjoying the attention. She would run for a bit. She stopped and rolled around in place. There was so much activity, it was overwhelming.

During our travel time to between the harbor and the whale pod, we crossed paths with a mom and baby. The naturalist on board stated that the young one was an estimated week or so old, at most. We could see that the baby was very pale, a sign of newness. We took a short moment to watch the newborn, but moved on to give it the space it needed.

Once again, I can not say enough about Captain Dave and his great boat company. Thanks for the ride!

Opportunity Strikes

2009-02-05T11:08:00.000-10:00

I do a lot of my work on the beaches here in Hawaii. Its a great place to take family portraits, and a great environment to shoot children. This session was very productive. I must have shot about 5oo images of the Frey family.

One of the challenges to shooting family portraits on the beach is keeping the other beach goers out of the image. I like to call these people "New Family Members." Todays challenge was to keep the bright red sign showing "High Surf Advisory" out of the pictures. At the end of the session I thought to get the little boy over by the sign. I got these great images out of it.

Each location presents its own challenges and opportunities. As with life, you make the best with what you have to work with.

Cook Pines of Kapalua

2009-01-22T14:31:00.001-10:00

Hawaii has 11 of the 14 different climate zones that exist on the planet. When you think of Hawaii, I would bet you think of Palm trees, not Pine trees, correct.

This area in Kapalua presents a great place to shoot. These trees must be 1oo feet tall. Its an awesome location. I got these great shots of Paul and Angela who were visiting for their honeymoon.

We took some walking down the street shots and I am super happy with the results. I do intend to use this local again.

At the end here is a shot my assistant Amber took while I was shooting. I think she had a great shot, and I walked right into it.

Wild Weather Claims Local Boat

2009-01-16T11:27:00.000-10:00

We have been experiencing a few storm fronts here in Hawaii that have brought us high winds, heavy seas, as well as rain and cooler tempratures.

Wednesday evening we started to get higher winds and seas. Early Thursday morning this boat broke free of its mooring off Mala Wharf and ran aground due to the high tide.

The keel has been caught in the reef and holds the boat in a dangerous place. It is stuck in the surf zone, taking on waves and rocking around on top of the reef. This is only adding to the damage. The reef is acting like a cheese grader against the boats hull. There are guys doing all they can to save this ship.

While at the scene yesterday, I saw 3 guys in a dingy get washed in by the waves and then dumped onto the reef themselves. Unfortunately, they have to plug the bottom of the hull before they can float it back out to sea.

As of now, Friday morning, the weather has not let up. The boat still sits on the reef and is taking a beating. Good luck to all those involved.

Take a look at the last image here. That object in the foreground of the picture is the carcass of a keel from some other boat, laying on the waters edge.

2009-01-09T22:49:00.000-10:00

We just had a great time at Disney Land. Because this was my first trip, I took only my handheld point and shoot. I wanted to play and have fun more so than shoot all day. I made the right choice. There was no safe place for my camera on 'California Screamin' 5 times or Space Mountain 4 times, other than my pocket.

While about the park, we did come across a few photo ops. I found a few shots that I wanted to be in. I composed my shot and had my girlfriend take them for me.

The shot of Mator and I was my favorite. This shot came out great, with the exception of me shaking my head during the exposure. As a quick snapshot, I love this picture. When we walked by this character, it came to me very quickly to get into the action and make a cool picture.

Wouldn't it be cool to have a real car that looked like this cartoon roadster? I think it would be fun to drive around in a cool little, environmentally friendly toon car.

Can you tell where reality ends and imagination begins in the bottom picture? This was a cool spot as well. As we were walking, the street sort of emptied. This was a hurried shot. I passed my camera over, said take a couple and started walking away. We got this one good shot of me walking down the middle of the road before people filtered in.

I have to admit that it was fun compose and create an image of myself in the surroundings. I think that this is something that I am going to start playing with for more often.

Whale of a Tale

2008-12-20T22:36:00.000-10:00

This was incredible. So we go out on our first whale watch tour of the season. We were on the water for less than 20mins and we find a competition group. Basically 2 guys fight'n for a chick, in whale terms. So we find this group and we were there for no less than 5mins watching these 2 massive males ruff 'n each other up when WOW. This beast leaps out of the ocean at a distance of maybe 100 yards. It was Awesome.

We always go out on Safari Boat Excursions. Captain Dave owns and operates this local business and has the best whale watching boat on the island. The boat is fast and plenty roomy and comfortable. I highly suggest looking him up next time your in town.

Can You Smile This Big?

2008-10-18T20:58:00.000-10:00

Look at this smile! Can you smile this big? This image should make you want to be a kid again.

Last night I had the opportunity to shoot Drew, Kim, & Charley. We had a great session on the beach out in front of the Ritz Carlton.

Lately we have been having some great cloud cover during the evenings that provide for some beautiful sunsets. This session was on a beach where sunset was not visible. However the clouds acted as a great reflective light source for these images, requiring little to no flash.

Shooting into the sun during sunset requires flash to get the people in the shot exposed properly. Since this session would not be shot towards direct sun, I got the opportunity to turn the flash off and get some awesome natural light images.

Here at the end I got another great shot of mothers love.

Happy 1st Bday to Sam

2008-10-13T20:07:00.000-10:00

This little guy turned 1 year old today. Happy 1st Birthday Sam. We had a great shoot and captured some really awesome images of this young gentleman.

The image at the top is of Sam and his childhood stogie. There was some piece of wood laying in the grass right in front of Sam. Sure enough as kids do, it went right into his mouth. He looked very natural as if he knew just what he was doing. I hope this becomes one of those pictures people show of you as a baby later in life at a party get laughs out of all your friends.

This shot shows a bit of the curiosity kids have. We sat Sam in the grass and as I got close with my lens, he got curious. "What is that thing you have and why do you keep leaning in and back

out." I can only imagine he was thinking that. As most kids can not sit still with something new and interesting in front of them, Sam started after me. I got this shot as he came for me. The image has a sense that he is looking through the lens to see me. Lightroom helped me change the coloration to antique to give the image some added texture.

This last image is one of my favorites of the session. This is a real moment in time. It shows a mothers love and closeness. Its a real tight shot focusing only on that transfer of love. I shot this natural light, no flash. Since we shot this session outside, the wind blowing moms hair adds a bit of reality and timelessness (I think) to the image. This is one of my favorite images I have captured in some time. I hope you enjoy.

Fire House Shoot

2008-10-06T22:14:00.000-10:00

Today I had a great opportunity to photograph a good friend who works for the local Fire Dept. We got some great shots of all the guys in the crew. Thanks for your participation.

This image came out with a great Rembrandt lighting on the right side of the shot. This was taken inside the garage, in a dim area, using one light. I came from a low angle to help add to the larger than life effect in this image.

I have been seeking out professionals to create images of these individuals within their working environment. I am always open to working with professionals that require images like these, along with the traditional corporate head-shots. As more opportunities come along, I will continue to share them.

Slow Day

2008-10-02T13:03:00.000-10:00

Slow Day today. Was really hot and not a lot of wind blowing to cool us down. We all did what we could in order to stay cool. Check out my cat Happy. She found a great spot, aside from the fact that she is just a bit big for her new find.

Kids have Personality - Makes for Great Images

2008-09-30T12:41:00.000-10:00

Kids are some of the greatest subjects to shoot. Their personality and emotions are totally raw and unscripted, providing some of the wildest, yet heartfelt images for capture.

Before I continue I would like to make note that I DO work really well with children. Maui is a family travel destination and I have opportunities to meet and work with all kinds of families and children. My work also shows the success I have in shooting little ones.

Now if you had a camera in your hand, how could you pass up this moment (image at top)? I couldn't hold back. Funny thing here, she wouldn't look and smile for a picture, yet had no problem sharing this feeling of unhappiness with me.

Once this precious little girl saw that all the others were sitting in front of the camera having a great time, she could not help but to "Ham It Up". After moments of detest, we got an entire session of her and her beautiful smile.

We had a great session with this fabulous family visiting us for a 40th Annivarsery celebration. Congratulations to Lou & Frank (in the center) for your many years of success and happiness. Best wishes to you and your family.

Announcing The 2nd Session

2008-09-26T20:56:00.000-10:00

Wether your married here in Hawaii or on the mainland, The 2nd Session has gained in popularity. Better known as Trash The Dress, a second session shoot allows more time and energy for creative images.

Trash the Dress can go in any direction. There are those that are willing to get in the water, in the mud, or all together dirty in any other fashion. It has become a phenomenon that you love and really want to do, or "I would never do that to my dress."

For me and my business I am going to call it "The 2nd Session." I have seen a number of new brides bringing their wedding dresses with them on honeymoon here in the islands. After you spend all that money on a dress, you want to get some mileage out of your investment. What better way to do that than have a sunset session on the beach. These images will make a great addition to your collection if you are a mainland bride. Getting sunset beach images extends the story of your event.

The 2nd Session also gives you a bit of freedom to be more present in a photographic session. Your wedding day is full of visitors, family, dinner, cocktail parties. Your always on a schedule to get to the next stage in the event. The 2nd Session allows you to let your hair down. Literally. You look absolutely beautiful in that dress with no shoulders, and your perfectly placed hair with flowers to the side (yet its so tight you would need at least 2 of your brides maids to help you get it down without pulling hair).

Creating the 2nd Session allows you the opportunity to focus on one another without distraction. Now is the time to get creative, get wet, run through the streets. Keep in mind, during this session, if you get down into the sand, I have to get down into the sand. If you get wet, I get wet.

Just because you choose to honeymoon, or wed here in Hawaii, doesn't mean you have to go for the "Hear to Eternity" shot laying in the water as if washes over you. There are any number of places to travel here on Maui to get great images that pertain to your personality and your creative desires.

Roland & Denise are a great example. This wonderful couple was married in Texas, in a small family event. They chose to spend their honeymoon here on Maui, and wanted some images of themselves on the beach with one of our many beautiful sunsets. The couple met a group of close to 5o of their great friends here on Maui. They threw a fabulous cocktail party for everyone.

They wanted sunset images on the beach so we went to Kapalua Bay for the shoot. Attached are just a few of the incredible images we shot during the session. We did in the end, get wet. Thanks to Roland & Denise for a great shoot.

Jill & Marc

2008-09-23T21:53:00.001-10:00

Congratulations to Jill & Marc on a beautiful ceremony on the beach. We had a great time together and got some phenomenal images from the evening.

Among the many incredible images we shot, my favorite of this evening was the stroll on the beach. These two love birds were very much with one another for this part of the session. In this series, the love and laughter is more visible than ever. These images convey that this couple will be together as long as they continue to laugh and love with one another.

For a couple that has been together for some 12 years, they have every bit of that innocent love today as ever. Congratulations, best wishes, and A Hui Hoe.

Attached I have one of my favorite shots that shows the playfulness and love this couple share. I also have attached a shot that I like to get during this part of the session. It shows a sense of place and togetherness, yet leaves a bit of an open space for the imagination.

Very Stately Posing

2008-09-21T13:30:00.000-10:00

My great friend Jeff and I went for a little dive. We drift dive Black Rock off Ka'anapali Beach. This is a very easy dive that we do often. We also like to jump off the cliff and swim back around to the beach. But today, we explore below the surface.

We have done this dive many off times and are guaranteed turtle sightings. We swim with them and next to them and align a few shots that show us swimming together. Its always a great experience.

This dive we would have that same experience of swimming and frolicking with the turtles. Only today I happened to spot another turtle off by the end of our dive. As we swam over, it seemed not to be bothered by us in the water.

As we got close, I noticed the turtle had a sort of pose about its position. I calmly swam to the front of and mirrored the position of the turtle. I allowed gravity to let me sink and sit in the sand face to face with this beautiful creature. The turtle never moved.

After enjoying my connection to the turtle for a few short moments, I pulled the camera forward. It was at that time the turtle made the slightest movement. Only with its neck, it stuck its head up as to refine the pose. As if to make sure and give me the best shot I could get.

The image in this post was exactly that. I took one shot and then would sit with the turtle and once again, enjoy the connection we had. The turtle never moved. After a bit I got up and circled for on round of shots. This was the only shot I liked from the series when I later reviewed them.

As I swam off the turtle still again never moved. I could see that its neck was slightly more relaxed as I turned away.

This was such a fun image to capture. I have taken a great number of turtle shots, and wildlife for that matter, and only rarely have I had a connection to the subject in this manner. It was this connection that makes this image memorable to me. I will always remember the time I spent with this Honu.

The shot above has very minimal processing to it. I added a vignette to the edges and small bit of lightening. The clear foreground falling into the ocean colors of the background are natural. Visibility was great on this day led to a memorable dive.

Congrats to Sam & Shannah

2008-09-17T23:05:00.000-10:00

Congratulations are in order for this happy couple. While on vacation here in Maui, Sam proposed to the very beautiful Shannah. She of course, said "YES!"

Our session here took place on Kapalua Beach. On either side, the rocky land reaches out around and forms the bay, sorta like arms reached out around the sea. Or in this case, the tight embrace of two individuals in love.

Sam & Shannah both have great energy that produced some very natural, and romantic images. The first two images show the electric connection between them. This couple needed no direction. We had a great sunset which produced the last.

And again, congratulations to Sam & Shannah.

2008-07-17T19:44:00.000-10:00

Hey, I’m in the news! I started contributing to my local news station KGMB 9. Each day I take a few different shots in my area that show what the weather is doing. These images are chosen from a number of contributors and shown briefly during the weather segment. So far, I have had 5 different images broadcast on the 10 o’clock news.

Sunsets are a big part of the evening here in the islands. We are fortunate to have such visual explosion at the end of every day. I like to grab a few quick shots to send in that evening.

Thanks to the KGMB Weather Team for allowing me to contribute.

Hula Girl

2008-06-15T08:24:00.000-10:00

This evening I had the great opportunity to shoot a beautiful family with a 14 month old little girl. She was so precious dressed in a little hula outfit. I got some great images of the family sitting in the sand when the little one started to get active. As she made her way to her feet, she stuck her arms out and wiggled. It was the cutest little hula dance I have seen. I got a great shot of this little show. Spectacular moments like this come when you are really present in that moment. I was so excited to be a part of this great expression of joy.