Posted inFine Art
Grace of Hilo: A Large Format Portrait
I met this beautiful woman in Hilo, Hawaii, and was captivated by her beauty. This is a one-of-a-kind print, shot on direct positive paper with a large format 4 x 5 camera.
Posted inFine Art
Ohia Tree – Hawaii – 2024
Shot in Volcano National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. I love the way the ʻōhiʻa tree looks against the yellow volcanic sulfur. Hand-developed in a darkroom and printed.
Posted inFamily Portraits
The Mathis Family Portraits in Kona
I love shooting with color film. This time, I didn't process the rolls myself but sent them out to be processed at Darkroom.com. This is Kodak Portra 160, which I much prefer over Kodak Gold. The photos were taken at a beach in Kona, Hawaii. They are lovely family portraits.
Posted inFamily Portraits
Studio Family Portraits in Hawaii
Most of my family portraits are taken outdoors, particularly at the stunning beaches around Kona, where the sunsets and sunrises create beautiful backdrops. However, I also have a passion for studio photography. For instance, this particular shot, showcasing a family photo, was captured in my studio using my 4x5 camera and natural lighting. The entire session consisted of about eight carefully composed shots, each one crafted with dedication and precision. Working with large format photography presents its own set of challenges, yet I often find it to be surprisingly straightforward. The process involves taking very few shots, but each one requires meticulous attention, significantly slowing down the pace of work. This careful, deliberate approach is why large format photography is among my favorite mediums. Despite the high costs associated with purchasing, developing, scanning, and printing film, I relish the entire process. Nowadays, there are not many photographers who still work with film, especially in Hawaii. My aim is to keep this medium thriving.
Posted inFilm Photography
Hawaii Darkroom Room
I am a passionate photographer with a deep love for the art of capturing moments on film. When I relocated to Hawaii, I faced a dilemma – the cost of developing film here was notably high, and it was starting to sway me towards returning to the realm of digital photography. Eventually, I gave in and acquired a digital camera once again. However, a pivotal moment occurred when a friend introduced me to the Hawaii Darkroom. This encounter truly transformed my journey. At the Hawaii Darkroom, I found a community that shared my enthusiasm for film photography. Learning to develop and print my own film became a game-changer. No longer shackled by the expensive development costs, I embraced the hands-on process of creating my art from start to finish. The pivotal point arrived, leading me to bid farewell to my digital camera and fully immerse myself in the captivating world of film development and printing. In essence, my photography took a new turn as I not only captured scenes but also breathed life into them through the intricate process of developing and printing. The Hawaii Darkroom became my sanctuary of creativity, and I am forever grateful to my friend for guiding me back to my true passion.