Why I do what I do... My passion for photography really found me, having a graphic design background I never really thought about picking up a camera. I already had the power to create almost any image I could, so why need a camera? The feeling, the vibe, the story is why. It's this raw emotion that can be portrayed by a single image, I was hooked.
So what do you do when you find a passion that can pay the bills? You become a photographer, and you love and enjoy creating. Sure I photograph family portraits, elopements, weddings, things that pay the bills, but I fill my heart with capturing my culture. I don't speak 'ōlelo Hawaii, I don't dance Hula, I honestly don't do much to perpetuate my Hawaiian Culture, but I do preserve it now. It is a very important to me to make space and time to photograph and visually capture our history and traditions.
Did you know there really is a knife under that fire? You would think fire might be enough to play danger dance with, but in true tradition these are weapons we used to protect and defend. Obviously in todays society it is mostly used to entertain and tell our stories of the past, but it's not just a "light" dance and remember that these guys train and study hard to perform. To me, I just love to see the mana (power) of our ancestors and how we can still embody that today.
If anyone has a passion project that showcases traditions and embraces Hawaiian or Polynesian culture don't hesitate to reach out. This is what I love to do, lets preserve the past for all futures.
THANKS FOR STICKING AROUND AND READING MY BLOG, HERES A LITTLE THANK YOU FOR BEING SO AWESOME!
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