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The excitement of photojournalism is to capture and document candid moments of life and human nature, truthfully and honestly. When done well, photography can evoke a powerful emotional response and dialogue, make cultural norms and traditions relatable to a broader audience, and provide a visual expression of social commentary (whether positive or negative). Looking through the lens should always result in seeing life with greater clarity, and helping others to do the same.
As with street photography, photojournalism cannot be manufactured or constructed. It must be organic. Always have your camera around your neck or over your shoulder. Get outside and walk around. Meet people; talk to strangers, ask questions. Be inquisitive, be observant, and be ready, always. You may be surprised to find how many fascinating narratives can be uncovered from a healthy dose of genuine curiosity and kindness. The stories relayed, and accompanying emotions and dialogue, are often the best photographic frame.
An aboriginal elder passes down her technique for the Truku weave, used in making blankets and clothing. Hualien, Taiwan. 2015.
At an evening outdoor jazz venue, the lights reflect off the percussionist as he stays focused on the medley and improv of his colleagues. Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
Piano player stays in the shadows as he follows the jazz medley of his fellow musicians. Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
A temple assistant dips his hands in the purifying holy waters as he waits the conclusion of a ceremony. Bali, Indonesia. 2018.
A common scene in Bali, a local farmer tends to his rice field outside of his home in the countryside. Bali, Indonesia. 2018.
A Muslim woman pauses in her washing duties to observe her street surroundings. Lubuklinggau, Indonesia. 2018.
Some teenagers in Phnom Penh convert the backyard of their parent's workshop into a volleyball court for some late afternoon exercise and time with friends. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 2016.
A small girl acts as de facto prep cook for the family restaurant in rural Cambodia. The restaurant operates on a chicken farm, with outdoor prep area, grill, and stone oven. It's menu is simple: chicken, grilled or baked. And it is delicious. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
In Cambodia, football is King: everywhere, all the time. Here, children in rural Cambodia take a break from classes to enjoy the morning and play a game of football in the schoolyard. Cambodia, 2016.
Street photography will make anyone a better photographer. On the street, everything moves at a rapid pace. Your full attention and focus is a prerequisite. There are stories on every corner, in every alley, at every food stall. They happen in a moment. On most occasions, we pass them by without notice or thought. We are too busy; we are late; we just don't really care. Street photography reminds us to stop and observe, to engage with the world around us.
Street photography engages you with society. It forces you to ask questions about culture; assess and develop paradigms and worldviews. It makes you care. To some extent, it makes you uncomfortable, or at least it should. Oftentimes, a particular moment has only a second or two to capture. No time to tinker with settings, grab a tripod, or frame perfectly. You have to be ready, always. Good street photography requires [sometimes awkward] dialogue with strangers and shooting the same streets again and again.
Above all, street photography makes you better understand and appreciate your neighborhood. It introduces and connects you to the people who live and work around you. Walk, whenever possible - walk to the farmer's market, to the pub, or to the mall. Walk or take public transportation to work. Always have your camera around your neck or over your shoulder, and always be ready to have a conversation. The best shots often start there...
As the afternoon turns to evening, a man finds a comfortable spot on a rock wall by the ocean to play a few Hawaiian slack key tunes. The waves and ocean spray do not appear to interrupt his medley. Kaka'ako Waterfront Park. Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
A man settles into his usual spot on a street corner in Chinatown and reads the morning paper. Homeless Series. Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
Two men take a break for a cigarette and a chat while a nearby puppy surveys the activities on the street in a rural district outside of Phnom Penh. Cambodia, 2016.
Two men take a brief break from their mechanical work to share a cigarette and a smile. Sumatra, Indonesia. 2018.
No toys? No problem! Two tiny companions pass the time with the use of their imagination in a game of zoo animals on the streets of Phnom Pehn while their parents operate a nearby food cart. Phnom Penh, Cambodia. 2016.
Two girls find ways to pass the time in an ally by their house. Lubuklinggau, Indonesia. 2018.
This man would sit out by my flat every day and collect plastics and recyclables. I still vividly recall his expression when I brought to him a bag full of glass bottles stored up from several months of consumption. The sheer delight was quite a memory and a reminder to value all that we have in life. Shanghai, China. 2009.
A woman offers a smile as she packages her produce to sell at the local market in Lubuklinggau. Sumatra, Indonesia. 2018.
A few friends squeeze into a doorway in Kaka'ako in their subconscious attempt at "self-storage." Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
As stated earlier, street photography reminds us to stop and observe, to engage with the world around us. It forces you to ask questions about culture; assess and develop paradigms and worldviews. It makes you care.
Street portraiture is an extension of street photography. It makes you care … about people.
At its best, street portraiture retains the spontaneity and authenticity of street photography while capturing the essence of the individual and moment. A face can evoke a powerful emotional response; it can tell a thousand stories. No special lighting, no advanced direction, no hired models. Simply candid moments on the street combined with the character and intrigue of a face.
Street portraiture challenges us to recognize inequality, social injustice, and other difficult circumstances on an individual level. A concept is easy to ignore; a face is not. Portraits can remind us that our response to the world and its citizens must overflow with grace, generosity and love. Portraits also simultaneously showcase the beauty, joy, adventure, and grit that are inherent in the human spirit.
Street portraiture reminds us all that there is tremendous diversity in our world. Approached with respect and openness, there is much we can learn from those around us.
Travel is oftentimes the manifestation of an adventurous curiosity and diligent pursuit of knowledge and new experiences. Travel affords an immersion in the unfamiliar. Most effective when paired with respect, grace, and openness, travel provides unparalleled opportunity to experience different people, cultures, languages, cuisine, and history. A camera, naturally, should always be close by.
Travel photography combines street and photojournalism components in an attempt to capture through the lens the historical and cultural narratives, worldviews, and relationships gained when traveling abroad.
As the sun rises, beautiful colors paint the sky above Angkor's most famous temple. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
A lonely boy sits on his boat and gazes toward Lovers' Bridge at Fisherman's Warf, Danshui, Taiwan. 2016.
A monk meditates and offers blessings (for a fee, of course) at Angkor Wat. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
A fisherman ushers in the new day with his nets in the hope of securing a good catch to sell at the nearby market. Bali, Indonesia. 2018.
On the train to Hualien, Taiwan. 2015.
Traveling about the ancient city and its temples inspires one to reflect on many things, from religion and philosophy, to culture, architecture, and technology. This is a lighthearted literal manifestation of a Moment of Reflection at Angkor. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
Ancient corridor through Angkor. Siem Reap, 2016.
The Singapore skyline is bright, but my prospects still grim. I look over the bay, waiting for her. Last we met, she put five slugs in me; one metal, and the others, bourbon. She was the last one standing that night. But tonight is a new night, and I'm on my feet again. And despite her cruelty, she is the remaining clue in a mystery still eluding me. Morning approaches, but she will come; she has to. That's the kind of Dame she is. And when she does, I'll have my answers...
Baby monkey, cautious of the stranger, sits close by to mom. Too shy for a banana, but he stayed still long enough for a portrait. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
Sun bursts through at ancient Angkor Wat. Looks like it will be a great day. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
The Singapore skyline is bright, but my prospects still grim. I look over the bay, waiting for her. Last we met, she put five slugs in me; one metal, and the others, bourbon. She was the last one standing that night. But tonight is a new night, and I'm on my feet again. And despite her cruelty, she is the remaining clue in a mystery still eluding me. Morning approaches, but she will come; she has to. That's the kind of Dame she is. And when she does, I'll have my answers...
The Bayon Temple at Angkor Wat is a richly decorated temple built in the late Twelfth century for King Jayavarman VII. One of its most distinctive features are the many stone faces that watch over and protect the temple. Siem Reap, Cambodia. 2016.
E Ola Pono Me Ke Akua. E Ola Pono Me Ke Kanaka. E Ola Pono Me Ka ‘Āina A Me Ke Kai.
Live righteous with God. Live righteous with people. Live righteous with the land and sea.
A surfer maneuvers his way up the rocky coastline and out of the surf as the sun sets in Honolulu. August 2017.
With early morning painted colors and Mānana Island on its horizon, it is no wonder that Waimanalo is famous for its sunrise.
61G lava flow from Puʻu ʻŌʻō makes its way over the Pulama Pali on its way to the sea. Kalapana, Big Island of Hawaii. 2016.
As the sun fades, precious little daylight remains to make the catch before heading home.
A Surfer demonstrates the way to jump in while successfully avoiding the rocky coast. Beyond, the waves await. Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
A hiker traverses his way to the summit of Haleakalā, Maui’s highest peak, for a glimpse of its iconic sunrise. Maui, May 2018.
With a swell hitting the south shore, surfers of all ages descended upon the popular Honolulu surf breaks, affording this gray-haired uncle the chance to show the youngsters his moves as he shredded in the surf.
Early morning colors illuminate the floating mangrove near Chinaman’s Hat on Oahu’s eastern shore.
A mystical world unfolds as sunrise paints Koko Head Crater in pastel pinks, purples, and blues.
The famous Waimanalo sunrise doesn’t always paint the sky in purple and gold. On this morning, the moody blues set the tone.
A surfer navigates down the rocks to ocean's edge and makes an airborne entrance as she begins her evening surf session with the sea. Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
When surf culture exploded on the mainstream in the 1960s, the Volkswagen Type 2 Bus found perfected purpose in the transport of seafaring thrill seekers and their trustworthy surfboards. An icon of Hawaiian surf culture was born. Nearly 60 years later, with colorful rusted character, these machines still roll in style on Hawaii's shores. February, 2018.
Waimanalo Beach wide angle with Rabbit Island. Waimanalo, Hawaii. 2017.
A surfer goes vertical in the surf at Point Panic. Does he land it? ... Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, Honolulu, Hawaii. 2016.
Valley of the Temples, Kaneohe, Hawaii. 2016.
Palm Trees paint a silhouetted foreground as evening descends on Kakaako.
If you are interested in high resolution photographs or prints, just let me know!