New Polynesian Line Unveiled

For a while now, I've been refining the concept of a unique lifestyle portfolio that reflects the strength and beauty of Polynesia--and, specifically, of Hawai‘i.  Well, on Tuesday, I embarked on this artistic journey with my first model, Jerrick.  He nailed it.  And can you believe that this photo shoot was his first?  Jerrick is a native Hawaiian who embodies the mana of both ‘āina and kai, as portrayed through the following images.  Join our Facebook ‘ohana to see new images of this line as it unfolds in the coming months.  Aloha...

‘Āwa‘awa‘a

‘Ōlapa I Ka Makani

Kakahiaka Nui

Maka Onaona

Konohiki

Manu on a Mission

Recently, I've had the unique privilege of networking with some of the nicest Tahitians!  This photo shoot was with Manu, who is preparing to serve his church mission in Brisbane, Australia.  We've been planning this shoot for some time now.  Originally Kau‘i Photography was his only scheduled photo opp. while on vacation in Hawai‘i, but soon, other photographers wanted to share in his modeling potential.  Manu is a good friend and someone I've come to respect as a leader in his own right.  When he returns from his mission, he already told me that I'll be his agent.  I'm holding you to it, man!  All the best, Elder Laughlin!

Miss Pearl of Polynesia

What happens when you combine a beautiful Tahitian young woman with Christian values and a humble personality?  You get 2010's Miss Pearl of Polynesia, Poehere.  Poehere is not only a pageant queen but also my classmate at BYUH.  Ever since I started officially shooting in January, Poehere was one of the first girls who called me and wanted to schedule a shoot.  She has amazing poise and even more stunning natural beauty.  After Poehere's appearance at the first annual Mr. & Miss Polynesia Pageant in March, we chose the North Shore as the backdrop for a beautiful morning shoot in April.  What you see is only a taste of this model's potential.  Mahalo for sharing your beauty with Kau‘i Photography, Poehere!  I look forward to working with you again!  Mauruuru roa!

Spunjahs at Pipeline

Life in Hawai‘i is da bomb.  For a photographer, it's pretty much icing on the cake.  As some of you know, I love taking sports shots, and one of my favorite events to capture is surfing, or in this case, sponging!  My little bro currently rides for Toobs, Viper Fins, and some other underground labels, but he's serving his church mission right now in Auz, so I'm practicing my skills before he heads back.  Here are some shots from Pipeline on the North Shore.  Looked like a fun day to "spunjum" as my bro would say.  If he was out there, I know he would be doing some mean DK-ing (drop-kneeing)...that seems to be his specialty.

And a surfer...for good measure.

Ming Lau

This photo opp. was short, simple, and sweet...just da way I like um!  But it's not like we could make the session long, complex, and spectacular, either.  Both Ming and I were graduating in April, so we didn't have time to be getting all fancy shmancy on this one.  She needed some pictures for her senior voice recital poster, and since her boyfriend (soon to be fiancee?) is my housemate, she got the hook-ups, and I got the photog practice!  Congrats, Ming!

1st Annual Mr. & Miss Polynesia Pageant

Thank you to my family and friends who continue to help me network with the most beautiful people in the islands (literally) and some of the best modeling agencies.  The credit for this amazing photo opp. belongs to Bianca (Costa) Foster and Kalei Gonzales who hooked me up with an all-access pass to shoot the first annual Mr. & Miss Polynesia pageant at the Pacific Beach Hotel in March.  I enjoyed the challenge of taking action photos in low-lit conditions.  I'm looking forward to taking more of these great models' shots soon!  One last shout out to Ralph Malani of Hawai‘i Polynesian Model & Talent Agency for organizing a first-class event.  Congrats to all.

Kahana Valley with Kamehameha Kapālama Students

Mahalo nui to Maude Post Dorm Advisor, Nakia Braffith, for inviting me to tag along with his boys for their service fundraiser down in beautiful Kahana Valley.  The place is picture-perfect.  Add to the landscape about 30 Hawaiian young men who bring with them the mana of their ancestors, and you have a powerful photo shoot!  I love taking candids because people's true ‘ano, or personalities, come out.  Thanks, again, for the opportunity to share in this huaka‘i aloha ‘āina, Nakia!