COLLECTIONS
THE LATEST STORIES
N 01
COUPLES
N 02
WEDDINGS
N 03
FAMILIES
N 04
TRAVEL
FEATURED WEDDING
ALEX + DEAN
A Beautiful Wedding
at Hale Wailele in Kona
FEATURED ENGAGEMENT
CLAIRE + JORDAN
An adventurous Kayak and hike
out on Mokoli’i Island
FEATURED LOVE STORIES
Visit the blog to see more of my work!
CROUCHING LION ENGAGEMENTS
OAHU WATERFALL ENGAGEMENTS
OJAI INTIMATE WEDDING
Yokohama bay engagements
CABO, MEXICO DESTINATION WEDDING
FOUR SEASONS OAHU WEDDING
To understand my approach to photography, it may help to know a little bit more about my background...
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Living on a small island means out-of-state vacations are a big deal. We usually brought the whole family along, and my grandfather always had his film camera on him. At the end of each trip, he'd put together a massive storybook of hundreds of images. We couldn’t wait to pour over them. It was the highlight of the whole experience - sitting down together, reliving all the wonderful memories. I always thought there was something so beautiful about this - finding a way to capture candid, timeless moments we could cherish forever.
I think this is where the seed was planted…
I got my first professional camera at 19-years-old from my parents. I began to tinker with it, taking pictures of my travels much like my grandfather. It wasn't until I started shooting portraits of friends and family that I discovered my passion for collaborating with others. I found such joy in helping people feel at ease in front of the camera, breaking down the wall between lens and subject so their personalities could shine through.
I began to do editorial work in Los Angeles, but my real joy was shooting the celebration of relationships. Couples, weddings, families… there is something so special about capturing people with those they love. You get a glimpse into the love God has for us: “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19). If I could be a part of that, I wanted in.
And that’s what I’m doing today. Carrying on the legacy of my grandpa, but in my own way. Ultimately, I think there’s one common thread through all of my creative endeavors… I’m trying to tell a story. Your relationship has a story. Your wedding day has a story. You want to look back on your photos and relive those stories again and again for years to come. You want your children and grandchildren to feel like they were there, experiencing every moment, in awe of every beautiful landscape, feeling every subtle emotion. I don’t want this to feel like a photoshoot. Yes, I’ll help direct you and suggest poses, but in the end, I want the photos to represent who you are. The two things I’m most inspired by are landscapes and human relationships. When both are captured just right, we create a visual history that can be passed down for generations.
I’m willing to do whatever it takes to achieve that. If it means getting out in the rain for that perfect shot, I’m in. If it’s laying down in the mud for the right angle, I can always get a new shirt. If it means giving you and your loved one the chance to breathe, take in the moment, let it wash over you… trust me, I’ve been there. Take your time. Let the tears flow. Like I said, this is not about me getting the most amazing shots for my portfolio. It’s about you guys. I truly see each of my clients as dear friends. I want you to trust me. I know it’s a leap of faith to bring someone into these intimate and important moments. I’m here to serve you.
let’s work together to tell your story.
Featured
Whether you’re local or out-of-state, here are photography collections to fit your every need. Each wedding + session is unique, but here are some starting prices…
couples
My favorite thing to shoot. Engagement photos, anniversary photos, maternity photos, or photos just because you love each other… We’ll go on adventures, have a blast, and capture you guys in a way that represents your relationship.
elopements
Want an intimate wedding? Want to go to an epic location? Maybe a cliff, a waterfall, or another country? Elopements are becoming a lot more popular, and there’s a reason: it’s fun, affordable, and all about you guys. I’ll even help you plan it.
weddings
50 people, 300 people, in a small church, on a sandbar, late in the evening, at the crack of dawn… Wherever, whenever, whatever kind of wedding you have, I want to help. I have several wedding collections, but I’m always willing to cater it to your needs.
family packages
$500
maternity
Celebrate your pregnancy. Remember where it all started. Capture the anticipation. Or even make a reveal! If you’re unsure whether you want to do a maternity session, trust me, it’s absolutely worth it.
$600
ʻohana
We all need family photos. We can do it on the beach, in the mountains. Or we could capture it differently… in your house, an organic day in your life. There are no right ways. Family always comes first.
$700
ʻohana plus
Having a big family reunion? Want to finally get all the aunts and uncles and cousins together for a photo (because you haven’t in decades)? This is the package for you. Family shoots of 6+.
“Chris, a storyteller at heart, has taken aspects of various disciplines to create his very own wedding photography style - full of natural light, playfulness, and shots that will unquestionably become beloved heirlooms. And he continues to make his couples feel amazing while taking their photos, radiating his positive energy and enthusiasm, making the experience just as beautiful as the final images.”
- Junebug Weddings Feature
FAQ
How many images are included?
For weddings, I like to deliver a minimum of 600 images. For sessions, I’ll deliver a minimum of 75 images. But you’ll usually get much more than that. Different weddings and events call for different things, but I promise to never leave anything out. There’s no cap on what I deliver. I always try to give you everything I take. If you’d like to see an example of a full wedding/session gallery of mine, feel free to ask!
What should we wear for photos?
Great question. I can send you an email with more ideas of what to wear, but in general, I think you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Wear something that’s in your style. Neutral colors are usually a good start: white, beige, muted blues and greens, earthy tones. But you can reach out to me and we’ll figure out something that works perfectly with your location.
Do you travel?
Absolutely, already got my bags packed. I prefer to travel. Wherever you want to go, I’m down - deserts, islands, mountains, snow, let’s do it. Adventuring is part of the fun of the process.
What is your favorite basketball team?
The Golden State Warriors. Yes, I’m a huge Steph Curry fan.
How do the payment schedules work?
I require 40% of the full collection price as a non-refundable down payment to book the date. The remaining 60% can be paid within a week of the wedding. I accept credit card, Venmo, and PayPal. I’ll invoice you for both payments!
How long until we get to see our photos?
For weddings, I deliver the photos no later than 4-5 weeks after the day of the ceremony. For sessions, I deliver them no later than 3-4 weeks after. Usually I’ll give them to you even earlier, but I like to give myself that much time in case multiple shoots start to stack up.
What if we need to cancel or reschedule?
If you’ve already put a deposit down on a date and then need to move or cancel it, the deposit is non-refundable and a new deposit will be made in order to hold your new date. I only do this because I take a limited number of weddings per year due to my schedule. I often count on that deposit money for a variety of payments.
How do we pick photo locations?
If we’re in Hawaii, I have quite a bit of experience shooting here. I’ve gathered a list of potential locations that can fit any aesthetic or mood you’re going for. We can work together to find something that works great just for you. Just tell me what you want and I can email you a bunch of possibilities. If we’re out-of-state, I’ll reach out to people - I’ll do the research myself, we’ll call and talk about details. This should be a collaborative process and location is everything.
Do you give away RAW images?
No, I don’t. And here’s why: editing is 50% of the process of photography. It’s incredibly crucial.It’s also the part I love most. Don’t worry, I never leave out any images. But if you feel I may have missed something, feel free to reach out! I’d be happy to look back and see if I can find what you’re looking for.
Can we bring our dog? Can we bring props?
Dogs are always preferred! Not even a question. And yes to the props too! Ultimately, I focus on your surroundings and the location we’re in, but if you have props you’d like to use, feel free to bring them!
What if we need to reschedule because of weather?
Honestly, some of the best pictures I’ve ever taken have come in really “bad” weather! I love the part of the process that forces you to find creative ways to get the shots you want. However, if the weather is dangerous, or if the weather could potentially damage my camera, let’s reschedule. We’ll work together to make that decision.
What’s your favorite time of day to shoot portraits?
Sunset or sunrise. Sunset is usually easier because it’s later in the day. People are already off work. Sunrise a little harder - that means a super early wake-up call. I’m not much of an early riser myself, but sunrise shoots always turn out infinitely better than you could ever expect. So it’s always worth a shot if you’re willing to stick it out! And maybe we can all get a coffee beforehand to get us through (haha).
What do you shoot with and are you insured?
I shoot with a Canon 5D/6D and a variety of Canon lenses. And yes, I’m insured. Photography is way too expensive a profession not to be!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my incredible wife (who also helps me 2nd shoot most weddings), surfing, basketball, running, hiking, exploring, reading, watching movies, visiting new restaurants, getting coffee, writing a movie script, and spending time with Jesus. All that stuff.
“Wow!! I can’t express how much fun my husband and I had with Chris! Not only is he an AMAZING photographer, he makes you feel like you’re just hanging out. It was such a comfortable and fun shoot! I can’t recommend Chris more!”