Story Connects Us Est. 2001
I tell stories. Everyday is full of surprises as I see the world through different lenses. A simple detail can be something profound. Behind that dimple on a face or fleck on the wall is a story. Story celebrates our shared humanity. It connects us.
A Designer’s Eye
A friend and sage taught, ”photography is the art of farming and hunting.” The farmer designs by planting. It is about the set up and the wait for the harvest. The hunter intuitively seeks out and waits in the middle of an experience. Great photographers know how to dance between the two. To major in one or both is just pure genius.
I am always looking for that “in the moment” brilliance when life offers up an amazing gift – a story, an image, and a piece of art that transcends. This is the kind of work that fuels my life.
Roots and Water
My farming and hunting instincts started when I spent hours watching waves. I grew up in Hawai’i – rich in landscape, cultures, beautiful people, and stories. I learned about life living close to the ocean. My surfer friends were preachers to me. I thought they were crazy spending everything they had to feed their addiction. Their mantra ”live for what you love,” waxing boards, waking up before dawn, and camping out to catch the best waves are now sacred rituals to me. Their pleasure and persistence taught me that work could be fun.
Whether it was Three Tables, Ehukai, Kewalos, or Shark Country, they knew that only “Ke Akua” would source them with waves to ride on. My friends understood mystery and that anything good in life is worth the wait. Shredding through water is pure Heaven and so is everything before that and after.
I get it now. And that is how I hope to live my life and do my art. Photography is about waiting and the artistry is in every detail from getting ready to the actual shoot. Scouting can happen anywhere and even in the studio.
Since 1990, with my SLR, I have collected thousands of stories and made friends along the way. Life is about learning and risking and trying new things. Like surfers, you have to keep learning and growing your craft.
When it comes to your professional headshots, you are putting yourself out there. We look forward to working with you to capture your charisma, essence, and personal best.
It takes confidence and for someone doing it for the first time, the first steps are the hardest. It’s like trying to catch your first wave. You are not alone. We have worked with people just like you and those who have been in their industry for years. Depending on your needs, we have a wonderful team to help you. We have stylists and make-up artists prepared to help you along the way. We do consulting as well.
Have a successful year!
- Kenton MacDonald-Lin
Ho’onui Makana
