I truly feel that as an educator it is important to show and discuss ideas that did not work as well as the successful photographic experiences. This article will include both elements as the end results were beautiful, but not without some challenges.

The shoot featured my absolute favorite aspect of Hawaiian culture, one of my new favorite models and one of my favorite beaches on Oahu. Hula is one of Hawaii’s true gifts to the world. The “popularized” versions that we see in the old Elvis movies truly do an injustice to the real halaus and dancers. Hula is at the core of Hawaiian culture and her history. It is also a beautifully mesmerizing sight to behold. You’ll remember Raeceen Woolford from a few months ago. She put her hula studies on hold to become a standout athlete. She recently reestablished her connection to hula and we wanted to capture a scene that would tie a contemporary dress to the “old days.” The location chosen was almost the most important part of the puzzle. It was actually an easy decision. There is an almost hidden cove on the West Coast of Oahu that is spectacularly beautiful and generally abandoned.

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