Comfort & Build: It feels like using a DSLR, similar to the Canon 5D Mark IV, but with the charm of film. It’s comfortable to hold and offers a variety of lenses.

Image Quality: The 75mm 2.8 lens and 80-150mm 4.5 lens deliver stunning results. Plus, the 15 shots per roll mean more opportunities to capture the perfect moment.

Versatility: With multiple backs, switching mid-wedding is seamless. It’s perfect for fast-action shots and family portraits.

Though my heart belongs to the Mamiya RZ 67 for artsy shots, the Pentax 645 has earned its place in my kit. Stay tuned for sample shots and more reviews!

The post Photographer in Kona, Hawaii, and Hilo: My Pentax 645 Review first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

In this beautiful family portrait session, we captured some wonderful memories on the stunning beaches of Hawaii. The entire session was shot on my Mamiya RZ67 using Kodak Gold film, which was later developed at one of my favorite labs, The Nice Lab. The natural Hawaiian scenery provided the perfect backdrop for these joyful moments, filled with laughter, love, and the serene beauty of the islands.

Capturing the Moments

1. Fun on the Beach
   • The family enjoyed a playful moment on the beach, showcasing their fun personalities against the soft waves and sandy shores.
2. Together on the Rocks
   • Posing on the rocks, the family gathered close, showing their strong bond and connection. The lush greenery and volcanic rocks added texture and depth to the images.
3. Siblings by the Shore
   • A beautiful shot of the siblings standing by the water, the warm Hawaiian breeze in their hair. Their casual, relaxed poses perfectly matched the laid-back island vibe.
4. Family in the Fields
   • Moving inland, we captured the family in the expansive fields of Hawaii, with rolling hills and dramatic skies creating a striking contrast to the earlier beach scenes.
5. Mother and Daughter
   • A tender moment between mother and daughter, with the gentle waves and soft light providing an intimate, heartfelt setting for this special bond.

The post Family Portrait Session in Hawaii first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

In June of 2024, I had the pleasure of photographing the Pendroy family on the stunning beaches of Kona, Hawaii. This session was a perfect example of how Hawaii’s natural beauty enhances family portraits, creating unforgettable memories.

The Setting Kona’s beaches provided the ideal backdrop with their golden sands, blue waters, and beautiful golden sunsets. The natural light was perfect, adding a warm glow to every shot and making the family’s white outfits pop against the serene beach setting.

The Experience Working with the Pendroy family was a joy. They were relaxed and natural, which made capturing genuine moments easy. From the girls walking along the shore to the entire family posing together, every shot was filled with warmth and love.

The Photos Here are some of my favorite images from the session:

1. Sisters by the Sea: The girls walking together, their dresses flowing in the breeze, with the sun setting behind them, created a magical silhouette.
2. Family Togetherness: The entire family standing together on the beach, smiles all around, showcasing their love and connection.
   
3. Close-Up Love: A close-up shot of the family, capturing their expressions and the joy of being together in such a beautiful place.
   
4. Rainbow Magic: To top it all off, a beautiful rainbow appeared, adding an extra touch of magic to the family’s portraits.
   

Book Your Session If you’re looking for a photographer in Kona, Hawaii, for your family portraits, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you capture your family’s special moments in this beautiful paradise.

Check out more of my work and get in touch to book your session today!

The post Family Portraits at Kona Beach first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

Tips for Shooting at Kona Beach on film with out a light meter

Hey there, friends! I recently had a fantastic photo shoot at the gorgeous Kona side beach around 6 PM. As a Hawaii photographer, I love capturing those perfect beach moments, but this shoot came with its own set of challenges and rewards.

First off, the sun was still pretty high when we started, which wasn’t ideal. I didn’t want to backlight my clients too much, and having them squinting into the sun just wasn’t an option. To top it off, I realized I’d left my trusty light meter at home. Panic mode, right? Not really. Years of shooting in Hawaii have taught me to adapt on the fly.

So, I relied on my experience and the good old sunny 16 rule. For those who aren’t familiar, in full sunlight (not sunset), I’d shoot at f/16 with the shutter speed matching the ISO speed. If the light’s partially blocked by a cloud, I’d adjust to around f/8 or f/11. And if there’s shade from a tree or something similar, I’d take it down another stop to f/5.6.

When it comes to matching the ISO speed with the shutter speed, I start at ISO 100, which would be equivalent to a shutter speed of 1/60. ISO 200 would correspond to 1/125, and ISO 400 would go up to 1/500. For this shoot, I had my settings at 1/125 at f/5.6 in the shade with ISO 200 and f/11 in direct sun.

Given the high sun, I scouted the beach for a shady spot to set up. Finding the right place made all the difference. The shade provided a softer light, making my clients look fantastic without them needing to squint or suffer from harsh lighting.

So, next time you’re at the beach and the light isn’t perfect, don’t sweat it. Trust your instincts, embrace the challenge, and you might just capture something amazing. That’s the beauty of being a photographer, especially in Hawaii!

The post Tips for Shooting at Kona Beach on film with out a light meter first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

Tips for a Great Family Photoshoot in Kona, Hawaii

As a photographer in Hawaii, I’ve shot many family portraits in Kona. With its stunning beaches and beautiful golden sunsets, Kona is the perfect backdrop for capturing those special family moments. Here are some tips I’ve gathered to help you make the most of your family photoshoot in Kona and ensure it’s a fun and memorable experience.

• Have a Shot List: Plan ahead and create a shot list to ensure you capture all the important groupings. For example, grandkids with grandma, siblings together, and the entire family. This helps keep things organized and makes sure you don’t miss any must-have photos.
• Coordinate Outfits: Encourage everyone to wear complementary colors without being too matchy-matchy. This creates a cohesive look without making everyone look identical.
• Use Different Groupings: Mix and match people in different combinations to capture a variety of interactions and relationships. For instance, parents with kids, cousins together, and each individual family unit.
• Scout and Familiarize Yourself with the Location: Visit the location beforehand to understand the best spots for photos and to anticipate any challenges. Knowing the layout and how the light looks will help a lot and ensure the shoot goes smoothly.
• Check Sunrise and Sunset Times: Look up the sunrise or sunset times and plan to start shooting at least 30 minutes before. This ensures you capture the beautiful golden hour light, which is perfect for photos. While golden hour is the easiest for stunning images, great shots can be taken throughout the day.
• Engage with Clients: Don’t spend too much time looking at the screen of your camera. Stay engaged with your clients to make them feel comfortable and to capture more natural moments.
• Have a Mood Board: Sometimes it helps to show clients a visual reference for the poses or mood you are aiming for. A mood board can guide them and keep the shoot on track. Pay attention to clients’ energy and style; some images from the mood board may be out of their comfort zone and make them feel awkward. Disregard those and move on, but always stay engaged with them and make them feel comfortable.
• Stay Relaxed and Have Fun: Large group shoots can be hectic, but keeping the mood light and fun helps everyone relax and enjoy the session.
• Assign a Helper: Having someone assist with organizing people and keeping track of the shot list can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Including these tips in your planning will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and successful family photoshoot in Kona, Hawaii, especially for large groups.

Check out my family portrait album. Family Portrait Album

The post Tips for a Great Family Photoshoot in Kona, Hawaii first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.