By Sterling Batson

The Ambient Light Comes First

The Digital Advantage

Blending Flash Without It Looking “Flashy”

Headshot Photography on the Big Island

Let’s Create Your Portrait

The post Why I Shoot Digital Headshots in Hilo (And How I Blend Flash with Natural Light) first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

When it comes to film photography, the Mamiya RZ 67 holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just a tool—it’s a camera that slows me down, helps me focus, and makes every frame feel intentional. Here’s why this camera is my all-time favorite:

Incredible Quality: The 6×7 negatives produce stunning detail, and the lenses are absolutely top-notch. One of the things I love most is how close I can get to my subject with the lens—there’s something intimate and powerful about filling the frame like that. Additionally, the ability to switch from portrait to landscape just by rotating the back adds incredible versatility.

Feel & Viewfinder: The camera feels amazing in hand, and the viewfinder is a joy to look through. It’s like peering into a window that perfectly frames your shot. As a result, composing becomes a meditative part of the process.

The Only Downside: It doesn’t have autofocus, which can be a challenge in fast-paced situations. However, I’ve grown completely used to it. For slower, more deliberate shooting—like portraits or fine art—it’s perfect. And with only 10 shots per roll, each one feels valuable.

Final Thoughts: Overall, the Mamiya RZ 67 is my go-to for anything that requires a bit more time and precision. It’s truly unmatched in quality and feel.

Here are some black and white images shot on the Mamiya RZ 67:

The post Mamiya RZ 67: My Favorite Camera of All Time first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

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 August 2024, I had the chance to photograph Jessica and Rainer on the breathtaking Kalapana cliffs in Hawaii. With the rugged volcanic rock and a stunning sunset as our backdrop, we captured some truly special moments between the couple. The raw beauty of the location, combined with their connection, made for some incredible photos. Plus, shooting on film gave everything an extra timeless feel.

The Perfect Location: Kalapana Cliff at Sunset

Kalapana Cliff is one of those places that feels untouched and powerful. The black volcanic rocks, the crashing waves, and the golden sunset created an epic setting for Jessica and Rainer’s shoot. The light at sunset was soft and warm, and the couple’s white outfits stood out perfectly against the dark rocks. It was the kind of atmosphere that made every shot feel magical.

Why I Chose Film for This Shoot

For this session, I used my Mamiya RZ67 and shot on Kodak Gold 200 and Kodak Professional Portra 800. Film captures light in a way that feels so natural, and I love how it picks up on the warmth and texture of a scene. In this case, it highlighted the golden hues of the sunset and added a soft, timeless feel to the photos. Film might take a little more time and effort, but the results are always worth it.

Highlights of the Shoot

1. The Cliffside
   • With the sun setting behind them, Jessica and Rainer shared a quiet moment on the edge of the cliff. The golden light made everything feel so warm and intimate, and the natural setting added to the magic of the moment.
2. The Power of the Ocean
   • One of my favorite moments was when a big wave crashed in the background, adding drama to the scene. Jessica and Rainer stood calmly, their connection shining through, even with the waves making their presence known.
3. Timeless Black and White
   • I always try to include some black and white shots in every session. There’s something about black and white that draws attention to the emotion of the moment. The image of Jessica and Rainer standing arm in arm, gazing at the ocean, felt even more powerful in black and white.
4. Jessica’s Solo Portrait
   • Jessica looked absolutely stunning sitting on the rocks, with her white dress contrasting against the dark volcanic stones. The soft light of the sunset made this shot one of my favorites from the entire session.

Why I Love Shooting in Film

Shooting with film, especially in a place as natural and raw as Kalapana Cliff, always feels like the right choice. The colors, the grain, and the way film captures light all add something special. The combination of Kodak Gold 200 for those warm sunset tones and Portra 800 for the lower light worked perfectly to bring out the beauty of both the couple and the surroundings.

Final Thoughts

Photographing Jessica and Rainer at Kalapana Cliff was an unforgettable experience. The rugged landscape, paired with their connection, made for some truly memorable images. Film photography added a unique, timeless quality to the session that I love.

If you’re planning a couple’s session or elopement in Hawaii and want photos that capture the natural beauty of the islands and your special connection, let’s chat. I’d love to help create something that you’ll treasure forever.

The post Jessica & Rainer’s Sunset Photoshoot at Kalapana Cliff 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 July 2024, I had the privilege of photographing Punam and Hemant’s beautiful wedding in Ninole, Hawaii. The event was a vibrant celebration of love and tradition, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Hawaiian landscape.

1. The Ceremonial Traditions

The day began with a series of traditional rituals, each representing the rich cultural heritage of the couple. The ceremony took place at around 7 a.m., allowing us to capture the soft morning light that enhanced the intricate details of Punam’s attire and the vivid colors of the ritual offerings. Shooting with my Mamiya RZ67, I was able to document these serene and meaningful moments with precision and clarity.

2. The Hand Ceremony

The traditional hand ceremony was a highlight, featuring beautiful henna designs and floral garlands. This intimate moment showcased the deep connection between the couple, and the natural light beautifully highlighted the intricate details and emotions.

3. A Moment of Togetherness

4. A Joyful Stroll

As Punam and Hemant took a stroll through the garden, the beauty of the moment was perfectly captured on Kodak Professional Ektar 100. This film’s fine grain and excellent color saturation made the lush greenery and vibrant colors of their attire pop, creating a stunning contrast that emphasized their love and happiness.

Conclusion

Punam and Hemant’s wedding in Ninole, Hawaii, was a beautiful blend of tradition, culture, and love. Capturing their special day at 7 a.m. in such a serene setting allowed me to create timeless images of their celebration.

If you’re planning a wedding in Hawaii and want to capture your special day with timeless and unique photos, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you preserve your memories in a way that’s as special as your love story.

More Photos for This wedding

The post Punam & Hemant’s Wedding 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.

If you’re looking for a real estate headshot in Hawaii, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you capture the perfect shot!

The post Realtor Headshot in Hawaii first appeared on Sterling Batson | Photographer in Hilo & Kona Hawaii.

In May of 2024, I had the pleasure of shooting a wedding in Kona, Hawaii, using my beloved Mamiya RZ67 camera. As a Kona photographer, this medium format camera is one of my favorites, and using it for a wedding was an absolute joy.

The Mamiya RZ67 isn’t the fastest camera out there, and it only takes 10 shots per roll. This meant I had to be very precise with the shots I wanted to capture and anticipate each moment carefully. The need for precision and anticipation made the experience even more rewarding.

I love this camera for many reasons. Its handling is fantastic, and the viewfinder provides a clear, immersive experience. The image quality it produces is unparalleled, with rich, detailed shots that truly stand out. Plus, the slower pace it demands helps me really feel and connect with each shot.

For faster action shots, I use a 35mm camera with autofocus, but for any slower-paced moments, the RZ67 was perfect. Despite its limitations in speed, I enjoyed shooting this wedding immensely. As a Kona photographer, the Mamiya RZ67 allowed me to capture the essence of the day in a unique and beautiful way.

Check out some of the images from this beautiful Kona wedding to see the magic of the Mamiya RZ67 in action. I look forward to shooting many more weddings as a Kona photographer with this incredible camera.

The post Shooting a Kona Wedding with My Mamiya RZ67 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.