Photographer in Hilo, Hawaii

I’m Sterling, and I live and work in Hilo. I photograph families, couples, maternity, portraits and weddings on the east side of the Big Island, shot digitally or on medium format film.

Couple posing on a street in downtown Hilo

Couple embracing in a stream, she wears a flower crown and maternity gown

Couple standing on a black lava field under an overcast sky

Sessions in Hilo

Most sessions happen outdoors around Hilo: Honoliʻi Beach Park, Carlsmith Beach Park, downtown, and the black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls and rainforest nearby. Sessions are relaxed and unrushed. Most are shot digitally for a quick turnaround, and if you’d like something different I can shoot on a Mamiya RZ67 medium format film camera.

I’ve been photographing people for over ten years. I worked in New York before moving to the Big Island in 2018.

“He communicated clearly, chose an amazing setting for our family photos, and captured authentic moments. He was very adaptable to working with our toddler.”
— Joshua McDowell, Google review

Booking and Kona

Weddings and elopements can run from one hour to a full day. Hilo is my home base, so sessions here start lower than in Kona. Everything is on the pricing page, and I’m happy to quote anything custom through the contact page. I also travel to the west side regularly; see the Kona page.