Photographer in Hilo, Hawaii
Couple portrait on a street in downtown Hilo, Hawaii

Hilo · East Hawaii

Photographer in Hilo, Hawaii

Relaxed, unrushed sessions around Hilo, from black sand beaches to rainforest and waterfalls.

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I’m Sterling, and I live and work in Hilo. I photograph families, couples, maternity, headshots and weddings on the east side of the Big Island.

Digital Sessions

From $395

Easygoing sessions around Hilo, outdoors or in my downtown studio, with lots of variety. Your edited gallery arrives within 14 days.

Headshots from $295

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Film Sessions

From $495

Slower and more considered, on a Mamiya RZ67 medium format camera. I develop the black and white film myself.

2, 4 or 6 rolls

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Weddings

From $750

Elopements and weddings on the east side, from a short ceremony by the water to a full day.

1 to 8 hours of coverage

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Same prices in Hilo and Kona. Full details are on the pricing page.

Family portrait on a lava rock beach near Hilo, HawaiiMaternity couple in a stream near Hilo, Hawaii, she wears a flower crownCouple on a black lava field on the Big Island near Hilo, Hawaii

A few favorite spots

Tell me a little about your family and I’ll suggest the one that fits.

Honoliʻi Beach

Surf, the river mouth and big green cliffs, just north of town.

Carlsmith Beach

Clear, calm water and lava rock along Keaukaha. Easy with little ones.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Japanese gardens, stone bridges and the bay. Lovely on a cloudy day.

Wailoa River

Wide open lawns by the river and the bay, close to downtown.

King’s Landing

Rugged lava coastline and waves on the edge of town.

My Hilo studio

Downtown at 166 Kamehameha Ave, for when the rain won’t let up.

“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

How it works

  1. Send me a quick note with the kind of session you’d like.
  2. I’ll get back to you within a day to talk through dates, places and ideas.
  3. We meet, take our time and have fun. Your gallery arrives online soon after.
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Good to know

Light: early morning or the last hour before sunset is softest, and an overcast day is lovely for portraits.
Rain: Hilo showers pass quickly. If the weather looks rough, we’ll pick a new time together or head to the studio.
Included: a private online gallery within 14 days, retouching and full personal use rights.
West side: I drive over to Kona regularly. See the Kona page.

I’ve been photographing people since 2009, and worked in New York before moving to the Big Island in 2018.