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.

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.