Spread the Aloha…

I’m back… back from Hawaii, back from sunny shoots, then snowy New England shoots, plane delays, 4 day long power outages, destination weddings, (new) exhibition planning and the like.  There’s lots to update, and I promise lots of interesting posts for the new year.  But for now, as I sit here looking out from my studio over the frozen ocean… I figured I would spread the Aloha by sharing some warm weather images for everyone locked in this deep arctic freeze.  It’s only December and I fear I’m losing my tough New England grit… I’m daydreaming of surf and sun, all the time!

Rainbows over Pipeline.  North Shore, Oahu.

My beautiful wife Malia, back in the homeland…

As many folks know, we were lucky enough to have some photo assignments in Hawaii recently.  My wife (Christine Malia) was born and raised on the windward side of Oahu, and we were married in her hometown.  Returning to the islands is very important to us, to see the family and reconnect with the land and the sea.  For me, it’s a reminder that I’m a pale, bald, Irish/Norwegian/Polish Boston raised mutt… but most certainly a Hawaiian at heart, in love with the ocean and the culture.  For Malia, it’s a homecoming of course… where speaking Pidgin or Japanese to a neighbor is commonplace, seaweed and spam a delicacy, and climbing trees for fresh fruit is what every local kid does after a surf session.  The weather, the traditions, the surf… it’s as basic and engrained in her as anything I know.  It’s really beautiful to see her in her element.

Charging out to the lineup…

Malia, post surf… warming up in her Hawaiian winter gear.

Dawn Patrol on Sunset Beach, North Shore, Oahu. 

“Our” beach… Malia’s local, hometown beach… and the one we were married on five wonderful years ago.

The Entry.  Pipeline, Oahu.

We had GREAT conditions… double to triple overhead… but super crowded.  Look in the background at the number of people taking off on one of these waves.

This little kid was AWESOME.  He wandered onto the beach at Pipeline… clearly local, still yawning and sleepy.  He’s probably 12 years old, and must have just rolled out of bed.  He looks out at the triple overhead surf for a few seconds, then promptly walks down to Pipeline and proceeds to TEAR it up.  It was amazing to see.

Malia showing her goofball husband the ropes.

Our final morning run up to Makapu Lighthouse.

Happy Holidays to everyone!!!  Thanks for your patience while I was away… for all those editors, clients, friends and family waiting for something while we were away THANK YOU.  We had a wonderful time, and will have some uplifting winter scenes soon!  Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka!