Can you share a photo that reflects your work? What’s the story behind this photo?
This image reflects my artistic and candid nature.  It is a natural moment of a bride and groom exiting a church in Makawao, while the guests who await shower them with bubbles.  The artistic element here is my use of the tilt as well as capturing the bubbles in the foreground—some of them almost landing on the lens.  This image gives the viewer a personal perspective, as if they were actually there.

What was it that lit your photography spark?
It was the culmination of many events that led to my interest in becoming a visual artist…in essence, a photographer.
My great aunt gave me an old twin lens reflex camera when I was a ripe old age of 5.  I remember the imagination it sparked when I looked upon the glass focusing screen at the top of the camera and the pop-up hood which surrounded it. It was quite a mechanical wonder for such a youngster with simple toys at the time of 1982.

I grew up watching classic films including the works of famous directors like Stanley Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola, among others.  Many of these films portrayed a strong sense of visual style and emotion.  This is exactly what began a lifelong impression and a very deep interest in the world of photography.

Years later, during an eighth grade class excursion to Washington DC, I borrowed my mother’s 35mm film camera to document my experience.  During that trip I was immersed in American history and architecture.  What more than the many landmarks of DC to capture my imagination for composition and more importantly, a story telling image.

I was 13 years old at the time, and I told all of my close friends during that trip that I had discovered exactly what I wanted to be when I grow up—a professional photographer. It was quite simply, an epiphany.  I strived toward that direction for the next several years and finally graduated from a professional photography school in 1998.  I’ve been shooting photos as a profession ever since.

What would you say is your ‘signature’ style? What do you think makes an image recognizable and uniquely yours?  Where do you look for inspiration?
Hmmmm….What’s the JAM signature style?  Well, I think the answer is with the viewer.  Although, I really try to see myself as a minimalist when it comes to the gear I use and my approach to capturing a great image.  First, I always try to utilize my natural surroundings in intelligent ways.  I take advantage of the available light.  Angles of light and composition are key elements to the overall impact of an image.  Second, a collapsible reflector is one of my main pieces of equipment.  I prefer to bounce ambient light onto my subjects rather than using a flash.  My approach of keeping with natural light portrays my images in an organic way.

What makes an image recognizably and uniquely mine? Well, I’ve been told time and again that my images evoke a strong sense of passion and spirit.  I’m not sure what people see that makes this recurring theme consistently come to surface.  Perhaps they just see what I see—a beautiful moment!

My inspiration is derived from many things, probably too many to list here… I find inspiration within simple things.  Some small, some immense. Like the love for my wife and my family. I get inspired when I meet somebody who is doing good things in our community. Being in the presence of nature and or the sacred bond between two people in love.

Music.
A person who takes pride in what they do.
A chef.
Meditation.
Silence.
A garden.
Open space.
Human warmth.
Acts of kindness.
Friendly smiles and Laughter.

These are just a few things that quickly come to mind.

What’s the best part of being a photographer?
I would have to say the most rewarding part of being a photographer is doing what I enjoy most.  I was drawn to photography at an early age and now I do it for a living.  It’s an amazing reality.  Aside from that, I love meeting new people and making them happy with my artistic imagery.

Alternate career fantasy?
Well, I’ve always been into movies… so, I would have to say that my fantasy career would be a great filmmaker or some hot-shot photographer for National Geographic.  Who doesn’t want the latter?

How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh?
I try to balance myself between my main workflow, which are weddings, and my personal projects.  Right now I’m working with a clothing designer who’s making amazing things out of plants and flowers here on Maui.  Her clothing is unlike anything out there and I get to photograph stunning people wearing these rare pieces of art.  We hope to have an exhibit of these images someday in the distant future.  It’s so important to have other projects going.  It really helps me to bring a fresh perspective when photographing one of the most important days in a couple’s lives.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?
I’ve had so many wonderful experiences in my professional career.  Everything from working as photojournalist for a Colorado newspaper to working with Native Americans on an 8X10 film portrait project.  My life has been blessed with travels all around the world, and my camera has always been there every step of the way.  That being said, I would have to come to the conclusion that, aside from the wonderful weddings, I really find that my current side projects are becoming the most memorable at this time.

What advice do you have for photographers just starting out?
Study the greats!  What I mean by this is understand what makes an image impactful and know how the camera works.  There is a misconception that if you have the best gear, you’ll be a great photographer.  Remember, it’s the driver behind the wheel.  The person behind the lens allows your content to thrive with spirit and passion!

Who or what inspires your work?
My wife is carrying our first child in her womb at this moment.  This experience of becoming a father has been the greatest inspiration of my life!

What advice can you give couples when they are looking for a photographer for their wedding day?
Make sure your photographer of choice has tons of experience.  A great personality is also very important.  Great wedding photographers are not born overnight.  Hah!

What do you feel is most unique about Maui for destination weddings?
We have ALOHA!  Hospitality in Maui is like no other.

Favorite childhood memory
I was a happy child.  I enjoyed so many moments.  I can’t set aside just one memory.  Perhaps the holiday season.  I always loved Thanksgiving!  To me it was all about family being together and eating lots of great home cooking!

Your latest obsession
I’m obsessed with taking photos!  I know that sounds obvious, but it’s true.  I’m really a photo geek!  If I’m not taking pictures, I’m somewhere else taking pictures!  Get it?!

And my latest obsession is working in my studio.  I opened a photo studio last summer, and I’m always there.  It’s like my second home or should I say it’s like my first?!  I love it there, because when I’m in the studio I’m very productive.

Something you will likely never change
I’ll never set down my camera!

Favorite food/Favorite Maui restaurant
Aside from Thai Food, my favorite is my wife’s homecooked meals.  She cooks with love.  Nothing beats it!

Describe your ideal day
I really love being out in the water when I get the opportunity.  An ideal day would be spearing some fresh fish and throwing it on the grill to share with good friends on the beach.

Best kept secret about you (or) things only your best friend knows about you
You’ll have to ask my best friend.

Favorite musician
I looooove music!  All day, everyday! One of my all-time favorite musicians would have to be the late, great John Coltrane.

Things that make your heart happy
Knowing that people are taking care of each other.

Most exciting career move or change
My most exciting career move is when I decided to be a wedding photographer.  I never thought it would happen.  Throughout my 3 years of schooling, my professors always discouraged us from shooting weddings.  They said they were too stressful and blah, blah, blah.  But I later discovered I have a very natural ability for them.  I soon began sharing my talents within the world of weddings and excelling quite naturally.

What tips or advice (apart from second shooting) could you give to someone wanting to become a professional photographer?
Specialize. There are many different types of photographers, so decide what aspect you like about being a photographer and focus your time and energy into it.  Completely.  Once you’ve discovered what your focus is, do that one thing until you become the very best at it.

Apart from sheer hard work, what would you say has been the main key to the success of your business?
A positive attitude.

What lenses do you use the most and why do you love them?
My two main lenses are the 70-200mm zoom and the 24-70mm. My 70-200mm allows my to observe from a distance.  And my 24-70mm allows me to be right in the mess, so to speak!

24.  If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self – regardless of money, time or childcare issues – where would you go and why?
I would love to meet the people of Tibet.  I was in China with my wife last year.  We were traveling around the vast country and discovered that foreigners were not allowed to enter Tibet because of political reasons.  So, knowing that I cannot travel there makes it more appealing to me than ever.  I hope to someday spend at least one week in Tibet.