Road To WAKO 2021: HiBred House

Hey All!

Most recently, we got wind of our friends from HiBred House would also be taking part in the WAKO tournament coming up this month. So off to the Eastside we went! We ended up doing some portraits of them as they prepped for their upcoming competition. The fighters competing consist of Alfonzo Martinez, Tristan Futa, Scott Higashi, Webster Aluli, Nakoa Fujimura, Nate Yoshimura, and Ikaika Barboza. We even had Canaan Kawaihae appear for a cameo! Hibred House will be going up with Westside Striking to compete and hopefully put Hawaii on the map once again for combat sports. Have a look at our session and enjoy!

*If you would like to help support their journey, reach out to coach Kaleo Kwan :)

Keiki Of The Future: Westside Striking

They say children are the future. This couldn’t be any more true. The keiki of today are the future leaders of tomorrow. They will be the ones leading us in due time. This pertains to everything, including combat sports.

I had the pleasure of getting some portraits done with some of the keiki of an awesome and humble group that is Westside Striking. As the name implies, we ventured out West to Waianae. Now any negative stereotypes you may have or may have heard, try to tune them out. Not everything you heard is 100% true all the time. Sometimes, some unfortunate things happen. A couple of bad apples should ruin your opinion of the whole tree. In fact, some of the kindest people I know are in Waianae. Some were even born and raised there. Just remember, don’t mistake ANYONE’S Aloha for weakness ;)

I was able to work with some of the members of the team. It’s hard to believe this was hardly a fraction of the whole team. It was a fun session, and hopefully won’t be the last with this awesome and humble group. Take a quick look and enjoy! Thanks again to the coaches, kids, and parents for having us there!

Francis

A Corporal Sunset

Hi Everyone!

We have worked with quite a few individuals who have served our country and fought for our freedom, but it has been a while. Meet Corporal Bryce Wagner!

I was contacted by Bryce’s mom Tammy, who came by recommendation through my other half’s coworker. She had told me that Bryce would be home on leave, and would like a few shots with him in his dress blues. As I said, I’ve photographed our military men and women before, but not a marine in his/her dress blues. Once I knew Tammy’s idea and suggestion, I was stoked! Thank you Bryce for your service, along with everyone else who serves our country and fights for our freedom!

Here’s a quick look into our session! Enjoy!

Francis

*PS, the salute silhoutte came by my other half’s idea :)

Drayden Senior Portraits

Hi All!  For the last (minute lol) senior portrait of the season, we got to work with Drayden!

I first met Drayden back when he was in elementary school.  His mom and I were college classmates, and man was it quite a difference seeing him now and remembering him back then!  He grew quite a bit (not really, more like a lot haha) and got to know him a little more during his session. 

Congrats on making it this far Dray!  Continue to prosper and looking forward to what the future has in store for you!  So lucky you get to go to Japan for your graduation present!  Dress up and go meet up with some anime fanatics while you are there!

FQ

Dulay vs Vanapruks

Happy Saturday All!

It's not too often you get called to photograph a face-off... of a different kind :)

I've been friends with Justin for a few years, ever since the first time I photographed one of his kickboxing fights.  The more I photographed combat sports, the more I was able to talk stories with him and get to know him.  Naturally, I ended up meeting his other half Sarah, who has been a huge supporter of Justin in his martial arts accolades.  She always said that we would photograph more than just fights for them... After years of being together, Justin FINALLY popped the question!  And with that, the famous #itsabouttimejustindulay hashtag was born!  Haha!

What started as a joke on Justin's end, ended up becoming reality in the form of their save the date!  Of the engagements and save the dates we have done in the past, this was the first of it's kind!  Can't wait to see this one!  Justin Dulay vs Sarah Vanapruks!  She will be fighting for his last name!  Clever and cute!  Peep a small sample guys!

*Special thanks to Amanda Hipolito for piecing the graphic design for the fight poster!

Mr. & Mrs. Gbolo

Hey guys!  We got the opportunity to photograph a beautiful wedding at the Hale Koa Estate in Hau'ula, and we had the honor of working with my cousin Fay and new cousin Lawrence.  We had our good friend Glenn of Dreamlight Portraits along with us for the experience.

Every talk leading up to the big day brought back memories of when I used to hang with Fay and Fay's sister Emily at family parties and their house when we were younger.  Still in shock and awe that she asked us to cover her big day haha!  On wedding day, I finally got to meet Lawrence.  My new cousin is originally from Liberia, and I had never spoken to him until that day.  From the moment we met, he treated me as if I were a part of his own family.  The funny thing is, a matter of hours from then, he would be joining mine.  I knew from that moment on, my cousin was in good hands.

Thank you Fay and Lawrence for having us.  It was a beautiful day for the both of you, and was an awesome Liberian/Filipino wedding.  Best wishes and many years for the both of you to come!  Enjoy a few looks from their day!

Francis