For the inspired & intentional
Legacy Storytelling
THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII
Wild Places
Unique Stories
Bold Hearts
The
Island
Of Hawaii
Big-Island Based Engagement
& Couples Photographer
You Can Have The
Experience,
Photos,
& Memories
You've Always Wanted...
...And it can be a stress-free and fun experience!
The Best Part Of Your
The Big Island holds space for love that’s rooted, wild, and real. Whether you’re marking your engagement or simply slowing down together, this is about more than photos—it’s about legacy. I’ll help you remember how it felt: the ocean breeze, your laughter echoing down the coast, and the way you looked at each other—unshaken, steady, in love.
let's get started
Story Is
Just Beginning
inquire here
→ Let's document this chapter with meaning
→ Celebrate a love that feels steady
→ Capture who you truly are
→ Slow down and be present
→ Marking what already matters most
→ Remembering this season as it felt
More Than Just
The Photos...
Planning far can be tough — I’ll guide you through it all so you can stay grounded, connected, and focused on what really matters.
You’re not here for staged smiles. You’re here to feel something real, and to remember it for a lifetime.
get to know me
Living in the islands these past few years has allowed me to step into the legacies and love stories of the couples I get to work with, bringing an incredible sense of purpose and joy into my life.
My hope is that our photography experience goes beyond beautiful images. I want you to see your story reflected in every piece, and to carry that feeling with you for years to come.
Because yes, anyone can take your photo at the pretty sunset or picturesque location that engulfs these islands, but I want you to feel this moment, and remember how it truly felt.
I'm Joel
Think of that nostalgic heart-throb moment every time you pull out your photo album and remember what it was like when it felt like you and your person were the only two that existed.
Hawaii-based wedding and engagement photographer
The One Behind
The Camera...
Tristan & Hannah | Surprise Proposal
Would highly recommend! Joel far exceeded my expectations delivering an amazing photoshoot for my engagement and photos that I will look back on for a lifetime. Not only were the photos 10/10, the experience was incredible! We showed up at our spot a little earlier before my fiance showed up and we found the best angles and Joel was so helpful giving insight. He hid in the grass and captured every moment of my proposal! I'm so grateful for this company!!
"Not only were the photos 10/10, the experience was incredible!"
testimonials 01 | 10
Dakota & Carsyn | Engagement
My Fiancé, Carsyn, and I absolutely loved our entire experience with Joel. From booking with Joel to receiving our photos it was effortless and smooth. Even though I gave him such short notice, he was still able to fit us in his schedule and he communicated with me thoroughly.
He’s an excellent photographer and gave Carsyn and I simple prompts that made our photoshoot feel fun, natural, and lively. The photos turned out so good and have a wide variety of aesthetics and themes while all sharing the same vibe. If you are looking for affordable and excellent photos as well as an incredible experience, Joel is who you should book!
"He’s an excellent photographer and gave Carsyn and I simple prompts that made our photoshoot feel fun, natural, and lively."
testimonials 02 | 10
Navneel & Anna | Surprise Proposal
I highly recommend getting your photoshoot done with Joel. I could tell he was genuine in ensuring that the proposal went perfect (it did). He sent multiple location options to choose from, scoped the area multiple times prior to proposal day as my requirements for the location was secluded beach. He really took the stress out of the whole thing. During the shoot, he was really easy to work it. This was our first photoshoot ever and so we were a bit nervous but he made us feel really comfortable throughout the entire time. He had his own suggestion and was open to some of our suggestions as well. The photos turned out SOO GOOD and he had a very quick turnaround. Overall it was a lot of fun, 10/10. Thank you so much Joel!!!
"I could tell he was genuine in ensuring that the proposal went perfect (it did)."
testimonials 03 | 10
Jessica & Drew | Engagement
Had an amazing experience with Joel and Whiteshell Photography Co. for our engagement pictures. He went above and beyond to make us comfortable during the entire shoot! Thanks again for capturing our special moment!
"He went above and beyond to make us comfortable during the entire shoot!"
testimonials 04 | 10
Nik & Natalie | Surprise Proposal
I’m so happy we went with Joel to do our proposal/engagement photos. He was so easy and fun to work with, gave great directions and made the whole experience so fun! He had a quick turnaround time and the photos turned out BEAUTIFUL
"He was so easy and fun to work with, gave great directions and made the whole experience so fun!"
testimonials 05 | 10
Samantha & Andre | Honeymoon
We had our honeymoon in Hawaï, and decided to get newly wed photos taken. I am so glad that we found Joel! The whole experience was amazing, Joel and Hannah were so easy to work with and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera! We are so happy with how the photos turned out! If you’re considering booking with Joel, do it!!!
"The whole experience was amazing, Joel and Hannah were so easy to work with and made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera!
testimonials 06 | 10
Joey & Liz | Engagement
Joel was great work with. He made us feel really comfortable and relaxed during the shoot. He also did a great job giving posing cues to help us feel confident, which made the photos turn out amazing!
"Joel was great work with. He made us feel really comfortable and relaxed during the shoot."
testimonials 07 | 10
Keila & Joseph | Honeymoon
If you can book with Joel, DO IT!!!!! He is the best!! If we’re ever back in Hawaii we will 10000% book with him again. He helped us pick a location that we were looking for and made my Pinterest board come to life!!! I could not recommend him enough! He took my elopement pictures and some family pictures. He was awesome with my nieces!! HIGHLY recommend!!
"If you can book with Joel, DO IT!!!!! He is the best!! If we’re ever back in Hawaii we will 10000% book with him again."
testimonials 08 | 10
Neeti & Gracen | Honeymoon
Our experience with Joel was amazing! Joel kept our photoshoot super fun yet professional. We never felt like we were guessing how to set up for the shot or confused on what to do next. My husband & I laughed and had fun with Joel as he was capturing some fun moments. Would highly recommend anyone to get photos through him!!
"We never felt like we were guessing how to set up for the shot or confused on what to do next."
testimonials 09 | 10
Dani & Ryan | Maternity
We had such a great experience doing our maternity photos with Joel. He’s super easygoing and made us instantly feel comfortable being ourselves in front of the camera. The photos turned out beautiful and will feel so nostalgic in the years to come, which is exactly what we wanted. Getting ready to frame these in the nursery asap. Highly recommend!
"Getting ready to frame these in the nursery asap. Highly recommend!"
testimonials 10 | 10
inquire now
Starting Investment $800
Average Investment $1100
What makes you come most alive? Select your packages based on what you know you'll be happy with in the long term, but just know, there's an option available for you here. And even if you think your vision is too abstract? Try me, and we'll make it happen.
Investment
Want more than what you see? Let's talk and dream it out. I'm here for it.
Additional Time/Days
Want a one-of-a-kind experience? Film has it's way of sealing the images in a way digital never can.
Film Photography
The heirloom to bookend your special time. Also makes for a perfect coffee table addition at home.
Fine Art Photo Albums
Want another angle? Let's go all in get that added perspective, something unique that others often miss.
Second Professional Shooter
Along with film, one of those unique ways to get keepsakes you'll otherwise never have.
Poloroids
Maybe it's a surprise proposal you need your photos for, or perhaps you just don't want to wait. Either way, you'll get your photos 7 business days from your shoot date.
7-Day Expedited Delivery
This is the highlight of my day. When you're ready to get the conversation started, send me an inquiry, tell me your vision, and I'll take it from there!
+ Shoot Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call
- inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
+ Shoot Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call Or Email Response
For weddings, I'll confirm my availability, and if the date is available on my calendar, I'll send you a calendar link where you can schedule your consult call with me.
If it's a family or couples session, we'll bypass the call and just connect over email.
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
+ Shoot Day
- Proposal | Contract & Invoice
From here, I'll send you your proposal. Once the contract is signed and retainer payment is submitted, you are officially locked in my calendar! You'll also get resources and guides.
+ consult call
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
The long awaited day is here. We'll meet, shoot your day, and party all night long.
- Wedding/Session Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call
+ inquire
+ Editing & Delivery
I take max of 4 weeks to edit your gallery and deliver Hi-Res & Web-Size images through an online gallery for easy downloads and access.
+ Shoot Day
+ Proposal | Contract & Invoice
+ consult call
+ inquire
- Editing & Delivery
The Process
i'm feeling aligned
✗ Aloha Shirts/Theme are the only clothes worn
✓ want to fully embrace the beauty of hawaii
✗ you can't have fun or Don't love your person! (must)
✓ you want a full experience with your photographer
✗ You want the path of least resistance
✓ you value connection and photos you can Feel
✗ Traditional & Standard format sessions are a must
✓ You want to break the mold of what's normal
✓ You Love Adventure & spontaneity
✗ you want a fixed and set schedule, environment, etc.
We're a good fit if....
Maybe not a good fit if...
Where I've Been...
...Where I'm Going
100,000+
Photos
Taken
10+ Years
Photography
Experience
Published In Kona Coast Magazine
Drank
1000+ Cups of Coffee
☆☆☆☆☆
50+ 5-Star
Google Reviews
100+ Galleries Delivered
A few more testimonials...
I take on what I can manage well, without sacrificing quality and intention with my clients. Primarily on the Big Island but also between the islands. That gives me the margin to do my best work, stay creatively fueled, and give each couple the attention they deserve.
How many sessions do you take per year?
I’m based on the Big Island of Hawaii, and yes—most of my couples are flying in for their wedding or on a trip. Whether you're planning something local or destination, I’ve got the experience to make it seamless.
Where are you based? Do couples ever travel to you for shoots?
Image count depends on the session and package, but I typically deliver around 100 per hour for couple sessions. My focus is on creating intentional, meaningful art—not just stuffing galleries with duplicates or filler.
How many images do you include?
Four weeks from shoot to delivery. Every photo is hand-edited by me with a lot of care.
What is your turnaround time?
I have up to 3 payments that you can pay as we lead up to your session. A retainer will be required to hold your date, but then even payments afterwards leading up to your session will follow.
How do payment schedules work?
You’ll get a full guide from me with outfit inspiration, tips, and ideas. I’m also happy to help you pick outfits personally if you want feedback.
What do we wear for photos?
The retainer is non-refundable since it secures your date, but I handle reschedules on a case-by-case basis depending on availability. If something unexpected comes up, reach out and we’ll work through it together.
What if we need to cancel or reschedule our shoot?
We’ll reschedule if needed—no extra charge. I’m also flexible and can shoot in most conditions depending on what you’re comfortable with. We’ll chat and make the best call together.
What if there’s bad weather?
Absolutely. I help build out a timeline with you and we’ll hop on a call before the wedding to walk through every detail. I also help with location scouting and vendor recommendations—especially if you're planning from afar.
Do you help in the planning process?
If you'd like to book me for an inter-island shoot, that is always an option. Let me know what you're thinking and I'll make a custom package!
How does covering travel expenses work?
How does covering travel expenses work?
Do you help in the planning process?
What if there’s bad weather?
What if we need to cancel or reschedule our shoot or session?
What do we wear for photos?
How do payment schedules work?
What is your turnaround time?
How many images do you include?
Where are you based? Do couples ever travel to you for shoots?
How many sessions do you take per year?
I cannot reserve your date until a contract is signed and your retainer payment has been made. I book dates “first-come-first-served”, and I don’t disclose info about same-date inquiries—so, to avoid letting you down, let's schedule that call and get started as soon as you can so I can promise you that date!
A quick, but important note
YES! Let's talk more
