Hello All,
I recently had the good fortune of spending two weeks in Hawaii early this March. The first week was spent filming interviews, a B-roll of our Plunge partners, and pros for a new upcoming product launch campaign. The second week, I flew my wife Jill in for our 28th wedding anniversary, and we enjoyed a mix of relaxing and touring the island.
Honolulu International Airport
As a photographer with a penchant for the timeless allure of black-and-white imagery, I found myself drawn to Maui's hidden treasures, its ancient, unmatched beauty woven into the fabric of its landscapes. In a world saturated with vibrant colors, I enjoyed capturing Maui's essence through a different lens—one that stripped away the technicolor postcard dreams, leaving only the raw emotion and texture behind.
Paia Coastline with the famous “Mama’s” Restaurant in the distance
My first photo walk included the volcanic coastline of Paia. The striking contrast between the rolling farmlands above and the dramatic intermittent rocky coastline was an incredible opportunity to capture some unique imagery of Maui I had yet to experience in previous visits.
The next visit included the vast northern coastline near Nakalele Blowhole. The sheer cliffs leading down to the icy blue waters allowed for endless vistas and some of the most treacherous stretches of water I've seen anywhere.
We unknowingly saved the best for last. Walking through the dense jungles of the Iao Valley, I felt a profound connection to unearthly beauty. The gnarled roots of ancient trees took on a sculptural quality, each twist and turn sharing a story of resilience and endurance. At the same time, delicate island flowers grew with ease amongst the greenery. The majestic mist-shrouded peaks of the Iao Needle appeared otherworldly against a backdrop of pillowy clouds that cleared long enough for some lovely images and then returned into the fog.
In contrast to the color photographs that adorn travel brochures, my black-and-white images certainly offer a unique perspective that may invite viewers to slow down and immerse themselves in a different kind of beauty. This was my fifth trip to the Hawaiian islands over the last 30 years, and I felt it revealed a new appreciation for the subtle essence of this ancient land. Ultimately, I hope these images invite others to visit and see Maui through new eyes.
Mahalo
Benjamin Fargen
Gear Used
Camera: The images in this newsletter were mostly shot with my very well-loved A7R2 and a Zeiss Batis 85mm lens. The wide 16:9 shots were taken with my iPhone 14 using the impressive Camera 1 Black & White photo app.
*All photographs featured on this blog are the exclusive property of Benjamin Fargen. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of these images is strictly prohibited without prior consent. If you wish to use any of the photographs showcased here, please contact Benjamin Fargen for permission.
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