The 8 Best Editorial Photographers in Honolulu

Documentary photojournalism, story-driven weddings, environmental portraiture—when it comes to the world of editorial storytelling, there is no limit to how creative photographers can express themselves. What’s most important is the story element and how it is conveyed through the visual medium—something that each of these talented Honolulu editorial photographers is a master of doing. If you’re looking for your next creative partner, feel free to browse these creatives’ portfolios and let us know your thoughts!

1. Joel Terrón

Commercial, editorial, product, and catalog photography are just a few of the talents that Joel Terrón has to share here! His ability to not only document and highlight but craft narratives that express what products, services, and people have to offer is what makes him one of the top Honolulu editorial photographers.

For starters, Joel is a favorite of major partners like Nike, The Drake Hotel, and other quality-driven name brands. He is also a first-place winner of the TWWLI International Photography Contest!

2. David Croxford

The portfolio of David Croxford is a deep look into the work of a successful career editorial and event photographer. As chief photographer for PacificBasin Communications from 2007 until recently, and even now as a freelancer, David finds storytelling moments and angles that express what each event is about in a concise and impactful fashion. Small wonder he is a partner of choice for editorial publications like Honolulu Family Magazine, Hawaii Business Magazine, and Whaler’s Village Magazine.

3. Kimo Lauer

Portraits that bridge individual expressions of beauty with classic presentations of subjects is what Kimo Lauer does best! By using an editorial approach to portraiture, he brings in fashion elements that would be entirely at home in a lookbook, catalog, or major publication. And by building long-term relationships with his clients, Kimo shows that his approach can meet the needs of even the most demanding of partners.

As Brook Lee, Miss Universe contestant shares, “For the past 25 years, Kimo was based in Hollywood, while also traveling the world on assignment photographing models, actors, artists, and athletes. He is my official photographer since day one.”

4. Lorena Gheorghe

So often when we think of editorial images we think of photojournalism and fashion photography. But did you know that weddings and portrait sessions can also convey editorial narratives? Lorena Gheorghe is here today to demonstrate this approach.

Lorena blends fashion techniques with narrative-driven compositions to convey what makes each of her couples and individual subjects special. Apparel, environment, and light all help bring themes to life. Ranging from stories about nostalgic weddings to shamanic encounters, Lorena merges story and beauty in each of her images!

5. Kelsey of Dawn and Dusk Photography

Another photographer who celebrates love and beauty through an editorial lens is Kelsey of Dawn and Dusk Photography. Her work shows that it is always possible to create something fresh, even in genres that can feel traditional to the point of being impossible to do so. Kelsey’s couples, group, and individual portraits all have a playfulness and love for authenticity that elevates it beyond that of other creatives.

It seems that her love for connection and trust play a huge role in how her photographs are received by viewers. As Kelsey shares in her own words, “I am all about that raw vulnerability and how much trust goes into co-creating with the love story that exists between you and your partner.” And the stories on display merge so perfectly with the nostalgic and romantic elements of wedding photography. Adventurous outdoor surroundings, quaint church venues, and other environments all highlight story elements for viewers to better understand what makes each ceremony unique.

6. Natalia Mastra

Editorial portrait photography like that of Natalia Mastra is a favorite of ours to explore. Her narratives convey themes like family outings along the beach, romantic getaways, and even the timeless bond between mother and child. The way Natalia uses both the authentic bonds her subjects share while highlighting them through apparel and compositional choices is an excellent blend between the editorial and lifestyle genres.

And we love even more her way of using light, contrast, and color in each scene! Natalia’s specialty is making space for both deep shadow and bright highlights. For sunshine, subdued colors, and gentle skin tones to all find their place, all while still allowing emotions and narrative to have their say within the frame.

7. Fletch Photography

“A spontaneous approach to capturing life” is the maxim by which Fletch of Fletch Photography works from. This method is immediately apparent in the adventurous, playful quality that comes across when viewing his images. Fletch’s portfolio is barefoot wandering in the sand, warm sunshine on your skin as you swim, and other Hawaiian motifs that never grow old.

And if you are looking for one of the most talented Honolulu editorial photographers who has his own props to breathe life into a collaboration, then you’ve come to the right place! Because Fletch’s 1956 Volkswagen split-window bus adds a classic element to any editorial, lifestyle, or wedding photoshoot.

8. Darien of DMISCMEDIA

Darien’s approach is to work with the warm sun, clear skies, and idyllic surroundings of Hawaii to ensure viewers know exactly where a session took place. There is a distinct boldness to Darien’s images in how he poses his subjects. Each image conveys confidence, self-love, beauty, and other traits that only a master portrait photographer can so easily convey.

And if you’re on the hunt for Honolulu editorial photographers who also cover the commercial niches, then Darien’s got your back. His commercial experience includes high-end real estate photography for clients all over Oahu!

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