Kammeran Keola

Kammeran: I first got introduced to ocean photography around the age of 14. I was going to the beach with my friends and spent sometime bodyboarding and really enjoyed being in the ocean. A friend of mines had a GoPro and let me use it during one of our beach days and I was instantly hooked. From that moment I haven’t put a camera down. My main goal as a photographer was to continue documenting the ocean and one day own a print shop. As the years went on I realized I had a passion beyond just documenting moments in the ocean but capturing memories with people. The story of how I went from working an average job to full time freelance is a funny story but it was also only possible from the support from close friends really pushing me to turn my passion into a career.

I enjoy freezing moments in time and being able to share it with the world around me.

Kammeran: The beginning of my journey I was strictly documenting all things ocean related. I loved
and still do love the art and surprise factor of taking photos around the ocean. It keeps things exciting and fresh. I continued to invest into my camera gear and spent every moment I could taking photos. With the continued support from those around me I was able to make my passion into a career. I firmly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today with out those who support me.

Kammeran: It’s truly an honor and blessing to be apart of the Twin Fin Ambassador team. To have
the support from such an amazing company and the people behind it is what allows me to
continue to do what I love.

Not only does the hotel stand out from many of the others in the area. It’s their values and what they do for our community is what really made this partnership so amazing.

They do their part to give back to the local community by bringing on local talent like myself and the rest of the collective team. They partner with brands like Parley and Mananalu who keep our community clean and educated. All around they give back and that lines up with my values as a person.

I can’t thank The Twin Fin enough for this opportunity.

Kammeran: It would be easy for me to say that the best part of being a photographer in Hawaii would be for the beautiful views from the mountains to the ocean and everything in between. As true as that is, I believe the best part of growing up in Hawaii is being surrounded by those who call this place home.

The people of Hawaii is what makes this place like no other in the world. The way they’re able to give love and respect to everyone around them is a beautiful trait. It’s inspiring to say the least. We show love and support to everyone around us and I think that’s one reason why I’ve been so successful as a photographer. The support is one of the fuels of my passion.

I also enjoy being able to share moments in the ocean with those around me because not many have the skill, knowledge and courage to swim in some of the conditions I put myself in. I’m very fortunate to grow up and see these beautiful moments unfold in-front of my eyes and I believe everyone deserves to see it also. It’s a blessing to be able to share my passion with those who are willing to look and appreciate it.

Kammeran: My favorite style of photography would easily be ocean photography. It was the first thing that got my hooked on taking photos.

There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to capturing these moments in the ocean. You need a lot of elements to line up to capture these surreal images. I constantly study the sun direction, lighting, swell size, swell direction, tides, wind patterns because these elements play a role in how the images come out. But also it’s about being in the right place at the right time and being able to use my skills and knowledge to capture these once in a lifetime moments.

I never truly know what I will see when I swim out in the ocean. It’s that surprise factor that keeps me coming back.

Photography has taught me the significance of patience; to slow down when it comes to taking the photo at the right moment and understanding there will always be that chance of missing it.

I’ve learned that the perfect shot may not happen right away; it may take hours, days, or even years, which continues to teach me the value of persistence and determination. The lessons I learn through taking photos I carry into my everyday life. The ocean has taught me quite quickly to be humble and respect its power, but to never limit myself as I find a new sense of comfortability. I have learned to take risks with the possibility

Kammeran: I’d say almost all of my work has influence from the culture and my surroundings. I constantly find myself “scouting” for new locations to create images. My brain is always in photo mode and thinking of the possibilities I could create an image even in the most random locations. There’s a new image waiting to be created everywhere I go.

Kammeran: Whenever I don’t have a camera in my hand I find myself working out because I enjoy being active and I can’t see myself staying home on my days “off”. I also spend quite a bit of time editing new images and videos at home. You’d be surprised with the amount of content that goes unseen and sit on my hard drive. There always seems to be something to do that’s related to my career and passion.

Spending time with my friends and family is always a good past time on my slow days.

Kammeran: The Twin Fin is a great space for creatives because they’re offer such a great atmosphere for us. You go through the hotel and there’s always a place to relax but also get inspired for future projects.

For me personally I walk through the hotel and I see a photo opportunity at every corner. From the lighting, the colors and the over all aesthetic. It’s truly a photographers playground. It’s also quite convenient when you want to get creative in the area like out at the local surf breaks or to any of the hikes or parks. I can create so much in such a short time and rest back at the hotel in between taking photos.

Kammeran: My hopes as a Twin Fin ambassador is to to continue to grow and support each other for many years to come. I can see this partnership lasting a long time. I’d love to take advantage of both our amazing qualities that we bring to the table and merge
them together for years to come.

From creating unique images together, continuing to support local artists and talents and also giving back to the community at any and every opportunity.

I believe this is just the beginning and there is a lot of great memories create and good to be done in the future. We share such similar visions and values so I think it’s been a great relationship so far!

Kammeran: Vibrant, Breathtaking, Dreamy