Cinematic Photography
My favorite images are never the posed ones. They live in the in-between moments, while we wander the beach and chase the golden light. As a Big Island wedding photographer, I shoot in a bold, cinematic style, rich color, dramatic backlight, and real emotion, so your photos feel like stills from a film.
Destination wedding, intimate elopement, or a sunset engagement session on a Kona beach, I keep it relaxed so you can forget the camera and just be yourselves.
As Seen In
Jon
Bodhi
Big Island Photographer
Nearly ten years behind the camera on the Big Island. I shoot vibrant, editorial images and live for sunrise bike rides, golden hour, and the moments people forget to pose for. Part photographer, part friend, here to make your love story into art.
Get to know Bodhi
"I am so grateful I hired Bodhi to be my wedding photographer."
"I hired him because I loved his ethereal and dramatic shots and he absolutely delivered. He has true artistic vision and a grounding prescence. Me and my partner have always tended to feel awkward in front of cameras, but we didnt feel self conscious at all because we had such good direction on how to pose and felt like we could "be ourselves" around him."
Julie Neuman
"His communication was incredible. He made great suggestions on a change of location for our wedding but was never pushy. His prices were so low for the top line work he did that I felt like a thief."
Kelsey Hammond
"He was so easy to work with and very accommodating of the specific needs for our intimate immediate family only wedding. He was responsive as soon as I sent a request and was absolutely wonderful day-of."
Alyxandra Croft
Why Couples Choose Jon Bodhi
My ethos is to keep things simple and uncomplicated. My photography approach lives somewhere between documentary and editorial. I’ll step in when a little direction helps the image look its best, but just as often I step back to let moments unfold naturally.
Usually that means placing you in the best light, giving a simple prompts, and allowing the natural chemistry between you to take over. The result is a balance of refined posed portraits and real moments. Images that feel elevated, but still honest to the way the day actually felt.
Color plays a massive role in the "soul" of a photograph. My style is warm, vibrant, and film-inspired, designed to pull out the natural, dramatic tones of the Big Island. I focus on authentic skin tones, deep volcanic blacks, and rich tropical blues that feel timeless rather than trendy. My goal is always the same: to create photographs that feel like high-end art, reflecting the unique, vibrant energy of Kailua-Kona.
After a decade documenting weddings across the Big Island, the technical craft has become second nature. I’ve developed an intuitive eye for the Kona sun, understanding exactly how the light interacts with the landscape to highlight your best features. It is a refined, quiet expertise that allows me to anticipate the shot before it happens.
From the rugged lava rock coastlines of the West Side to the hidden sunset pockets of the Kohala Coast, I know these locations intimately. My experience allows me to guide you through Hawaii’s most stunning scenery while ensuring the process remains relaxed and entirely effortless. (Read: You stay present in the moment; I handle the artistry.)
I always believed a photoshoot should feel less like a school yearbook picture and more like meeting up with a good friend to create something beautiful together. Imagine walking barefoot on a secluded Kona beach, listening to music, and enjoying the light as the sun begins to drop over the ocean. I keep the experience relaxed and fun so you can be yourselves, laugh, move, and enjoy the moment. Because the best photographs aren’t forced, they come from real moments, and in the end photography is more than an image, it’s a feeling you get to return to years later.
You shouldn’t have to wait six months to experience your wedding photos. I deliver beautiful teaser images within a week of your wedding and the full gallery within 6–12 weeks, so you can relive the day sooner and share your favorite moments with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
My style is cinematic and candid, like stills from a movie. I chase bold backlight, vibrant color, and real emotion. I'll guide and prompt you throughout, but only to get you moving and feeling something, never to pose you stiff. You laugh, you lean in, you forget the camera. The result is warm, filmic, and honest to how the day actually felt.
Photography starts at $800 per hour. For full wedding coverage and photo and video collections, check out my investment page for details, or inquire and I'll send over a brochure.
For weddings, you'll receive teaser photos within a week and your full gallery within 12 weeks, delivered via a private online gallery. I deliver the best images from your day, usually around 60 to 80 photos per hour of coverage.
For intimate weddings on the Big Island, two of my favorites are Kukio Beach, with its clean white sand and wide ocean views, and Kikaua Point Park, a quieter, more private spot with dramatic lava rock and beautiful sunsets. For couples sessions, I love Old Airport Beach Park for its scenery and variety, with plenty of room for adventurous shots, and Punalu'u Black Sand Beach for something more dramatic. For the full list, check out my guide to the 10 best Big Island photography locations for your wedding.
Yes, and it's one of the best ways to cover your day. One creative vision across photo and video keeps everything cohesive. There's a three-hour minimum for combined coverage, so inquire and we can chat about whether it makes sense for your wedding.
A simple guide to planning your Big Island wedding, covering the best venues, trusted vendors, the right season to get married, and tips for making the day smooth. Perfect for couples who want a clear starting point without the overwhelm.
Read My Big Island Venue & Vendor Guide.
Planning a wedding on the Big Island?
View the Guide
