Portrait Commisions

I do offer commissioned hula portraits based on availability of my time. Generally I can handle only a few each year, and so I feel that it is important that the individuals I work with can dance hula competently, and show due respect for the Hawaiian culture.

Unfortunately I cannot accept family portraits, or weddings, or model portfolios. I enjoyed all of those genres way back in my earlier years, when I operated my large portrait studio.

If I am hired to create a hula portrait, my commitment is quite large. My job begins by making sure that there are no objections by the dancer's Kumu Hula to the dancer being photographed. Because of my long-standing track record, there is rarely a concern, but this is more of a protocol matter. Next my subject and I need to discuss the preferred hula dance, and costume. Typically, I am the one honored to enter the forest to gather appropriate adornments for the dancer to wear -- Palapalai, Laua'e, Ti, and other plants familiar to all hula dancers. The dancer may join me, (and perhaps learn) as we again follow proper protocol while gathering greens. As my Kumu Charles Ka'upu taught me, we listen to the forest, tread lightly and pick sparingly, with permission.

The next step is to make the leis and skirt. I often work together with the dancer on this. Generally this will take half a day.

We decide whether to create the images in the mountains, in 'Iao Valley, or on a beach. By far, the beach is the most common choice, because of the nice, soft, directional lighting during the final hour of sunset. I prefer to shoot at the beach as well, because of the soft, uncluttered background, and open space for the dancer to move.

Generally, I prefer that the dancer has several verses of a kahiko hula memorized. From there we like to select the verse with the most dramatic movements and repeat that verse several times as I shoot away. It is wonderful if the Kumu Hula, or Alaka'i can join us and play the rhythm on the ipuheke. A hula shoot is fun, but really hard work at the same time. Generally we plan for a total of two hours at the beach. It takes time to carry gear to the location, change outfits, and warm up. The actual shooting time is an hour, or so.

My fee for this service is $1650. Included is:

• Meeting & planning
• Gathering of costume "greens" and lei-making
• Ti leaf skirt making
• Photography session
• Post shoot image editing
• Photoshop editing of top three selected images
• One 16x20 inch finished print on acid-free watercolor paper, with your choice of finishing styles, ready to frame in a 20x24 inch frame

Note: Additional prints may be purchased. Framing is available.

The entire process is a fun and memorable experience. It never hurts to inquire about availability.... Shoot me an email: randy@randyjaybraun.com.