A: Although I produce professional quality photos and treat each model in a professional manner, by definition, NO, I do not make a living from photography. Photography is a major hobby/passion of mine.

A: If you are reading this, then you have probably already contacted me about doing a photo session. Click on the  Greg’s Calendar button in the menu at the top of this page. Pick a date that I do not have grayed out** and email or call me with the date and a time that you would like to do your photo session. If you have not contacted me yet then email is the best and quickest way. You can email me by clicking on Contact under the Photoshoots tab.

Please Note: I, on most days, am a daytime sleeper (thus the Zzz’s on my calendar), so my preferred Photoshoot time is after 3 PM on days that I have free. I actually love doing “midnight” shoots!

** Un-grayed dates are NOT guaranteed, they may have already been selected for other reasons but simply have not been updated as yet.

A: Yes. The model release is a legal document that protects both the model and the photographer. I use a standard release that is very similar to any other photographers release forms. It is especially important to have a release form on file if any photo is to be used online. One of the few things you can do at the age of 18 is to be able to sign legal documents/permission forms without having your parent’s permission. In some cases, I have even made this into a special event (or ceremony) of signing your first legal document.

Click here to view my Model Release: Adult

(You will need to have a PDF Reader installed on your computer to view it).

A: Even though I do have some items, (see next question), you should bring:

– Whatever you want to be photographed in that I do not have.

– Something to drink (although I probably will have bottled water available).

– Make-up! I do not have any makeup supplies as everybody has their own brand and style. I DO have a makeup area with a well lighted mirror.

– If you are going to be showing some or a lot of skin, come to the shoot in very loose clothing so not to leave marks and lines on the skin.

– Lotion, since my camera will pick up on any dry skin.

– Bring YOU! Try to be well rested so we don’t get the tired expressions and red eyes.

– Come prepared to maybe step out of your comfort zone. This is a Portrait Photoshoot, not something you would do with with your phone. We are looking to create Art, if what you want can be done using your phone, then go ahead, you don’t need a photographer, a studio, special lighting, ect. to do that. Let me reiterate, there is nothing wrong with taking selfies with your phone, they are incredible these days, but that is not the point of a Portrait Photo Session.

A: Although I did take a few classes** at UNLV in photography, most of my “training” is self taught over MANY years. I was always the “Photo Guy” on class trips who had to take good photos since you didn’t see them until they were developed sometimes weeks later. I did teach myself how to Develop and Print photos in a Darkroom (I bought my current house mainly because it had a large walk through closet into the bathroom that I turned into my Darkroom).

I personally put together about 15 years of yearbooks at two different schools.

I began taking Digital photos when Digital cameras first came out and never went back to film.

I am very proficient in Photoshop, Lightroom, On1 Raw Photo, and many other “apps” that professional photographers use. Don’t take that in a wrong way, EVERY photographer now uses these programs to enhance their photos even if they tell you they don’t

I photographed Gymnastic meets and did Gymnastic Portraits for over 15 years and have been doing Portrait Photography for over 40 years.

I have spent the past 20 years photographing the Polynesian community. 3 years with Halau ‘O Moanike’ala, 2 years independent, and the last 15 years with Tevakanui Polynesian Dance Studio. 

However, my Photo Sessions are all independent from any group that I have or am currently  working with.

** I was always quickly asked to assist the Professor whenever I took a class because I usually already knew everything they were teaching. I was the Astronomy Assistant for a time at UNLV and trained in B & W and Color Photography of the Planets. 

Every photoshoot I currently do is still a learning experience and I am constantly updating my skills.

A: I currently do not charge a “sitting” fee since this is a major Hobby, taking the photos cost me nothing, I get a lot of experience from each session, and it’s just fun. I have had individuals insist that I charge something and since I do have equipment that does need to be replaced or updated from time to time such as printers, donations are accepted but not required.

A: Yes, BUT I have great lighting equipment at home for total control of the lights. Going away from that into the field, outside, a park, or wherever, means not having that control. With that said, if you wish to do your session somewhere else, it will need to take some planning as to where and what time we are all available plus have permission to use that area. I personally do not have any places that I know of to just go to an outdoors session. I’ve had some do a session near a lake (within the city) or out at Lake Mead. Red Rock Canyon is a pretty place; I did one session for a CD cover up in the Ghost Town at Bonnie Springs. The main point here is to know where you want to do the session and planning it all out if you prefer a location outside of my “studio”. I also may need to charge for Gas if the location requires driving a distance away.

Some places (such as Red Rock Canyon) have an entry fee which should be paid by the client. Also more and more places (including Red Rock, and some hotels) may require a permit of which can be as high as $300 if they see the photoshoot as a professional shoot (or even if they just see my bigger camera).

If a larger area is needed for large groups, then another indoor location can be choosen as long as there is electricity for my lights. Another option is outdoors after dark, (again as long as there is power).

A: I have in my portrait collection

– Polynesian attire (i.e. lei, pario, “grass” skirts, shells, etc.)

– Artificial flowers to hold, for the hair, or to be used in general.

– A few necklaces (mostly Polynesian), ankle chains, etc.

– Baby oil for the “outdoorsy” look and some lotion

– Curling and straightening irons but bring your own if you are more used to them

CLICK HERE TO SEE  THE ITEMS I HAVE

A: If you want to be added to the Youngaloha Photos section of my website, you must fill out the Model Release and check mark and initial the section relating to the web site giving your permission. Then, in time, I will select a number of photos from your session, fix them up, and create a homepage for you. It will be password protected. I will then contact you to look over the site and make sure there are no photos there that you do not want to be there. If all is well, I will put in a link so that others can come and view the photos.

A: I have a very extensive knowledge of working in Photoshop. I can fix blemishes, soften skin, or even have you lose a few pounds. How much PS is used depends on the client. I never try to go too far, (i.e. I do not stretch necks, give you longer legs, or bigger “boobs”). I always attempt to make the model look as close as possible to their natural look (minus blemishes, stretch marks, skin folds, etc.)

If you want to keep the stretch marks etc. just let me know.

A: Although I produce professional quality photos and treat each model in a professional manner, by definition, NO, I do not make a living from photography. Photography is a major hobby/passion of mine.

A:  I will put all the photos taken on my website in the Client section. It will be protected by the password you gave me at the photoshoot. There you can see all the unprocessed photos and this is where I will put processed (fixed-up) photos as well (in time)

A: As stated, the client can always just say don’t fix me up, I’m happy with my stretch marks, (although I’ve never had anyone tell me that). If you wear clothes or apply make-up, or wear spanks, you are changing the way you look to others, thus “Photoshopping” yourself. Using PS is no different. I’ve also had many clients who would have NEVER done a photoshoot because of how they look but are thrilled they did after seeing their photos I have PSed.

Any photos you order or want must be fixed up to some degree (i.e. paint out the background, correct for color, etc.) that do not change a person’s appearance. I do ask that you DO NOT use any photo from a session until I’ve done at least these required changes. (i.e. photographed in front of my black background with light leaks and shadows that need to be fixed)

A: I use a Cannon Pro-100 color printer and Cannon Professional Paper to make prints from 4×6, 8×10 all the way up to 11×14 or 13×19. Sizes larger than that, will have to be sent out to an online photo service which will cost more and have shipping costs. I charge “at cost” for printing but sometimes sending them to a servicer can be a lot cheaper. I will choose either to print them myself or send them to a service depending on what is cheaper

For example:

I WOULD PRINT IF
My cost: 5 8x10s @ $5.00 per print = $25
Service: 5 8x10s @ $3.05 per print + $12 shipping = $27.50

I WOULD USE A SERVICE IF
My cost: 10 8x10s @ $5.00 per print = $50
Service: 10 8x10s @ $3.05 per print + $12 Shipping = $42.50

The service I use the most is mpix.com