John Alexander Hook III

Innov8 magazine. Fashion Editorial.

2012-01-30T19:18:00.001-10:00

I shot a fashion editorial for the recent issue of Innov8 magazine. The current issue was all about 'Adventure' so for the editorial we decided to style a simple lifestyle shoot and make an adventure out of a first-date. You know, normal first-date stuff, guy tries to impress girl, secret locations, riding on vans, jumping of bridges, guitar serenades, tandem bike, sparklers, sweeping off the feet, etc.

You can pick up the issue on any Go! Airlines flight and at select stores (you can also click the Innov8 link and read the mag online.) I also shot some photos of "things to see in Maui", in this issue. And if you look hard enough, you'll find a picture of me and Sam kissing in there :)

Here are some of my favorite pics that either did or didn't make it into the final print..

Camping. Bellows with the fam and fellows.

2012-01-30T01:39:00.001-10:00

Last weekend we went to Bellows for a little camping session. Me, Sam, and Bella joined Chris and the gang for some good times. We packed everything up in our vanagons and made the best of the windy weekend. Smores, campfires, jokes, long walks on the beach, sparklers, lighter fluid, night swimming, stories, bacon, surfing, crab hunting, star gazing, fun photos, more smores, beers, and all around smiles. I brought my camera and my 35mm f2.0 lens (also popped on the 85mm 1.8 for a few pics.)

film. Nikonos II. underwater

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-10:00

here are some images I shot with my new Nikonos II camera, and when I say "new", I mean I just got it, the camera was new in 1970. The camera is made from solid metal, rubber gasket, no batteries, no light meter, and uses zone focusing. The lens is a 35mm f2.5, but seems like it shoots more like a 50mm. I picked this wonderful dream catcher up at Image Works for less than $20. The first roll I shot was a roll of Ilford 35mm B&W film, ASA 400. I hand processed the film myself, so I was really stoked when I didn't fuck it up (it's been about 12 years since I've agitated a stinky can.) I fell in love with the camera after the first roll. The second roll was a roll of Fuji color film ASA 400, I thought that roll came out pretty boring. My recent roll was some 35mm Redscale film from Lomography. I liked how it came out. I'd like to get a pretty good wave/tube picture eventually with this guy.

color

redscale

film. Nikon FG

2012-01-27T23:21:00.002-10:00

here are some images I shot with my Nikon FG. I don't remember if these were all from one roll of film or 2 or 3. I don't even remember what type of film it was. That's the thing with this camera, it's manual focus, manual everything, so I take forever to shoot a frame, and one roll of film will stay in the camera for about 2 months until its all shot up. I do know everything was shot with that 50mm f1.8. I dunno, there might be a few images of cross processed slide in there, there's definitely a picture of a dog pooping in there. Images not edited

film. Nikon F90X.

2012-01-27T23:08:00.002-10:00

Here are some images I shot on 2 rolls of 35mm film. I shot the first couple of photos on Kodak gold ASA 200 film, with a 35mm f2.0 lens. The other photos were shot on Fuji slide film, with a 105mm f2.8, cross processed. No editing

Slide

film. Split Cam. image intercourse

2012-01-27T22:53:00.001-10:00

Here are some images from a roll of 35mm film, shot on this "Split Camera". It's a plastic camera, with modified winder (so you can double expose easily), and it has "half windows" that cover the lens so you can shoot half the frame at a time. I think this was a roll of ASA 100 fuji film? i dunno, i forget. No editing.

Van Jam. the Oahu road trip.

2012-01-23T22:07:00.000-10:00

I'm not really sure how to describe what the Van Jam was. I don't want to make you feel bad, but yeah, you missed out. Just kidding.

The day after Christmas our friends all got together and took a road trip around Oahu. Me and my friend Chris both have Volkswagen Vanagons, and we've always dreamed of a trip like this, so we finally did it. A gang of 10 people and 1 dog. We all met up in Kaimuki and drove around the island, starting south, then east, north, then home. Bring whatever you want, take photos if you want, film or digital, drive if you want, come if you want, swim if you want, be yourself and do whatever makes you happy with people who are happy.

You should come next time.

This video made by passenger Vincent Ricafort will help you understand the magic.

The Analogue Sunshine Recorders - S.O. TV from V for Vincent on Vimeo.

Here is a recap from the rest of the adventurers that day.

Nate Nachtigall

Ikaika Akana

Here are the rest of the pictures I shot on some different films...

Gabe + Taylor. Outrigger Reef Wedding.

2012-01-16T23:04:00.002-10:00

Taylor and Gabe joined forces back in November. A handsome gentleman in uniform and a completely beautiful bride, I told you dreams come true.

assistant photographer: Cassy Song

Videographer: Supreme Video Productions

Garrick+Heejin. E-Session, and Halekulani Wedding.

2012-01-15T13:23:00.000-10:00

I shot Garrick and Heejin's E-session back in the summer of last year. They wanted to make a vintage postcard type invitation for the wedding. So we hit up classic Waikiki, Kakaako, and Tantalus, it was fun for sure. They got married in October at Halekulani. These are my friends.

assistant wedding photographer: Cassy Song

The Wedding Day

Flux Magazine. Fashion Editorial, winter '11

2011-12-29T18:20:00.001-10:00

In the recent quarterly issue of FLUX Magazine, (the Resilience issue), I shot a fashion editorial. Pick up the issue! Editorial styled by Ara Laylo and Aly Ishikuni, Makeup by Timeless Classic Beauty, Hair by Ryan Jacobie Salon, Models: Nellie Anderson and Erica Miguel.

Here are some of my favorite shots that did and didn't make it into the final print.

Flux Magazine. Winter '11 stuff

2011-12-29T17:48:00.001-10:00

The recent issue of Flux Magazine has been out for a while, so I hope you got a copy from Barnes and Nobles. This past quarterly issue (winter) incorporated the theme of Resilience. I got to shoot some Profiles of some very cool people and some Ads for some really great places. They also ran a profile/interview on me! So you gotta grab the issue to check it out ;)

Here are some of my favorite shots I turned in for the issue, some of these weren't the photos used in the published magazine.

Profile: Rhandy Tambio

Artist: John Koga

Profile: Alicia Hatori

Ad: Open Space Yoga

Profile: "Da Pidgin Guy" Lee Tonouchi

Profile: J.J. Dolan's

Profile: Blank Canvas store

Profile: Downbeat Diner

Profile: "Bumpy" Kanahele (for Innov8 Mag)

3200 B&W film.

2011-12-29T00:40:00.001-10:00

I finally got around to processing some Black & White film. My buddy has some chemicals, and I really like when my hands smell like poopoo, so I hand processed the negatives myself (also, when you use the words 'hand processed' people think you know magic and such.) This was a roll of Ilford 3200 speed film, and I shot everything on my Nikon FG with 50mm 1.8. I think it might be the highest speed film i've ever shot. Anyway, I realized I started shooting this roll in August, and finished it around November, and finally processed it today. Fun surprises, grizzly grain, water spots, dust, scratches, bad exposures, it's a dream come true.

the fam.

2011-12-28T10:31:00.000-10:00

I love my Family. Love 'em all. Yet, somehow I really lag when it comes to blogging and posting pictures of our family festivities. Over 2011 my dad and a lot of my out of town family came to visit. Bella's best friend, Vander came to visit from Texas too. Bella had a ballet recital at Ala Moana. We spent July 4th at the beach with Sams family. And we did a lot of fun stuff when we had the time.

So here are some random pictures from this year of some family related stuff. o.k.

Pipeline Masters. Day 1

2011-12-28T01:53:00.001-10:00

Spoiler Alert: I didn't win the Pipe Masters... no, not even close. I lost my heat at Barber's Point back in 1995 and have never advanced in a heat since then.

Me and Sam spent some quality time at the beach hanging out watching day 1 of the Pipe Masters. The waves were macking, maybe a little too big. We didn't stay long because we had to make sure we beat contest traffic in time to pick up Bella from school. But I took a few pictures of some waves, Sam shot some photos of me surfing Pipe in the morning totally getting tubed, but somehow I can't find those images, totally.

Also, found these North Shore goodies on the beach. I like the country.

Jeremy + Kanani. Sunset Ranch Wedding

2011-12-14T19:49:00.006-10:00

Kanani and Jeremy got married (to each other) on 10-01-11... that's binary code for love. I was thrilled to find out they were having their wedding at Sunset Ranch on the North Shore of Oahu. I've always wanted to shoot there, and having the perfect couple made it even mo' bettah.

A lovely ranch style wedding complete with, mason jars, tent, barn, blankets under the trees, lawn games, paper lanterns, live music, blue skies, stars, and even a horse to hang out with. All win.

assistant photographer: Pono Grace

Bill+Tricia. wedding. Tantalus lookout (rain or shine)

2011-12-14T01:07:00.001-10:00

What a fun wedding. The kind of wedding that makes me wanna redo my wedding all over again. I met Bill and Tricia through a mutual friend, turned out we had tons of mutual friends, and now of course we are all friends till the end. I was so stoked on all the choices they made for their special day, they got ready together at the Royal Hawaiian. Then the ceremony at Tantalus lookout, a very unique location for a wedding. And then the reception at the Waikiki Yacht Club, where the day ended with the sunset being out shined by the moves on the dance floor.

The weather was funny that day. I don't know if 'funny' was the word we used at the time, but it was definitely amazing when I look back at it now. The weather was perfect in the beginning of the day, then poured rain up at Tantalus right before the ceremony, and right after the ceremony, but not during!

Look at the smiles on these peoples faces and find proof that rain on your wedding day is a pure blessing :)
assistant photographer: Cassy Song

Maya+Hiro. Kahala Wedding

2011-12-11T15:46:00.001-10:00

Maya and Hiro, my new global friends. Originally both from Japan, they were living separately for the moment while they both finished up their jobs, Maya worked and lived in LA, and Hiro was working back in Japan. They met in the middle of the Pacific Ocean to have a beautiful Hawaiian summer wedding. With a few friends and family, they emotionally exchanged vows at Waialae beach park, and then continued the very relaxing wedding day touring the Kahala/ Diamond Head area. We finished the night with a dinner reception at The Kahala, with teary eyed speeches and letters from home. By the time I ended up blogging about this wedding, they are both now living happily together back in Japan. :)
assistant photographer: Philip Lemoine

The 2011 Surfer Poll Awards. photos by: my Heroes

2011-12-07T20:39:00.001-10:00

The 2011 Surfer poll awards, the year the professional surfers all became photographers.

Surfers have inspired me so much. Just watching these guys in surf videos when I was a kid made me really wanna get out there and have fun surfing, and surfing has been a huge happy part of my life ever since.

I thought I could return the favor, by turning them on to photography. Instead of taking pictures of my heroes at the recent Surfer Poll Awards, I put the camera in their hand and asked them to take a picture of me. I simply asked them, "Can I get you to take a picture?....", they were quick to say 'Yes' and either hold up their award or strike a pose for me, then instead of taking their picture, I would add, "...could you take the picture, of me?" and then hand them my camera and smile and wait for them to take a picture of me, by myself. It was very fun to see the reactions of the surfers, some of them seemed confused, some of them laughed it off, and some of them really got into it and spent some time getting a quality shot. Some of my favorite "photographers" were: Jason Shibata, Freddy P, Sal Masekela, Joel Tudor, Rob Machado, and David Rastovich. Now I have 25 pictures of myself taken by heroes, that's the award that I brought home.
check the photo caption on the bottom of the picture to see who was behind the lens.

photo by: Jason Shibata

photo by: Fred Patacchia

photo by: Sal Masakela

photo by: Chris Cote (transworld surf mag)

photo by: Mark Healy

photo by: Joel Centeio

photo by: Keala Kennelly

photo by: Joel Tudor

photo by: Pat O'connell

photo by: C.J. Hobgood

photo by: Mark Occhillupo

photo by: Dave + Crystal Homcy

photo by: Coco Ho

photo by: Zak Noyle

photo by: Jordy Smith

photo by: Rob Machado

photo by: Ian Walsh

photo by: Bethany Hamilton

photo by: Carissa Moore

photo by: Taj Burrow

photo by: Kelly Slater (11X world champ)

photo by: Dane Reynolds

photo by: John John Florence

photo by: David Rastovich

photo by: Owen Wright

Film funsies

2011-12-04T19:55:00.001-10:00

I developed two rolls of 35mm film the other day. I'm pretty sure both rolls were Fujichrome Provia, ASA100, I think. That would explain the crazy reds and funky colors. I shot one roll with my plastic 'split-cam' (all the double exposure stuff). The other roll I shot with my Nikon FG with 50mm 1.8.

Here are my favorite pics from those rolls, completely unedited, straight scans.

BTS Innov8 fashion editorial

2011-12-04T00:25:00.001-10:00

Today I shot a fashion editorial for the upcoming issue of Innov8 magazine. The theme of the next issue is Adventure, so we put together a fun and adventurous (and slightly romantic) photo shoot up in the country. I had an awesome crew of friends with me to help me out, and it didn't feel like work at all. I also finally put my Vanagon to the test, packed to roof with photo gear and stuff to play with, she did amazing. Without leaking any of the actual photos that will be used in the editorial, here's a very small photo recap of my day at "work".

My APEC week recap. 100 photos

2011-11-29T22:15:00.001-10:00

The week of Nov 7th - 13th, the APEC came to Hawaii. I was hired for the week by Civil Beat to cover all things APEC. If you know me, you know that I know nothing about current events or follow politics or anything like that. I actually had no idea what APEC was till about the fourth day of shooting it, then I figured out it stood for All Presidents Eat Cheese, which makes sense, that's why everyone wants a slice of Government cheese. I had an awesome assignment for the week, pretty much shoot all the photos for the Civil Beat Live APEC blog. I didn't have full access to all the functions, like the President's dinner, etc., my "peanut butter and jellyfish" password only got me so far. I got some Press access to some areas and secret meetings, but other than that, I was just documenting what was going on in Waikiki while APEC was here. Pictures of a lot of security, actually a shit load of cops and security. Veterans day at Punchbowl. Protests and demonstrations. Convention Center and Sheraton meetings. Road blocks and traffic. Iolani Palace arrests. Occupy Honolulu. I also just spent a lot of time walking around looking for interesting images that stood out from the normal. Over the 7 days, here are 100 photos that I think give you a pretty good idea of what it was like to eat cheese with the Presidents.

The Convention Center... was actually really boring.

this is how I do work

Here's an idea of what the meetings looked like. This was the ballroom in the Sheraton, waiting for Hillary Clinton to show up, but she was tardy so I left.

Everyday I stopped in and said 'Hi' to the Occupy Honolulu camp. It was pretty cool to see the camp grow over the week. The only thing that I didn't like was, every time I went there someone would start a conversation with me about their cause and explain to me everything they believed in and all that. I don't know how to talk to people about stuff I don't care about. "I'm just here to take some pictures dude, you mind if I check out the interior design of your tent?"

During the week, the most exciting time for me was when a group of Hawaiian activist didn't want to leave Iolani Palace, so the Police and DLNR came and eventually arrested everyone. Iolani Palace was then locked down for the entire week so nobody could come in and see it.

Yes, security was crazy. But of course it was, the Presidents of the world were all here in one place. I went to go shoot the main communications center, where the heads of the Secret Service, FBI, HPD, fire, coast guard, etc. had a briefing with the media about what they were doing to keep everyone safe. I wasn't allowed to tell anyone where I was, or take any pictures of the exterior structure... I also wasn't allowed to wear a fake beard indoors.

Other than that, there was a huge infestation of police and security around the Waikiki area. I was actually very surprised and pleased to notice that HPD was extremely courteous, helpful and polite to everyone including tourists, locals, and protestors.

a full freeway closure, both directions, for all the Presidents' convoys headed out to Koolina

The Barrack-O-cade

I spent Veterans Day morning at Punchbowl.

The Protests. One of the big anticipations of APEC was that there was going to be a lot of protesting going on. I knew I was gonna be covering the protests, marches, and demonstrations. I was actually thinking it was gonna be crazy kind of stuff, with pepper spray and police in riot gear, etc. But through the week, there was nothing exciting (to photograph).

One of the big marches was to bring awareness to the murder of a local man by an APEC security agent. I also followed Chinese activist, Falun Dafa, through the week and their peaceful demonstratins. There were a few other protests in Waikiki the day of Presidents dinner at the Hale Koa hotel, everything remained non-violent, and in my opinion, unheard.

Other than pictures needed for the Civil Beat APEC blog, I did some street photography, walking around taking pictures of anything I though was interesting, empty streets, heavy traffic, barricades on the beach, nice sunset, guys with their shirts off, etc.

Aloha means hello and goodbye

A few Fam pics

2011-11-29T21:50:00.001-10:00

One of my friends is away on the mainland for job training, and he was not home to see the birth of his second child, Stiles. I offered my photo services to get a few photos of his newborn son to him while he was gone. We also managed to get all the kids and cousins together for a house party and tried to get a
group photo out of it... we tried. At least we got a few photos with all the kids together in the same general area with all their eyes open. :)

Newborn Stiles (yes from Teen Wolf)

with older sister

old family member

Old friends, and repeat customers, Shirley and Tim, just added another little girl into the mix. We headed out to the west side to get a few pictures with the complete bunch.

Disneyland and Universal. Family Fun

2011-11-14T22:26:00.001-10:00

This past August the family took a trip to Disneyland and Universal studios. When I say 'the family', I mean the WHOLE family, it was Me+Sam+Bella, plus Sam's 2 brothers, gramma, uncle, cousins, and brothers' family, there was a total of 13 of us. You know how hard it is to keep 13 people together (and happy) at a theme park?! We managed to not kill each other, and had a really fun time. The weather was a bit hot, but the crowds were pretty light. We did a few days at Disney, one day at Universal, and a day or so just driving around Cali.

Camera wise, I traveled light, I brought my D700, no flash, one lens. I shot everything with my 35mm f2.0, which I think is the perfect travel set-up if you don't wanna feel weighed down. You can shoot fast, and it's just wide enough.

We absolutely love Disney, if you love it as much as we do, hopefully you'll enjoy the pictures and be motivated to come with us next time we go. :)

Since my brother works for United Air, he put me on his special list so I can fly stand-by for the same price as an airport dinner. I got on my first flight no problem, even got to fly first class, only thing was I arrived at LAX at 2:00am. The rest of the family bought regular tickets on a different airline, and they didn't arrive till 6:00am. I spent a lot of time in the airport all by myself, waiting, I kept busy though...

When everyone arrived and we got all situated, it was still only 7:00am or so. We got some Ihop breakfast then headed over to the Santa Monica pier to check it out. Unfortunately it was still so early that nothing was open.

I don't know what Green Crack is, but it's there.

We had to stop in at an Olive Garden so we could cash in on all those commercials we see in Hawaii. (It's goooood)

On our first day we shopped through downtown disney, the ESPN zone, Lego store, and even got to have dinner with our pals Ryan and Sarah at the Rainforest Cafe.

Our first full day at Disney. Bella woke up very anxious and excited. Here she is by the hotel window watching the sun come up.

We randomly ran into Sams good friend, Kai and her family, at the winnie-the-pooh ride. Kai's family lives in the same apartment complex we live in back home. Cool

Also, our California buddies, Paulie + Julie, and Aaron met up with us in the park for some Disney duties. Aaron used to live in Hawaii, but now lives with Paulie in San Pedro.

ever wonder what a sad Bella looks like?.. haha, this is what she looks like after we make her go on a roller coaster she didn't want to ride... she's not a daredevil.

Drive from Anaheim to Hollywood.

To Universal Studios, hiyah!

I also made a super quick video recap with the point-n-shoot camera we brought..

hope to be back up there soon.

Philip + Ruby. Halekulani Wedding.

2011-11-03T01:40:00.000-10:00

I love Halekulani, not just because they have wonderful vendor meals, but because 100% of the people I shoot there have such a fun time. Ruby and Philip's wedding was no exception. With relaxed prep, an emotional ceremony, and a full dance-fest reception, this wedding was packed with fun, love, and laughter. (and you know you're having a great wedding when the bride brings a pair of cowboy boots for pictures and the groom changes into a tuxedo shirt during the reception.)

Amazing working with videographers: Kai Media

assistant photographer: Cassy Song

Lilly + Keith. Laie Wedding.

2011-11-02T20:02:00.001-10:00

This was really a great honor for me to be part of this wedding. One of my best friends' little sister got married this summer. Actually, I've known the whole family for a little over 15 years, I even lived with them for a little over a year right after I graduated from high school. When I met Lilly, she was just a little sprout, then all of a sudden she went away to college then came back with a fiance'. It was really fun to be part of a very warm, family get together type of wedding. Congrats to my Coloma family and to Lilly for finding such a cool husband in Keith.

Assistant photographer: Cassy Song

This is my friend Oliver and his daughter, Charlie, who was born almost exactly a year before Bella.