Photography Gallery: Capturing Moments In Time

In 2019, I arrived in Hawaii with just a backpack, a duffle bag, and the hope of escaping a brutal Northern Michigan winter. After caring for my younger sister during her battle with cancer, I realized I had no clear plans for my future anymore. With the support of some friends, I left for Kailua-Kona to start fresh, bringing only a hammock and a determination to figure things out.

I settled into a tree with a weatherproof camping hammock and started working at a local coffee shop. Though I’d come to Hawaii with the dream of learning to surf, I found myself drawn to freediving instead, captivated by the Big Island’s underwater beauty. With action cameras gifted by my father, I began documenting my dives, capturing the thrill and serenity of the ocean. This creative outlet sharpened my eye for detail and sparked a growing passion for immortalizing these moments through photography.

During the global shutdown in 2020, I deepened my love for diving, with little else to focus on but the ocean. By the end of the year, I had honed my skills as a diver and a creator, though I didn’t yet know how far this path would take me. Then, in 2021, a livestreaming project led me to invest in professional Sony cameras, including one with an underwater housing. Suddenly, I was able to capture much higher-quality images. Every photo became a new challenge, and what started as a hobby turned into an obsession. Over the years, I documented incredible moments, saving them until the right time to share them with the world.

Two-thirds of the way through 2024, I faced the devastating loss of my younger sister, who had previously beaten cancer. Her passing shifted my perspective and pushed me to take control of my life’s direction. My sister's name, Arnelle, is also my middle name—a name I once kept private but now embrace in my work. Through my photography, I aim to honor her love of marine animals, particularly her fascination with hammerhead sharks, and establish a lasting legacy for both of us.

By purchasing my photo prints, you’re helping me invest in advanced underwater equipment—from housings to lenses and lighting systems—that will allow me to document even more breathtaking moments. Together, we can share the beauty of the ocean and keep Arnelle’s spirit alive through the art of photography.

— My continuing journey in photography —