get to know Ben.

Hey! I’m Ben

Ben Kottke began shooting photos professionally of surfers on the beach in Cabo San Lucas Mexico over 22 years ago. Since then he’s worked as a senior photographer for Surfing Magazine, been hired commercially for photoshoots by some of the largest Surf Bands, pioneered the private vacation digital photo services at Namotu Island Resort, Fiji & Salani Resort Samoa, and after settling down on Maui over thirteen years ago has shot countless family portraits, couples, weddings, and events.

Ben’s love of photography and professionalism not only can be seen in his images but in the happiness of his clients.
Ben has lived on Maui for over 13 years and has twin daughters and a son.

What to expect from Ben.

Whether shooting family portraits, a proposal, small wedding, or a some vacationing surfers at honolua bay, Ben uses his over 20 years of professional experience to capture the best images using the best equipment (Canon EOS R5 with “ice” RF lenses). Then the images are downloaded onto Ben’s computer where they’re culled and edited using software such as photo mechanic, lightroom, and photoshop to ensure perfect exposure, contrast, color, removing people from backgrounds , and horizon to ensure the best final product. All images are then exported to the highest rez jpg and uploaded to an online password protected online gallery sent to you the client for easy and simple viewing, sharing, downloading (and if you want- printing). The entire turnaround time from shooting day to delivery to client usually only take around 9 business days and since Ben only offers complete packages there are no further or hidden charges or fees after you pay for you session. Upon requesting to book a session, a booking agreement with all the relevant session details (time, place, cost, length of shoot, directions, phone numbers, etc) is emailed to the client to review and accept along with an initial booking deposit payment (usually @ $100 depending on the total booking amount). Once the the agreement is approved and booking deposit recieved you are all booked and ready to go. Ben will see you the day and time of the shoot and will follow back up and check in a day or so before the shoot.