A Career Highlight at Jaws, Maui

As photographers, there are certain moments that stand out as milestones.

One of those moments came when a photograph I captured of professional surfer Makua Rothman at Jaws (Peʻahi), Maui was selected as an entry in the 2013 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards Paddle-In category.

For any surf photographer, having work recognized alongside some of the world’s most respected water photographers and athletes is both exciting and humbling.

Photographing One of the World’s Most Dangerous Waves

Jaws, also known as Peʻahi, is one of the most famous big-wave surf breaks in the world. Located on Maui’s North Shore, the wave attracts elite surfers from around the globe whenever giant winter swells arrive.

Photographing Jaws requires preparation, patience, and a healthy respect for the ocean. Conditions can change rapidly, and opportunities often last only a few seconds before disappearing forever.

The image selected for the Billabong XXL Awards captured Makua Rothman navigating one of Maui’s legendary waves during a memorable swell event.

The Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards

The Billabong XXL Awards celebrate some of the most incredible achievements in big-wave surfing, recognizing both athletes and photographers who document these extraordinary moments.

Being included among the award entries was a tremendous honor and remains one of the highlights of my photography career.

The experience reinforced something I have always loved about photography: the ability to preserve moments that may never happen again.

From Surf Photography to Commercial & Event Photography

While much of my work today focuses on weddings, family photography, corporate events, resorts, incentive groups, commercial projects, videography, and FAA-certified drone coverage, experiences like photographing Jaws helped shape the way I approach every assignment.

Whether documenting a world-class surf break, a destination wedding, a luxury resort, or a corporate event, the goal remains the same: capture authentic moments and create images that tell a story.

Photography, Videography & FAA-Certified Drone Coverage

Sean Michael Hower Photo + Video provides professional photography, videography, FAA-certified drone photography, and drone videography throughout Maui and beyond.

Services include:

  • Surf Photography
  • Action Sports Photography
  • Commercial Photography
  • Resort Photography
  • Corporate Event Photography
  • Incentive Group Photography
  • Wedding Photography
  • Family Photography
  • Videography
  • FAA-Certified Drone Photography
  • Drone Videography

Looking for Professional Photography on Maui?

Whether you’re planning a commercial project, sporting event, corporate activation, destination wedding, resort campaign, or special event, we’d love to help capture your story through professional photography and video.

Professional surfer Makua Rothman riding a massive wave at Jaws Peʻahi Maui during a swell photographed by Sean Hower

 

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Francisco Porcella can in Maui kite board, surf, wind surf Jaws & skateboard (without shoes) in a HUGE skate pool, too! @CiscoPorcella

Photo collage featuring legendary Hawaii surfboard shaper Bob "Ole" Olson handcrafting custom surfboards in his Maui shaping workshop, photographed by Sean Michael Hower.

Professional branding photography capturing craftsmanship, heritage, and the story behind a respected Hawaii surfboard builder.

Some businesses sell products.

Others build a legacy.

These images feature Bob “Ole” Olson, a legendary surfboard shaper whose decades of experience helped shape Hawaii’s surfing culture and inspired generations of surfers around the world.

With more than 60 years dedicated to the craft and thousands of custom surfboards shaped throughout his career, Ole represents the type of authentic story that deserves to be documented through professional photography.

As a Maui commercial photographer, one of my favorite projects is creating visual content that showcases the people, passion, and craftsmanship behind a business.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

Great commercial photography goes beyond simply documenting a person or product.

The goal is to tell a story.

From the shaping room covered in foam dust to the tools, materials, and years of experience behind every board, these images provide a glimpse into the dedication required to master a craft.

Whether photographing a surfboard shaper, artist, chef, builder, entrepreneur, or business owner, the strongest images reveal the personality and expertise behind the work.

Maui Branding Photography for Businesses & Creatives

Every business has a story worth sharing.

Professional branding photography helps businesses connect with customers by creating authentic visual content that communicates experience, quality, and trust.

Our commercial photography services include:

  • Branding Photography
  • Commercial Photography
  • Lifestyle Photography
  • Product Photography
  • Artisan & Maker Photography
  • Manufacturing Photography
  • Corporate Photography
  • Hospitality Photography
  • Resort Photography
  • Marketing Content Creation

These images can be used for websites, social media, advertising campaigns, publications, public relations, and marketing materials.

Showcasing the Process Behind the Product

Consumers increasingly want to know who makes the products they purchase and the story behind the brand.

Photography that captures the process, environment, craftsmanship, and personality behind a business helps build stronger connections with customers.

The photographs from this session highlight not only the finished surfboards but also the years of knowledge, precision, and dedication required to create them.

Maui Commercial Photography & Content Creation

Sean Michael Hower Photo + Video helps businesses throughout Hawaii create professional visual content designed to strengthen their brand and attract new customers.

Services include:

  • Commercial Photography
  • Branding Photography
  • Videography
  • Drone Photography
  • Drone Videography
  • Product Photography
  • Business Marketing Content
  • Corporate Photography
  • Resort Photography
  • Social Media Content Creation

Whether you’re a craftsman, manufacturer, artist, entrepreneur, retailer, or established brand, professional photography can help communicate what makes your business unique.

Preserving a Legacy Through Photography

Photographing Bob “Ole” Olson was an opportunity to document not only a skilled craftsman but also a lifetime of dedication to an art form that has become part of Hawaii’s cultural identity.

These are the stories that make commercial photography meaningful.

They remind us that behind every successful business, product, and brand is a person whose passion and expertise helped bring it to life.

Sean Michael Hower Photo + Video proudly provides commercial photography, branding photography, videography, drone services, and marketing content creation throughout Maui, Hawaii, and beyond.

Congrats to Michael Weiss on winning the XTERRA 2011 in Maui, HI!

 

 

Really cool to shoot Garry Templeton Sr., a Hall of Famer, and Garry Templeton II. Brought back memories of my days in the big league, got kicked out though for my corked bat and sand paper habit…