For ten weeks, my classmates and I shared an amazing adventure by taking a class with Franco Salmoiraghi, one of Hawaii’s leading photographers. It was a rare opportunity, since he hadn’t taught a class in several years. Our class, which was called, “Photography + Experience,” was part of Pacific New Media’s summer session at the University of Hawaii.

 
Franco encouraged us to explore all sorts of possibilities and ways to express ourselves through photography and our projects.

Each of us had to mine our own archive of images to tell a story, either by making a little book with photos and words, or through a presentation.

We also contributed to the Kaka`ako Diaries Project–as a group we photographed the historic Honolulu neighborhood and industrial area that’s undergoing a transition.

And, we had fun learning more about each other and ourselves.

 
We got a fascinating peek into some of Franco’s past and present projects, and also some of the experiences that have affected his life. And we often heard him quote one of his favorite Italian philosophers, Yogi Berra: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” And so we did.

Here’s a peek at what some of us created along the way.

 
Peter Mallett on the story behind his photo “Weary Angel”

“This image, made from a statue on the grounds of Kawaiaha’o Church, is what Franco’s class was about for me.  After hearing about her from one of the class participants (Thanks Doug!), I had been thinking about visiting there to make pictures.  One afternoon, all of a sudden, I knew it was time to do it.  I had made six or seven images when I noticed that someone had left a book of scripture at her feet. Had I gone a day sooner or later, I probably would have missed it. This particular class was almost magical, something that had it happened any other time, with different people, would never have turned out the way it did.”

 
Heidi Chang on her book project “Adventures on Molokai”

“It was a real challenge to step back in time and try to tell a story with old photos and just a few words. But it was also inspiring to reconnect with the past, recalling my adventures with my Molokai ohana, and rediscovering the value of those images and experiences.”

 
Shirley Lam on her photo of the historic fishing boat “Kula Kai” from the Kaka`ako Project

“I chose this image of the “Kula Kai” because I felt a real resonance to it. I read an article about the lifestyle of the fisherman, the craftsmanship of the sampans, and how fishing was during those times. I was really moved by Sam Whippy, with his care and dedication in restoring this historic fishing boat.”

 
Robin Scanlon’s photo “Dancing Robe” is from her Grave Precepts – As Photo Project

“The grave precepts in Buddhism are ten recommendations for ethical conduct. Although they are often compared to Christian commandments, they are very different. When a person receives the precepts, this person takes up these recommendations as they relate directly to their life. It’s been a while since I thought about them in any formal way, but as I went through my selection of images from my archives, I noticed that the precepts inform the photographs that I make.” You can see more of Robin’s images on her blog.

 
Malia Urie on her image from a reflection in a puddle of water from the Kaka`ako Project 

“This picture was taken in Kaka’ako as part of our group documentary project about the area. At first I thought the rain was going to be an obstacle, but I think we all soon learned that it was actually a gift! It just goes to show you that ‘happy accidents’ happen all the time in art. That’s what I tell my students:) I took this image because I was drawn to the colors made by the oil and the disorienting reflection.”

Denver Green on his photo of a classic red car in a garage from the Kaka`ako Project

“The thing that grabs me about this photo is the contrast of the red against the neutral colors of its surroundings.”

 
Jennifer Chung on her photo of Walter Yamane from the Kaka`ako Project

“As part of our Kaka’ako diaries project, I wanted to focus on the history of Kaka’ako and how things were back in the early days. In August, 2011, Ward Center held the Kaka’ako Day event. The highlight was talking story with Walter Yamane, who was one of the 47 boys known as the Kaka’ako boy gang. Later, we met at Mother Waldron Park in the neighborhood where Walter grew up. Behind his home, which is no longer there, his parents had a market. Back in the 1940s-1950s, most dads were fishermen and most moms worked in the tuna factory. For Walter, the gang was a way of life. When one of his closest friends died, he wrote this beautiful poem.”

The Mother Waldron Park in Kakaako 

Where once many played everywhere
and the park was filled with carefree laughter,
Where are all the boys…my friends?
Where’s Lousy, Hash, Angie, Pauly and all the others who have passed
Where has the years gone,
But in my memory?
The park was our world to grow-up in,
To learn the many ways of life.
The joy lingers on…
and as in a movie picture,
I see and feel,
but I cannot recapture the time in my youth.
For although the memories are as vivid as only yesterday,
yesterday is gone.

Walter’s poem can be found in Marsha Gibson’s book, Kaka’ako – As we Knew It.

Many thanks to Franco and everyone in our class for their inspiration, creativity and an extraordinary experience! Aloha.

 
Pictured from left to right, holding a photo of their self-portraits:
Top row: John Chock, Jordan Harrison, Terry O’Halloran, Douglas Miki, Denver Green, Franco Salmoiraghi, Peter Mallett, Malia Urie.
Middle row: Heidi Chang, Robin Scanlon, Jennifer Chung, Shelli Huang, Joan Matsukawa
Bottom row: Shirley Lam, David Takagi