My Story
JJ Takiyakawa grew up in Hawaiʻi, where ocean, light, and movement naturally shaped his creative eye. He discovered photography during the COVID era, a time that sharpened his appreciation for meaningful moments and the importance of preserving them.
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JJ is a husband to his wife, Janey-Lee, and a proud father of two sons. Family life deeply influences his work, grounding his passion for capturing moments that matter—whether it’s the intensity of a sporting event, the joy on a child’s face, or the calm beauty of a scenic landscape.
An avid surfer, JJ is especially drawn to surf and action photography. He thrives on freezing motion, energy, and emotion in a single frame, bringing moments to life with a natural, authentic mood. His work blends movement, environment, and feeling, creating images that feel alive long after the moment has passed. JJ also loves to travel. He has visited Japan once and Korea once, but his favorite destination is Europe, where he visits regularly for the food and culture.
At the heart of JJ’s photography is a simple purpose: to make people happy by preserving sports memories, special milestones, and the beauty of everyday life in HawaiÊ»i.

