So often outdoor photography consists of beautiful landscapes, usually with a lone figure somewhere "out there," or a person participating in some kind of action. Maybe there are a portrait here and there. Looking at Instagram, it can feel a bit one-note. But look beyond the (collapsing?) walls of social media, and you can find examples of more complex work. One is a new book called Island Time, in which photographer Vivian Kim aims to turn the traditional snapshot of surf culture and island life into an urban-esque body of work highlighting the people and culture of Kaua'i.
Composed of over 230 film photos, Island Time captures a unique beauty in motion, showcasing Kaua'i's youthful energy. "I was drawn to create something special for and about the island," Kim shares with Field Mag about her new book project. "I wanted it to be thoughtful and intentional, not just a quick campaign."
Born and raised in southern California, Kim first visited the Hawaiian island at age 19 and over the years returned annually, sometimes for months at a time. As she began her journey as a photographer, her connection with Kaua'i grew and deepened. Now based between Los Angeles and New York with a focus on motion work and shooting fashion, lifestyle, and youth culture, her varied experiences have influenced how she shot the photographs for the book.