ABOUT ME

Hello and welcome! My name is Kamokila and I am a brand photographer and content creator. I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi, but currently live in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Raised by two exceptionally gifted parents, I grew up in the Hawaiian music industry. My father, Jon de Mello, is a talented artist and music producer. My mother, Melinda Caroll, is an amazing singer and songwriter. My childhood was highly unusual in every way, but I am so grateful for all of the incredible experiences and memories.

Photography was always something I remember enjoying from a very young age. My father has always carried a camera with him, whether it was an old Polaroid or the latest Leica. He introduced me to my very first cameras and taught me about light & composition. In high school, my art teacher, Mr. Prado taught me how to develop film in a dark room; taking my photography skills to another level.

I studied marketing at Hawaiʻi Pacific University and then transferred to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles for Visual Communications. While attending FiDM, I got a job working for Betsey Johnson at the flagship store in Melrose and then eventually worked at the Sherman Oaks location. I made some of the best memories of my life working for Betsey and made lifelong sisters that I will always cherish. The Betsey women are true angels in my life!

After college, I went to work for my father at his record label, the Mountain Apple Company and learned all facets of the music industry. In 2011, I attended the Echo Awards in Berlin where my father accepted an award for “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Then in 2013, I was nominated for graphic artist for Makua Rothman’s album “Sound Wave” and Sean Naʻauao’s album “Naʻauao”.

It wasn’t until my daughter was born in 2016 that I started remembering how much photography made me happy. My uncle gifted his old Nikon DSLR and that ignited the desire to make photography my full time career and because of him, I will always be incredibly grateful.

Through the years, I’ve used every opportunity to get better and evolve my skills as a photographer. I’ve always been drawn to the fashion and design world and photography was a natural way for me to express myself and be creative. I absolutely love creating a beautiful brand story through my lens; capturing the in-between moments that feel authentic. I also love embracing the beauty of simplicity and going beyond traditional product photography by incorporating the natural elements, using light, color and texture to add depth or highlight details.

For the past year, I’ve fallen back in love with film photography and have evolved my work around revisiting traditional methods and reshaping my approach. The authenticity of film photography is something I deeply appreciate and find enriching.

I hope to continue my work as a visual artist and engage in partnerships with conscious brands that prioritize quality collaborations and community. Together, working towards collective harmony.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. I look forward to connecting more.

— Kamokila