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DE-JAY “ACE” HANSSEN
Reno, NV
Born in California and raised in Nevada, I am a tried ‘n’ true west coast guy. Growing up watching epic storms and clouds made me find a deep appreciation for photography and made me want to be a storm chaser from the age of 6. I realized that if I learned to take pictures, I could see these amazing sights all the time, so my parents got me my first camera, a Kodak Disk camera. I had no idea what I was doing, but if it was in front of me, I snapped away. I will always choose to have crazy clouds in the sky instead of pure blue skies, and Hawaii provides that regularly.
I joined the Army as a Military Policeman and Correction Officer in 2006 at the age of 17, and from then until 2015, when I got out, I was able to travel to amazing places from Germany to Romania to Afghanistan. Taking pictures all the while and learning on the fly, I started to turn this passion into a profession. I went to school for my degree in photography, and it was the beginning of the realization of me being a professional photographer.
I joined Oahu Photography Tours in 2016, and it is by far my favorite job I have had. I love sharing my home with guests from all over the world and forging bonds with brand new people every single day. I have lived here since 2011 and have been exploring every inch I can get to on an island I can fly too when I can. I hope that I can show you this fantastic space the way that I do and help you take images that you can cherish for the rest of your lives!
I started doing portraits and still enjoy it but have always really felt at home and comfortable capturing landscapes, which Hawaii has plenty to offer. I’ve been known to spend hours in a single location to get that one perfect shot that I was looking for. To me, the adventure of capturing the image is just as good as nailing that ideal exposure. If you want to go out on an adventure and get to know your camera or phone and shoot the best that Hawaii has to offer, I am your guy.
I look forward to seeing you!
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My Tips For You
The longer I stay in Hawaii, the more passionate I become about it, and all there is to do. I have had the pleasure of exploring so many areas with my camera and would love to share my favorite hikes with you. My favorite is the Ka’ena Point Hike, this hike is flat and relatively easy, but with a massive payoff at the end. It is roughly 5 miles round trip that culminates at a sanctuary for Albatross on the furthest western tips of O’ahu. When you get to the end, you are surrounded by these amazing birds, as well as being near a highly trafficked area for tired Hawaiian Monk Seals. My next favorite hike is a fairly common one, but the view from the top at sunrise is breathtaking Diamond Head. You want to get there as soon as the gate opens and start the hike early so you can watch the sunrise amongst other hikers for a rare view.
If you have worked up an apatite after hiking around, I would suggest going to Ono’s Steak and Shrimp Shack to satisfy your hunger. The location of, in my opinion, of the best fish tacos in on the whole island. I have tried many places, and while there are a lot of right spots, this one wins every time. Everything on their menu is made well, and you will not be disappointed. Not in the mood for Fish Tacos? Check out Chucks Cellar in Waikiki. This place is only open from 5 pm-10 pm every night and has only a few tables inside and live music. They specialize in seafood, ribs, and steak.
I hope that you do as much as you can while you are here, and if you have any questions or want more recommendations, let me know! I hope to see you soon!
Aloha,
De-Jay Hanssen
Phone: 808-554-0729
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dejayhanssenphotography.com