Rastafari | Faces of Faith

Ras Mikey Gamboa, Rastafari
Matt and I had an awesome time jammin' with Rastafari's Ras Mikey, Jah Angelo, Jammah, Rastar, and Ras Iesus in Mikey's backyard in Palolo Valley for our photo essay 'Faces of Faith' for Honolulu Magazine. We listened to their melodic drumming and spiritual chanting Nyahbinghi an African tradition of worshipping Jah. Check out Ras Mikey's music here. 

Buddhist | Faces of Faith

Ajan Impeng, Buddhist Monk
Matt and I photographed Ajan inside the prayer room at Wat Lao Sithammaram Temple where he lives in Waipahu, Hawaii for the photo essay 'Faces of Faith' for Honolulu Magazine.


"The life of a Buddhist monk is a practice in simplicity, each day a succession of chanting, teaching and meditation."

Pastor | Faces of Faith

 

Pastor Mike Lwin, New Hope Christian Fellowship 

We photographed Pastor Mike Lwin praying and spreading the gospel at New Hope Leeward mega church in Waipahu, Hawaii for the essay 'Faces of Faith' for Honolulu Magazine. 

Jewish | Faces of Faith

Rabbi Itchel Krasnjansky, Hasidic Jew

Matt and I photographed Rabbi Itchel at the Chabad of Hawaii for the photo essay 'Faces of Faith' for Honolulu Magazine.

The Rabbi's wife and daughter pray during Shabbat.

Muslim | Faces of Faith

Shereen El-Kadi, a woman of muslim faith, at the only mosque in Hawaii.


Shereen wears the scarf as an expression of individuality. “It’s important for me to fight the stereotypes,” she says. Working full time in public relations, with a master’s degree and an undeniable confidence, her scarf doesn’t symbolize oppression. 'It means ‘respect me.’ I’m a woman who has chosen to wear this as a form of modesty. It’s supposed to create a boundary.”






Part of the photo essay 'Faces of Faith' for Honolulu Magazine.

Sikh | Faces of Faith

Matt and I photographed 8 different religions for a photo essay 'Faces of Faith' for Honolulu Magazine.
Mohinder Maan, Sikh faith.
We met Mohinder at his Hawaii Kai home and over cardamom-spiced tea and biscuits, he recited the pillars of his faith. 'All faiths are equal to his—there are many paths to God. Work hard and make an honest living. Share what you earn. God is present in everything we see.'

Then we watched him perform the ritual reading of the Sikh holy text, Guru Granth Sahib, at his ceremonial altar off to the side of his bedroom.

Atlantic Sea Nettle