While studying the art of visual communications, Shelly discovered her love for photography.  She has developed her journalistic style experimenting with black and white film photography during conversations and get-togethers with friends.  "I think I use the camera very well and take great looking photos."

Born and raised in Hawaii of Filipino decent, Shelly hasn't looked her age since junior high, a benefit from being Asian.  With boundless energy, she occupies her free time with physical activities and keeps slender and toned.  Currently, her discovery of sports yoga helps to perfect her skateboarding.  She considers herself a working girl, keeping her balance to avoid teetering into becoming a workaholic.

Meeting new people and exploring new places enriches her colorfully chaotic, adventurous lifestyle.  Like a combustible atom, Shelly is prone to accidents as she is usually preoccupied with random ideas, tripping over her lazy foot or bumping into annoying door handles. To no surprise, she has been to traffic school five times for frequently speeding down the highway.

Probably one of the very few Americans who doesn't like watching television nor own one, Shelly's attention span can be sporadic and short, working on five projects at a time.  Usually it takes one fabulous intelligent woman to grab her attention!

Surfer Girl

Growing up in Hawaii, one is expected to love the water. It is always a surprise to mainlanders when I admit I don’t surf. Yes, I remember spending my childhood on beaches around the island for family barbecues or day swims and even body surfing in Waimea Bay in winter! When I look back at those days, I think I was a little crazy.

But dating a surfer has taught me more about the joy of surfing and inspired me to create this photo essay. Although it is still a male-dominated sport, there is no particular height, size, strength, age or sex required. Anyone can learn to surf. Here are some diverse women from all around the world who converged on this island, for one thing: the love of surf. —Shelly Bonoan

*Photo Essay on Female Surfers originally published by The Honolulu Weekly 2010.

Hire Her Photography Services

While Shelly may have a knack for connecting with her subject, thus depicting the lifestyle, she is also educated and trained in capturing newsworthy events, private events, formal and informal portraits, pets, home interiors and travel adventures.

Please contact her for rates and availability.  No job is too big or too small!  As Shelly is often fond of saying "have camera, will travel!"

Buy Her Artwork

When not shooting on assignment for someone else, Shelly creates beautiful images worthy of displaying framed (or not) on your very own wall.

Please visit her page on RedBubble.com and you'll see a variety of products available to purchase of her photography.

You may also follow Shelly at 500px.

Mahalo for your aloha & support!