photographer

MICHAEL B HARDIE

Michael is a seasoned creative professional with over 25 years of experience crafting captivating content through Fine Art Photography, Graphic Design, Web Design, and Video Production. Known for his distinct eye and vibrant editing style, Michael’s work is instantly recognizable and truly one of a kind. As he puts it, "When something speaks to you or moves you in a way you can’t explain, that’s the moment it becomes art."

Having called Hawaii home for the past decade, Michael draws inspiration from the islands’ natural beauty and cultural richness. Currently on an expedition to capture the stunning landscapes of the Mainland U.S., he continues to expand his portfolio while maintaining a deep connection to Hawaii’s visual storytelling.

Michael’s work has earned multiple awards, contest wins, and international recognition, including features by esteemed organizations such as The Smithsonian and National Geographic. His collaborations with the Wyland Foundation, Hawaiian Airlines, PADI, and Hawaii News Now highlight his ability to create impactful visuals for a diverse range of clients.

For Hawaii’s commercial clients, Michael’s expertise and artistic vision translate into compelling imagery and design that elevate brands and resonate with audiences. From fine art photography that transforms spaces to visual campaigns that tell a story, Michael’s work embodies a seamless blend of creativity and professionalism, making him an invaluable partner for businesses looking to stand out.

Key Clients and Commissions Include

Hawaii News Now, Hawaiian Airlines, The Huffington Post, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, National Geographic, The Smithsonian Institution, Wyland Foundation

MATSUMOTO'S A shave-ice inspired shorebreak shot taken on the west side of Oahu — MATSUMOTO'S

A shave-ice inspired shorebreak shot taken on the west side of Oahu

BLACK FISH, BLUE FISH, OLD FISH, NEW FISH I couldn't believe my eyes when this Humpback mother brought her playful calf near me. The baby was so excited to be alive, twirling, surfacing, diving — BLACK FISH, BLUE FISH, OLD FISH, NEW FISH

I couldn't believe my eyes when this Humpback mother brought her playful calf near me. The baby was so excited to be alive, twirling, surfacing, diving

ENTER IN This open ceiling cave in Kauai, off the Na Pali coast, is a gateway to other-worldly beauty — ENTER IN

This open ceiling cave in Kauai, off the Na Pali coast, is a gateway to other-worldly beauty

RIBCAGE There have been many images taken of wave vortices but this is the only one I’ve ever seen from this side or parallel angle. It still blows my mind and will always be one of my favorite images from my time in the ocean — RIBCAGE

There have been many images taken of wave vortices but this is the only one I’ve ever seen from this side or parallel angle. It still blows my mind and will always be one of my favorite images from my time in the ocean

FEELING GREEN All 422 feet of the lush and extremely beautiful Akaka Falls — FEELING GREEN

All 422 feet of the lush and extremely beautiful Akaka Falls

SPRINGTIME AT THE HARBOR The very last glimpse of light before it dawns on a gorgeous spring day in Hawaii — SPRINGTIME AT THE HARBOR

The very last glimpse of light before it dawns on a gorgeous spring day in Hawaii

TEACHING AND LEARNING Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are very communal. They do everything together, including raising their young. I was very thankful and fortunate that they decided to let me into the pod on this morning — TEACHING AND LEARNING

Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins are very communal. They do everything together, including raising their young. I was very thankful and fortunate that they decided to let me into the pod on this morning

UNAPROACHABLE SPLENDOR Taken right before sunrise, on a frigid morning and under a cloudy sky, this is the lava lake at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater — UNAPROACHABLE SPLENDOR

Taken right before sunrise, on a frigid morning and under a cloudy sky, this is the lava lake at Halemaʻumaʻu Crater

Out of the Blue I have photographed spinner dolphins hundreds of times before, but this was special. It was the clarity of the water and shallow depth plus the natural lighting that pierced the surface at that exact time of day — Out of the Blue

I have photographed spinner dolphins hundreds of times before, but this was special. It was the clarity of the water and shallow depth plus the natural lighting that pierced the surface at that exact time of day

TURTLE BACK RIDE The thing that draws me to the ocean the most is that I literally never know what I’m going to come across on any given day. I count myself extremely fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to capture this image. — TURTLE BACK RIDE

The thing that draws me to the ocean the most is that I literally never know what I’m going to come across on any given day. I count myself extremely fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time to capture this image. Never have I experienced or seen anything like this in the water or in another photograph. This one will go down as one of the most unique shots I’ve ever captured and I’ll remember it forever

GOOD FRIDAY All alone at one of the most beautiful places on earth, and a sunset that I’ll never forget. It was a spiritual experience, it was a Good Friday — GOOD FRIDAY

All alone at one of the most beautiful places on earth, and a sunset that I’ll never forget. It was a spiritual experience, it was a Good Friday

WAY DOWN WE GO This Hawaiian Day Octopus makes its way down to the reef below where it makes its home. I love the shapes, colors and textures this amazing creature provides — WAY DOWN WE GO

This Hawaiian Day Octopus makes its way down to the reef below where it makes its home. I love the shapes, colors and textures this amazing creature provides

LONELY CROWN The Crown Jellyfish’s amazing translucent/white color stood out in the vast blue that engulfed it. Crowns are one of the few jellyfish humans can touch and not get stung — LONELY CROWN

The Crown Jellyfish’s amazing translucent/white color stood out in the vast blue that engulfed it. Crowns are one of the few jellyfish humans can touch and not get stung

EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING Not a care in the world, this honu takes a nap on a soft bed of seagrass on the north shore of Oahu — EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING

Not a care in the world, this honu takes a nap on a soft bed of seagrass on the north shore of Oahu

THIS IS AMAZING GRACE The sun sets at the Northwestern most point of Oahu — THIS IS AMAZING GRACE

The sun sets at the Northwestern most point of Oahu