On the Big Island of Hawaii and throughout the state, Michael Darden Photography specializes in commercial, advertising, editorial, sports, wedding and portrait photography and videography/cinematography.

Darden has numerous editorial, news and sports photography awards to his credit throughout his more than 35 year career. Most recently 2016 Best of Hawaii – West / Best Photographer.

Darden’s editorial photography has been published by leading print and digital news organizations and magazines worldwide. His photography and videography work has been featured predominantly by numerous companies and corporations.

“My father and grandfather were both advanced amateur photographers who hand developed color and black & white film and printed pictures in their own little makeshift darkrooms.”

“At age 8, I got my first box camera but my photographic career began in earnest in San Diego, CA. as the photo editor for my high school newspaper in the mid 1970’s. Then as a U.S. Navy photographer I continued to develop my passion and photographic skills before leaving the military with an Honorable Discharge. With 7 years of military service under my belt I pursued a photojournalism career, accumulating 17 years of daily newspaper photography experience while covering many major news, professional sporting events – including NFL football, Major League Baseball, NBA basketball, NHL hockey, professional golf, professional motocross and the Big Island’s Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

Darden is widely considered by his peers to be one of the most proficient and versatile photographer / videographers in the state.

The scope of his work ranges from high end architectural and advertising photography and videography to portrait, wedding, landscape and aerial drone photography and videography.

With Hawaiian roots that extend for generations, Kailua Kona Hawaii has been home for nearly 30 years.