I approach every shoot with the same mindset: dive in, think big, make it colorful and make it real .

My personal projects explore cultural nostalgia, gentrification, diaspora, and marginalized communities. With a background in photojournalism, I have traveled the world documenting stateless people, folklore traditions, and cultural commodification. Recently, I’ve focused on the disappearing diners of New York City. As a National Geographic Explorer and Fulbright Fellow, I bring a commitment to storytelling rooted in cultural heritage and extensive international experience dynamics.

My work has been featured in The New York Times, Der Spiegel, La Repubblica, The Guardian, National Geographic, and L’Oeil de la Photographie and is held in the permanent collections of seven museums worldwide.

Born and raised in American Samoa, I draw on a unique perspective and global narratives. Now based in San Diego but willing to travel.