Cody Yamaguchi sees the world through a lens of wonder—where every crashing wave, every molten river of lava, and every misty rainforest holds a story waiting to be told. Born and raised in Hilo, Hawai‘i, he grew up surrounded by the raw, untamed beauty of the Big Island, a place that fueled his endless curiosity and deep connection to nature. From an early age, he wasn’t just an observer of the world—he was captivated by its intricate details, its contrasts, its movement.

His artistic journey began with black-and-white charcoal drawings, where he first discovered the power of light and shadow. At just eight years old, he entered his first art exhibit and placed second, a moment that ignited a lifelong pursuit of creativity. Over the years, his artistic expression evolved, leading him to explore different mediums before finding his true passion—photography. Through his lens, Cody doesn’t just capture landscapes; he preserves fleeting moments of nature’s power and grace, moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

His work has earned recognition in multiple local art competitions, including the Fine Arts Department award at Waiākea High School and 1st Place and Best Nature at the Hawai‘i Photography Show in 2019. But for Cody, photography is not about accolades—it’s about feeling. It’s about standing in the presence of something greater than ourselves, witnessing the ever-changing beauty of the islands, and sharing that experience with others.

Every image he creates is an invitation—an invitation to step into a world of untamed beauty, to see nature’s energy and emotion through his eyes, and to connect with the land in a way that is both powerful and deeply personal. His journey is far from over, and with every frame, he continues to chase the essence of Hawai‘i, one breathtaking moment at a time.