Wedding photographer Pat Whalen on location in Honolulu, Hawaii

my story

Growing up, I always pictured myself being in front of the camera. That all changed in June of 2016 when my journey as a wedding and portrait photographer began.

I had just graduated college with a degree in Communication and naturally had no idea what I was going to do with my life. However, those concerns had to be held off for a bit as my father, brother and I had a trip planned to Portugal and Spain where we would walk 90 miles on a 1000 year old pilgrimage called El Camino de Santiago over the course of seven days. I wanted to be able to not only experience this trip but also capture the unknown beauty I was soon going to take in. So what did I do? I bought a cheap camera and took some of the worst photos of my entire life…although at the time I thought they were the best photos ever.

Fast forward four years and I made the biggest decision of my life and moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, all the way from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Four years spending countless hours teaching myself how to frame, color and edit my photos, multiple drone replacements, and all the connections made throughout the process landed me there. I used to tell people that I rarely go anywhere without my camera. Living in Hawaii as a wedding photographer, if you aren't doing that, something is wrong with you.

From 2019 to 2023, I called Hawaii home, where I honed my craft capturing island life where I photographed couples against some of the world's most breathtaking backdrops and learned to chase perfect light and candid moments. After two years back home reconnecting with family and creative roots, I moved to Ireland to pursue a Master's degree in Digital Marketing at Trinity College Dublin.

Today, southeast Florida home. That same instinct that had me chasing light across Hawaii's coastlines and Ireland’s cliffs now has me exploring everything this coast has to offer, always looking for the next perfect backdrop for a couple’s story.

So that is where my journey began and where it is now. But that's not why you're here is it? You're here to tell me about yourself and your needs for photography. Whether it be your wedding, an elopement, an engagement shoot, or for your personal brand, getting to know one another is something that I value immensely. So follow the link below to inquire about my services and schedule a meeting with me!