Documenting Auntie K’s First Surfboard Ding Repair Workshop |Maui, Hawai’i
When Kelsey, the owner of Auntie K’s Ding Repair Shop, reached out to me about documenting her first-ever surfboard ding repair workshop, I was happy to be part of such an exciting gig! Kelsey wanted to capture the workshop to promote future events and create some content for her website and social media. Her vision was clear: authentic and inspiring images that would showcase her passion for sharing her knowledge with Maui surf community.
The workshop took place in Kelsey’s shop in Haiku, where three curious surfer girls gathered, eager to learn the art of repairing dings. The energy in the room was vibrant, with Kelsey guiding everyone step by step through the process. She shared her knowledge with enthusiasm, creating a welcoming environment.
Maui famous ding repair shop in Haiku, still with the old sign made by previous owner Gramps
Kelsey devoted this corner to Gramps who taught her the art of ding repair
Aunty K explains the difference between fiberglass and epoxy
Learning about different types of dings
Safety first! Always wear a mask when working with toxic materials
Every workshop participant was given a surfboard to repair
Auntie shows how to sand the damaged area
Applying new knowledge into practice!
The lighting at the shop was a challenge, with a mix of low and uneven light throughout the workshop space. However, this allowed me to get creative with black-and-white photography, which added a timeless feel to the images.
Hotcoating
Happy auntie and her students!
Time for perks!
…and a photo!
At the end of the day, I walked away with a gallery of memorable images and a short Reel that captured the essence of Kelsey’s first workshop. These photos not only document a special milestone in her journey but also help share her passion for craftsmanship with Maui surf community.
Kelsey’s work is truly inspiring and I’m honored to have been part of this event and can’t wait to see how she continues to grow Aunty K’s Ding Repair Shop!
