A black and white landscape showcasing rugged mountains in the background with a calm water body in the foreground. Lush greenery lines the shore, contrasting against the jagged peaks under a partly cloudy sky.

Sacred
Isles

Tahiti

A black and white photograph capturing a mountain peak framed by lush palm trees and tropical foliage. The scene conveys a serene sense of nature, with soft clouds in the sky hinting at a tranquil atmosphere.

Sacred Isles

71 photographs

French Polynesia
Tahiti
2024

A woman standing on a rock at the beach, wearing a black bikini and a floral crown, with a blurred background of palm trees and mountains. The image is in black and white, emphasizing shapes and contrasts.

A black and white photo of four men and a woman standing on a boat near the shore in Tahiti.

French Polynesia has always lived in my imagination: remote, cinematic, more dream than destination. The South Pacific carries its own mythology with palms shifting in the wind, water so clear it feels infinite, a rhythm untouched by time.

Black and white photograph of a towering mountain covered in lush greenery, partially shrouded in mist, with a dense grove of palm trees in the foreground.

When I finally arrived, I wanted to see it honestly. Through Hinatea Boosie, a sixth-generation Tahitian and steward of her culture, I was introduced to the island as it truly lives, through family, heritage, and community.

A woman with a floral crown of white flowers, partially submerged in clear, calm water. She gazes directly at the camera with a serene expression, surrounded by beautiful mountains and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Together with her friends, who embody Tahiti’s warmth and quiet strength, we set out to capture moments that honored the island’s spirit rather than reimagining it.

Yes, this is a story that takes place in paradise but it’s about presence, connection, and what it means to belong somewhere, even for a moment.

Four women posing together on a beach, each wearing floral crowns made of tropical leaves and flowers. They have long hair and a serene expression, capturing a moment of connection and beauty in black and white.

A black and white image featuring lush tropical foliage with palm trees in the foreground. In the background, the silhouette of a mountain peak majestically through the greenery.

Five surfers posing by the beach, each holding a surfboard. They stand in front of palm trees and calm waters, wearing swimwear. The image is in black and white, highlighting their vibrant expressions and relaxed beach atmosphere.

A tall, rocky mountain peak rises in the background, framed by green palm trees.

A woman sitting elegantly in a wicker chair among tall palm trees on a grassy landscape, dressed in a vibrant red floral pattern dress. Lush green hills can be seen in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A young man playing a ukulele while standing outdoors, surrounded by tall palm trees. He is shirtless, wearing shorts and a simple necklace, with a focused expression as he enjoys his musical moment.

A tall palm tree swaying in the breeze, captured in black and white. Its slender trunk rises towards the sky, with feathery fronds gracefully arching around its crown. Dark foliage in the foreground contrasts with the palm, creating a serene tropical atmosphere.

12-13

A black and white photograph of a stone statue depicting a woman’s bust adorned with a flower, resting atop a mound of coral and stones, surrounded by lush greenery.

Portrait of a couple sitting on a handmade mat alongside the ocean.

A black and white image showing an underwater scene with silhouettes of coral on the seabed and a distant line of palm trees on an island above the water's surface.

A black surfboard resting on grass, with the year '1908' painted on it. A floral lei is placed on the board.

A woman standing on a beach, holding a surfboard looking away from the camera. She is wearing a bikini and a floral crown.

17-18

Portrait of two Tahitian men on the Tahitian coastline. One man wears a wide-brimmed hat and other has a flower lei around his neck.

Portrait of a woman wearing a flowercrown sitting on her surfboard in the ocean with mountains in the background.

A black and white underwater scene featuring coral formations on the ocean floor.

Portrait of a woman with wet hair and a seashell necklace, looking directly at the camera. T

Five women resting on the waters edge, each wearing a shell necklace.

A tall palm tree silhouette against a bright background, with sun rays visible through the fronds, creating a shadow effect.

A portrait of a young man, wearing a necklace and a shell bracelet, looking to his side.

24-25

Portrait of a man on the beach in Tahiti holding his surfboard.

A black and white image of a shark swimming near the ocean floor.

Five surfers walking through shallow water, carrying surfboards heading out to surf.

A black and white photo of a surfer cutting back on a wave in Tahiti

A black and white image of large palm leaves arranged in a fan shape against a clear background.

Black and white photo of a surfer going down the face of a large wave in Tahiti

Aerial view of a coral reef with a curved shoreline in clear blue water. Shallow areas are visible along the reef, and clouds are present in the sky.

A view of clear turquoise water with small waves, showing a green shoreline with palm trees and a mountain in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

A school of various striped fish swimming underwater in clear blue water.

A close-up of a bright red ginger flower surrounded by green leaves.

A panoramic view of lush green mountains in Tahiti rising majestically above a blue bay, under a partly cloudy sky. The tranquil water reflects the surrounding landscape, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

A group of five surfers standing together on a beach, holding their surfboards. They are dressed in swimwear, with palm trees in the background. The image is in black and white, conveying a nostalgic and adventurous atmosphere.

A smiling woman with curly hair stands on a beach, holding a surfboard under her arm. She is wearing a bikini and a lei made of flowers, with the ocean in the background.

A surfer catching a wave, balancing on a surfboard as water splashes dramatically around him. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the motion and energy of the ocean.

Tall palm trees reaching towards a cloudy sky, with their fronds gently swaying in the breeze. The image is presented in black and white, emphasizing the contrast between the palm leaves and the clouds.

40-41

Tall palm trees swaying in the wind against a backdrop of mountains, captured in black and white, conveying a dramatic scene filled with movement and natural beauty.

A surfer riding a wave in, captured in black and white. The dynamic motion of the ocean water creates a dramatic backdrop, highlighting the excitement and energy of the sport.

A shirtless surfer riding a wave on a surfboard in black and white. The wave is cresting behind him, and he is positioned slightly to the side, showcasing the surfboard design.

A black and white photograph showing a mountain partially shrouded in clouds, surrounded by water and greenery, with waves gently moving.

A black and white photo of a gray shark swimming near the sandy ocean floor, under clear water.

A school of striped fish swimming underwater, captured in black and white.

Black and white photo of two surfers paddling out in waters near Tahiti

A black and white photograph in Tahiti of a line of palm trees along the edge of a body of water, with clouds partially visible in the sky.

A black and white photo in Tahiti of a person sitting on a palm tree trunk who climbed up.

Silhouettes of tall palm trees against a misty gray background. The image has a soft focus with varying shades of gray, creating a serene atmosphere.

Three women with wet hair sitting close together, wearing black swimsuits and shell necklaces. T

Black and white image of a Tahitian landscape featuring palm trees in the foreground with a mountainous landscape in the background.

A woman in a black bikini standing beside a surfboard with a floral crown.

53-54

Three men standing on a beach next to surfboards, with palm trees and water in the background. T

A cluster of tall palm trees in Tahiti swaying in the wind, with a beach and vegetation in the foreground, captured in black and white.

A black and white photo of tall palm trees against a clear sky in Tahiti

A silhouetted male figure standing near the water, with sunlight reflecting off the surface. The background shows trees and a boat tied to a post.

A blurred silhouette of a person standing near a calm body of water at sunset, with trees in the background and colorful sky reflecting on the water.

A woman in Tahiti wearing a flowercrown holding a surfboard by a body of water, with mountains in the background.

A portrait of a young man in Tahiti, sitting outdoors, shirtless, with a necklace.

A black and white portrait of a woman in a bikini and a shell necklace standing by the water.

A shark swimming over a sandy ocean floor, seen from above.

63-64

Black and white portrait of a woman partially submerged in water.

A black and white photo in Tahiti of a lush mountain rising above a dense grove of palm trees under a cloudy sky.

Silhouetted palm trees in Tahiti against a light gray background in black and white.

A calm body of water reflecting a pastel sky at dusk, with a silhouette of palm trees lining the horizon. Distant mountains are visible in the background.

Black and white image of palm trees against a cloudy sky.

Special thanks

Hinatea Boosie, Serena Sengues, Kohai Fierro, Matahi Drollet, Heimano Buisson, Maurihau Ebbs, Ryan Kelly, Serena Salmon, Naheitea LeBoucher, Alaia Nazaire, Heather Touniou, Elizabeth Buillard, Teahiti Aunda, Anavai Guiral, Kim Mean

A view of a mountainous island from a thatched-roof opening. The landscape includes rocky peaks and clouds, with water in the foreground.

Sacred Isles

Sacred Isles

71 photographs

French PolynesiaTahiti2024

Sacred
Isles

French Polynesia
Tahiti
2024