George Ngatuvai

9.19.22

“My name is George Ngatuvai, the youngest son of Pakineti and Sepi Ngatuvai. I was born and raised in the Provo - Orem area of Utah where I still reside today. I have one younger sister and 2 older brothers. I was playing football at Snow College where I had the realization that I had zero passion for playing football at the collegiate level. It was at that same time I came across photography and fell in love with it. My sister was playing around with our oldest brother's camera and took our cousin's senior pictures. Soon after we were shooting events and weddings together. As the years passed on, my sister gave up the photography grind and now I do it solo specializing in fashion, music and sports.My favorite Polynesian food is Horse with manioke, Lu sipi, Sapasui, Feke, Ota ‘Ika, Spicy Poke and Mango Otai.”

“I can’t think of a single event that was a “life changing” experience but as I review my life as a whole, I think of all the choices I’ve made that have led me to exactly where I am today. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake as it’s all a part of our life experience - I’d worry more about what to do after you’ve realized you didn’t make the best choice . Learn to pivot, readjust and keep going!”

“Both of my parents are full Tongan, born and raised in Tonga. My dad is from Feletoa and Leimatu’a, Vava’u and my mom is from Ha’atu’a and ‘Ohonua, ‘Eua.

I take great pride in being Polynesian as I look for any opportunity to uplift our people. I love to shoot polynesian cultural sessions for fun ( @georgengatuvaiphotos on IG). Our Polynesian culture played a huge role in molding me into the person I am today. I have to give praise to my parents for navigating a foreign land while being able to raise their children in the same cultural values they grew up with in Tonga which is something I will always be grateful for. The most valuable lesson I continue to learn in my life is remembering who I am and where I come from. My dad always shared with us kids President George Albert Smith’s (8th prophet for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) experience where his deceased grandfather George A. Smith appeared to him in a dream and asked “I would like to know what you have done with my name.” President Smith responded ““I have never done anything with your name of which you need be ashamed.” The pride we feel in the islands we represent and the last names we bear motivate us to give wings to the roots we already have. Polynesia is nothing more than scattered dots on the map but seeing the waves of impact made by fellow polynesians in the world today is very inspirational and motivating.

My advice is to take your time in doing it right the first time. Life is so precious and time waits for no one. Using time in re doing something that could’ve easily been prevented had you done it right the first time takes valuable time away from your family, exploring other passions and potentially missed opportunities.”

“Take your time in doing it right the first time. Life is so precious and time waits for no one."

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