Unforgettable Wedding Photographs in Kauai

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I've had the opportunity to work with notable actors, bands, models and athletes. I'm passionate about working with people.

Hi! I'm Keith, a photographer that can find humor in anything; literally anything. I obtained my degree in Studio Art where I drew, painted, designed and focused in photography. Fresh out of college I married Bimini, my high school sweetheart/surf partner, and began work as a staff photographer and photo editor for a surf, fashion, art and music magazine. I got to travel a bit, all while learning the art of the camera, my style and meeting creative people along the way.

I merged photojournalistic style into wedding work and opened a studio all before moving to the beautiful garden island of Kauai. Spending time with my family, in the ocean and traveling are important to me when not shooting. I've had the opportunity to work with notable actors, bands, models and athletes. I'm passionate about working with people. I’ve been a full-time photographer since graduating college in 2007 (wow time flies) and in the Professional Photographers of America association just about as long. I was a part of the Canon Professionals program for years, have been the recipient of many Wedding Wire awards and have had films in several film festivals, but those were ocean-related not really wedding related.

How did you become a wedding photographer?

I come home buzzing with good energy after a heartfelt wedding.

I became a “wedding photographer” when a fellow photographer on the magazine I was working with in college asked me to help shoot a wedding. After assisting him with his, I was hooked. It’s fast-paced and fun, much like the action sports industry I was in at the time and it’s always a happy love party. I come home buzzing with good energy after a heartfelt wedding.

How would you describe your style?

But as a photographer, you have to wear many hats and switch up the way you do things, so there are parts of the day I’m more of a fashion photographer and other parts when I’m wrangling aunts, uncles and trying to get babies to smile. It’s all fun though and all part of the job.

Where and how do you find a good wedding photographer?

Finding a good photographer is easy and hard these days. Word of mouth is good but also ranking on Google is important. Probably something I need to focus on more. When I got married I hired a friend of mine who’s style I was into. For most destination weddings, my clients are either finding me through planners, online or recommendations from other friends whose weddings I photographed.

What are the most important wedding photos on a wedding day?

I don’t think there are specifically any "most important" photos of the day at any given wedding but there are definitely those key moments you strive to make look as perfect as possible.

I don’t think there are specifically any "most important" photos of the day at any given wedding but there are definitely those key moments you strive to make look as perfect as possible. Depending on how long the couple has me for, those moments might be the bride’s reaction to the dress, her hair and makeup or a bridesmaid after telling a funny joke; you know, those candid pre-wedding shots. There’s the obvious walking down the aisle photo, hopefully catching some movement or breeze blowing through the hair or dress. This kiss and initial announcement of the couple walking away from what seems like a fire they just started in the hearts of everyone watching is a favorite of mine. The more posed and thought out photos after group shots can get more artistic and more involved in the surroundings. I’m a fan of that. It’s hard to pick a favorite. I like it all.

How much does a wedding photographer cost? What should a wedding photography package include?

I’ve had years to test the waters with rates and see what couples like the best and I think being somewhere where elopements are just as common as weddings, I’ve found that offering hourly packages or an a la carte of sorts is the best option for me as of now. I don’t hold images back or make you purchase them after shooting. Everything will be edited and you have the right to print, post and share as you see fit. After all, it’s your wedding.

How does a typical wedding photo shoot go?

All weddings are different and some locations require more time for shooting or transportation than others but if trying to be budget friendly and still get the shots needed to tell the story, 5 hrs. is a good amount of coverage time. It allows for quick pre-wedding details (dress, jewelry, shoes, ties, rings, etc.), the ceremony, group shots, art photos of the couple in the best locations of the area, sunset and the first part of the reception. This is just enough time for me to make it look like I was there all day and to tell the full story.

If a couple chooses you as a photographer, what should they prepare and arrange ahead of time for you to be the most effective?

Hiring a planner is one of the most underrated pieces of advice I could give a couple. They will make your day run seamlessly.

Hiring a planner is one of the most underrated pieces of advice I could give a couple. They will make your day run seamlessly. The details will be perfect, the venue looking amazing, the little things you forgot you wanted will all be coming back to you as you see them happening on your wedding day. They will tell you what’s about to happen before the question pops into your mind. That perfect dance with father time is made into an art with the right wedding planner. I have recommendations that I’d love to share if you need.

What was the most memorable wedding you photographed?

I’m not sure you could ask a parent his or her favorite child and weddings are no different for me. I love what I do and I’ve loved capturing the happiness between many couples over the years.

I’m not sure you could ask a parent his or her favorite child and weddings are no different for me. I love what I do and I’ve loved capturing the happiness between many couples over the years. I can’t pick a favorite wedding. There are certain moments that stick out as “wow” moments in my mind. Those perfect sunsets at Tunnels Beach on the North Shore of Kauai, the lingering golden light of the South Shore, the epic views of Waimea Canyon and an underwater session with couples that truly feel at home in the ocean are all amazing shots. There was one moment in the Dominican Republic though. The couple was back and forth about doing a quick water session in the morning before their flight back to the states. I convinced them to wake up a little earlier than they would have to take a dip and they were glad they did. The ocean was clear, there was no wind and the images turned out perfect. They flew home with sand between their toes and smiles on their faces and so did I.