through my lens - by a top kauai photographer

Aloha! I'm professional photographer David Marsh. With a background in film production, a joint BAFTA and International Emmy team recipient, published novelist, and a good cook, apparently. 

I've been a full-time photographer in Kauai since 2008; before then a photographer and independent film producer/director in California and I appreciate that you're considering me as I know you have other choices. 

You want to know my key ingredient, not in the kitchen but on a photoshoot? Fun! If you're having fun, I get genuine smiles and belly laughter and inhibitions fade away. So it's on me  to make sure you're having a blast. if you're okay to go with the flow, let's reveal the hidden show off you didn't even know was lurking under your skin. You want romantic, passionate—I get that, too! It's not all about one thing. If you're willing to splash about in the ocean during your photography session in Kauai, I'll be there with you. You want to climb a tree and propose, fantastic. If you're not sure, no worries. Photography tips are on my lips. Let's get ready to shoot!

The sun gets cut by the mountain as it slowly rises into the sky in the early morning. It's the time of day when soft streams of light allow me to take beautifully lit couples photographs. Lighting followed by set decoration are the first two things on my mind when I lead my clients around our selected location. Set decoration, you say? Yes. You see, the beach we've chosen to shoot is one purposely selected because of its photo ops. Think of a stretch of misty mountains, jungle nestled up to a crescent beach, an outrigger canoe sitting on a sand bank, a fallen tree trunk on the beach versus the alternative: a small deserted, maybe romantic beach, that  doesn't have misty mountains, rock pools or an outrigger canoe; it just has blue ocean and sweeping drifts of sand. If I'm going to be your photographer in Kauai, I'd like more than the ocean and a beach. This is why I do lots of photoshoots at Hanalei Bay, Shipwreck Beach, and Tunnels Beach. While there are other beaches besides these three with dynamic possibilities, I consider other factors such as ease of getting there, parking, safety, bathrooms, etc. And while Hanalei Bay might see a fair volume of beachgoers, removing them from my photos is part of the gig.  It's all the more satisfying when my clients see their photos for the first time and text me, "I love them all! You made all the other beachgoers disappear, thank you so much"

Of note: I prefer doing photo sessions on the north shore. For me, less driving time, which otherwise would eat into my editing time. All I can say is if you're on vacation, even if your hotel/Airbnb is on the south side, the spectacular north shore is really worth visiting. I will, however, travel to you on the south side if you really don't want to do the drive yourself.

I'm flexible with your photo shoot's day and time  

I'm reminded that I live in paradise. Everywhere I look I see stunning backdrops. Only it wouldn’t be so verdant without all of our rainfall. Still, not everyone wants a sunset couples photo session in a downpour, which is why I try to be as flexible as possible in regards to switching times, even the shoot date if possible, at no extra charge.

My photography portfolio is the best way to start your journey of decision.   

 'nuff said, for now

—David.

Professional photographer Kauai.