through my lens - by a top kauai photographer
Natural light photographer David Marsh specializes in family photography, couples and maternity photography, and more!
Photography Options
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY KAUAI
SURPRISE ENAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
SURPRISE ENAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
I can direct you to a plethora of stunningly scenic locations for your session. The north shore offers misty mountains, lush foliage, sweeping beaches and sparkling bays. It’s my favorite!
SURPRISE ENAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
SURPRISE ENAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
SURPRISE ENAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
I often photograph surprise proposals during regular couples photoshoots. It means both parties know of the photo session, only one knows it’s a proposal. The other way to do this is with a surprise photo shoot and proposal.
ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
SURPRISE ENAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Elopements are the staple of Hawaii's photography business so please book early as my calendar space is often small.
Mahalo.
I'm looking forward to doing your elopement photography in Kauai
PORTRAITURE
KAUAI COUPLES PORTRAITS
BIG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY KAUAI
BIG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY KAUAI
Beautiful backgrounds are gifts of Kauai.
BIG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY KAUAI
BIG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY KAUAI
BIG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY KAUAI
Making my clients comfortable so that we have a fun session is paramount.
What's up
Aloha! I'm David Marsh, an award-winning English photographer in Kauai, known for being a top Kauai photographer. I'm a joint BAFTA and International Emmy team recipient, published novelist, and a good cook, apparently. 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, I'll be there with you. You want to climb a tree and propose, fantastic. If you're not sure, no worries. Simply, I love people.
THE BEST FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHERS KAUAI HAS TO OFFER
I've been a full-time photographer in Kauai for 15 years; before then a photographer and cinematographer in California and I'm thrilled and appreciate that you're considering me from all Kauai's best photographers, as I know you have other choices. Will you get the same or similar photos from all of us? Do my galleries suggest such? In some cases, yes. But I strive for "not." I find that living on this small island and being a professional photographer Kauai is always throwing me photo opportunities not all see. Maybe it’s my eye or brain noticing something ten or twenty paces away that I know with a camera click will tell a unique photo story.
Mahalo,
David Marsh,
The photographer Kauai chooses for artistic naturally-represented photographs.
LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT PHOTOGRAPHER
A Kauai photographer with an eye for an outrigger
I've done hundreds of maternity photoshoots during sunset hours, most on one of our stunning beaches. I prefer shooting on beaches that hold dynamic possibilities.
What are dynamic possibilities? Think of a stretch of misty mountains, swaying palm trees, jungle shadow nestled up to a crescent beach, an outrigger canoe sitting on a sand bank, lazy rock pools, a fallen tree trunk on the beach—these support dynamic possibilities! The opposite is a naked beach, lovely and romantic but without misty mountains and rock pools or an outrigger canoe, just blue ocean and sweeping drifts of sand. If I'm going to be your photographer I'd like more than ocean and a beach. This is why I do lots of photoshoots at Hanalei Bay and 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, it never impacts my photos. 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 beach goers disappear, thank you so much" One more thing worthy of me telling you is the photography session is just the first stage of my craft, the editing is key; it's an art as well as a technical endeavor, so choosing a very experienced photographer for your family portraits will transpire to be a smart decision
Every day I'm reminded 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.
I prefer doing family photography 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/ AIRNB 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.
My photography portfolio is the best way to start your journey of decision. I always prefer to go with natural light but I'm also a pro using on-camera and off-camera strobes and photoflash.
'nuff said, for now
—David.
Professional Kauai photographer.
Sunset photography Kauai
I’m in a forest with Sarah, and we're doing a senior portraits session. Bright sun is setting. I place Sarah in a spot with the sun behind her. It produces amazing backlighting in her long blonde hair, but it also creates flares in my camera lens. Because I'm in a forest, it's easy to fix. "Can you move three steps to your right, Sarah." By moving Sarah and or myself I can nearly always use a tree or brush to block the harshest sun rays while getting enough back light for a magnificent shot. But if I'm on a beach at sunset doing seniors photography, it's not so straightforward. I can either accept the sun's dazzle and allow Sarah to fall into silhouette—an exceptionally creative look—or I can use photo flash to counter the sun's brilliance and retain Sarah's skin tone. Lastly, I can wait for the sun to get very low in the sky, when it's less intense and more colorful. This is a very small window of opportunity to take magical shots.
Sunset. Sunrise. Mid-morning. I don’t think there’s a bad time of the day for a photoshoot.
Tidbit of trivia. Do you know the three categories of twilight?
- Civil twilight.
- Nautical twilight.
- Astronomical twilight.
