Maui Photography
Maui Photography
5
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
We combine an island tour with a photography workshop. While driving we talk about camera operations, image design, and composition. We help people learn how to use the rule of thirds, framing, lines of repetition, s-curves in order to create stunning landscape portraits rather than typical vacation happy snappies. We cater to individuals and small groups.
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5.0
42 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
2
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2
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Michael R
2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
A family member and I recently had a full day tour with Doug and he was phenomenal! What a great day. Doug started by saying that after our tour, we would never “take” another landscape photo again. Instead, we would create art! How true. Doug shared his experience on composition, lighting, filters and exposures. All this while creating art at several wonderful spots in idyllic Maui.
My family also engaged Doug to take professional portraits. Wow! He was fantastic to work with and the results are tremendous.
I heartily recommend Doug’s services for both experiences - Photo Tours and Professional Portraits! He is fantastic and well worth the time.
My family also engaged Doug to take professional portraits. Wow! He was fantastic to work with and the results are tremendous.
I heartily recommend Doug’s services for both experiences - Photo Tours and Professional Portraits! He is fantastic and well worth the time.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam_n_Janet_Evening
Saint Louis, MO46 contributions
Feb 2023
This is the second time I did a workshop with Doug. I learned so much from him in my evening class two years ago that I wanted to do the 8 hour workshop. He is an excellent photographer and teacher. He made me think about composition to create amazing photos and not just taking snapshots.
His approach and humor are contagious. He knows the island exceptionally well. I had a great time at Ho'okipa Beach for sunrise, then on to Keanae Peninsula to shoot the 10-15 foot waves. We ended our time at a favorite spot, Ukumehame Beach to photograph the driftwood.
My workshop was at the beginning of my vacation on Maui. I continued to use what I learned from Doug and ended up with many great photos.
His approach and humor are contagious. He knows the island exceptionally well. I had a great time at Ho'okipa Beach for sunrise, then on to Keanae Peninsula to shoot the 10-15 foot waves. We ended our time at a favorite spot, Ukumehame Beach to photograph the driftwood.
My workshop was at the beginning of my vacation on Maui. I continued to use what I learned from Doug and ended up with many great photos.
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave-in-Iowa
Ankeny, IA399 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
I could not decide between the sunrise or sunset tours, so I signed up to take an all-day (15 hour) private photo tour with Doug on July 8th. I have taken online photo courses as well as read a number of photography books, but I was really looking for guidance to take my photography to the next level. Doug was a great coach throughout the day challenging me to always look for the keys to a successful photo prior to even taking a single picture. By the end of the day, we were both seeing the same photo elements popping out of the landscape as we moved along – this was the most rewarding part of the entire experience.
I ended up with a number of shots that I would not have even thought of taking without Doug's coaching. I was so excited about the gorgeous shots I had gotten that I ended up staying up for several more hours to process and send to friends and family back in Iowa.
If you want great Maui scenery photo opportunities, you can find them everywhere on the island. If you also want to become a better photographer, I highly recommend taking a private photo tour with Doug.
I ended up with a number of shots that I would not have even thought of taking without Doug's coaching. I was so excited about the gorgeous shots I had gotten that I ended up staying up for several more hours to process and send to friends and family back in Iowa.
If you want great Maui scenery photo opportunities, you can find them everywhere on the island. If you also want to become a better photographer, I highly recommend taking a private photo tour with Doug.
Written July 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WCLaw
Walnut Creek, CA24 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
The activity was the very definition of average. It was nice but I don't need to do it again and wouldn't recommend it to someone unless they had a spare day in Maui and some extra cash. From the onset there were red flags that something was amiss. Red Flag No. 1: Approximately three weeks before my trip I spoke with the owner and coordinated a convenient date and time for the tour. I then got a call back saying his car would be in the shop that day but if I was willing to drive he would discount the price. I agreed. Red Flag No. 2: I met the tour guide in the parking lot of a K-Mart at 5:00 a.m. That's just seems weird to me. If I were a woman I would not agree to this. Red Flag No. 3: When I got to the K-Mart parking lot the tour guide had driven his car there but I still ended up driving. I should have said something then but didn't, I guess that's my fault.
As for the tour itself, we went to 4 locations over the course of 7 hours. The first was a beach for sunrise, the second was a state park to take pictures in a stream, the third was in the bamboo forest and finally an abandoned building covered in graffiti. All were interesting in their own way but the state park and bamboo forest were a little duplicative. On the way back to the parking lot we stopped off at a store where the tour guide's work was being sold. I guess this was the equivalent of sitting through a timeshare presentation.
As for instruction, there was very little. Part of the problem there was the guide was taking his own pictures rather than focusing on the student. When setting up the tour I was encouraged to learn how to use my histogram and purchase a neutral density filter, I took one picture with the filter and the guide wasn't big on using the histogram.
As for the tour itself, we went to 4 locations over the course of 7 hours. The first was a beach for sunrise, the second was a state park to take pictures in a stream, the third was in the bamboo forest and finally an abandoned building covered in graffiti. All were interesting in their own way but the state park and bamboo forest were a little duplicative. On the way back to the parking lot we stopped off at a store where the tour guide's work was being sold. I guess this was the equivalent of sitting through a timeshare presentation.
As for instruction, there was very little. Part of the problem there was the guide was taking his own pictures rather than focusing on the student. When setting up the tour I was encouraged to learn how to use my histogram and purchase a neutral density filter, I took one picture with the filter and the guide wasn't big on using the histogram.
Written June 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The vehicle used for workshops is in great shape and well maintained. From time to time, however there are problems and the car must be serviced. Recently, an issue with the paint occurred and I decided to have the vehicle painted. The shop needed the car for a week. The only time I could get the car in happened to include one workshop. So I called the the client and explained. I even offered a $70 break in price. I also agreed to make it a private workshop rather than semi-private saving the client hundreds of dollars.
The reason I asked the client is because I do not own the car my guide drives. I do not know its, age or mechanical history, nor am I the one the cleans the car. By asking the client to drive his rental car I knew the car was in good condition and clean.
Regarding the meeting place. Sunrise comes really early and for logistical reasons having everyone meet in a central location allows people to sleep an extra 45 minutes. Since we meet between 4 and 5AM, most clients appreciate this.
Each tour we is catered to each client. We have no preset agenda. We do not rush clients and spend as much time as desired at each location. This allows clients to use different lenses, and try different compositions at each location. I cant speak about the teaching aspect as I was not there but will follow up with John to ensure that each client feels they received quality education. As for taking pictures, it usual for myself or John to make a few pictures, especially of the client. In this case the client got a nice portrait of himself making pictures in Hawaii. That said we do not take pictures at the expense of the service and education we provide our clients. Many people want to see how we would photograph a scene as this helps them learn. They see different compositions than what they see and this opens their minds and creativity.
Written June 25, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James P
Brookline, MA507 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
I was excited about spending 7 hours with a master photographer on my visit to Maui, since I love both travelling and taking photographs. From previous reviews I had expected both more variety in the "tour" part of the day and more instruction in the "photo" part. We mostly went to just one beach after another, and I got little specific instruction. Douglas Hoffman obviously did not like my camera (Canon Rebel), so he did not give me feedback on my attempts. All in all it was way too much time, way too much money, and only a minimal tour of Maui.
Written May 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My goal is to exceed client expectations on every workshop. Sadly, I failed with this client.
It began at the time of booking when the client wanted to take advantage of an expired marketing program.. At the time of booking I explained the program was over and offered a 10% discount to make up for the inconvenience. Ellen accepted the discount and scheduled a semi-private workshop.
Prior to the workshop I sent Ellen a lot of detailed information on camera mechanics and composition. I asked that she read her camera manual so she knew how to access the histogram function, and explained that there are hundreds of different kinds of cameras and I do not know the nomenclature on all of them. Every camera owner should know how to change their camera settings and find the histogram function.
On the day of the workshop there were no other participants so the client got a private workshop for the price of a semi-private. There is nothing better than one on one instruction, especially at a semi-private price.
As it turns out Ellen, was unfamiliar with her camera, had not read her manual, did not know what the different modes did, how to adjust or change camera settings, or find histograms. She was happy using the program button and just taking pictures. Throughout the workshop we spent a good amount of time talking about the different camera modes, when to use them, as well as how to use the light meter in the camera and access the histogram function.
At each location we went to I explained the compositions I saw and then helped Ellen create her own compositions. Every few minutes I would look at her work and offer suggestions as to how to improve or compliment images that were well exposed and had nice compositions.
A photography workshop is different than an island tour. I do not put people in a bus and drive to a location then say you have 10 minutes. I do take photographers to beautiful locations and give them as much time as needed for them to create beautiful photographs.
I think Ellen would have been more satisfied going on a bus tour that went to more places so she could have seen more and taken more vacation pictures. While she has expressed her disappointment, Ellen can now use manual mode, meter the light, and use the histogram function so she can fine tune her exposures. There is a lot to be said for that.
Written May 11, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darcy S
Maui, HI1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Solo
The day started at 5:15 and was well worth it. At the first stop we got to see turtles on the beach in the dark and sleeping safely from a few feet away. The day was calm and perfect for taking pictures at sunrise on the beach. My photographic knowledge is limited as an amature, but I never once felt out of place with this master photographer. I managed to capture a few pictures out of hundreds which was my goal in the beginning, and which I believe even Douglas was excited about at this beach. He is very animated when he sees something he likes and can't help but get you believing you have something captured that is worth it! He liked what he saw but pushed / challanged me to do better. This is what I was looking for. He didn't tell me every shot was good. His criticism was gladly accepted as I want to become a better photographer. This is what separates him from a bus trip where they are only concerned about getting to the end of the trip from the beginning. We then went on to several other spots not on the local map where we shot the bamboo forest and a water fall. Not another soul at the waterfall. It was awsome not having to fight with your average tourist down a path who doesn't care if they kick your priceless camera down the path. I got some pictures at this spot that I believe will finally hit my wall on Aluminum. It was a great day and I had fun and learned alot. All in all, I had a great excursion and would recommend Douglas to anyone that is serious about their photography. I will sign up for another tour next year if we get back to Maui.
Written February 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharing photography techniques and helping people learn skills that help them create portraits rather than pictures is our goal. Each workshop I do I try my best to match the participants physical ability, photographic skills, and locations visited to make the day educational and fun. In your case your health was a consideration but never a concern. You did fantastic.
Written May 4, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John H
Baton Rouge, LA5 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
I chose Douglas Hoffman because of his work and his reputation. Sure, there are a lot of cheaper tours to drop you off at every waterfall to Hana, but this tour is at a different level. Douglas is a master photographer. The photo tour bus drivers are not. It's that simple. My wife and I booked a 10 hour tour that turned into a 13 hour tour at our request. We started, with flashlight in hand, where we saw huge sea turtles on the beach from just fee away. We took photos at sunrise on a beach at Ho'okipa. Traveled the road to Hana, stopping at waterfalls, bamboo forests, the town of Keanea for banana bread and some fantastic photos and finally a beach near Hana for lunch. Douglas is a storehouse of photographic knowledge mixed with humor and a few life lessons. He strives to discover what you want out of the experience. I am retired and know a good bit about photography. Douglas started where my knowledge ended and built on that. He can just as well take a beginner and start there. One of the many highlights was a walk down a beautiful small trail, through a stream (yes my wife got her tennis shoes wet!) to a beautiful huge waterfall. We've been to Maui many times and never knew about this one. (and it's not in any Maui book we've seen) We then traveled the "other" side of the south side past Hana, past the seven pools and across the lava fields. There are two beautiful churches on that side. Then to the upcountry and back down and around to Wailea for sunset photos at a great hidden beach. Yes we spent a lot of money, but it's really a bucket list thing. You gotta do it once. (I'm looking forward to a second time.)
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a pleasure working with neutral density filters and talking about composition during our workshop. Your understanding of camera mechanics, enabled us to concentrate on the artistic and creative aspects of photography. Now, I think your able to see the photograph you want to take in your minds eye, prior to looking through the camera. I enjoyed our day together and have some ideas for next time. One of them is to create landscape images in a different style using a portrait lens rather than a wide angle lens.
Don't forget to make your own composition guide as we talked about. It will serve you well.
Keep shooting!
Written November 7, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
galwes
Bellingham2 contributions
Nov 2014 • Business
I visited Maui in November after booking a two day photo tour with Douglas Hoffman of Maui Photo Tours. I was interested in capturing images of a number of sites that Mr. Hoffman was able to show me. I was very happy with the service and hard work that Douglas provided and would recommend his services to anyone looking to learn more about photography and also visit photogenic sites on the island of Maui. I would certainly book his services again and hope to do so at some point in the future.
Written January 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marketeer_Mik
Toronto, Canada93 contributions
Mar 2014 • Solo
I took the Sunrise tour with Doug, and went out before dawn.
Over the course of 6 or 7 hours, we really worked several locations around Maui, including secret little spots that are off the beat and path.
Doug has incredible patience, and is very kind and personable.
I learned and strengthened many techniques, including leading lines, converging lines, curves, general composition, framing, and especially exposure. I got to use graduated ND filters--finally now I know what they are for. Plus...the importance of a portable tripod. Your pix will be like night and day if you use one.
Best of all--I practiced and learned to shoot comfortably in FULL MANUAL mode, and--best part--using the histogram as a guide. This has proven invaluable in my photography skill development.
Mahalo, Doug!
Over the course of 6 or 7 hours, we really worked several locations around Maui, including secret little spots that are off the beat and path.
Doug has incredible patience, and is very kind and personable.
I learned and strengthened many techniques, including leading lines, converging lines, curves, general composition, framing, and especially exposure. I got to use graduated ND filters--finally now I know what they are for. Plus...the importance of a portable tripod. Your pix will be like night and day if you use one.
Best of all--I practiced and learned to shoot comfortably in FULL MANUAL mode, and--best part--using the histogram as a guide. This has proven invaluable in my photography skill development.
Mahalo, Doug!
Written May 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn W
Gold Canyon, AZ7 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
I knew that my trip to Maui was going to epic but what I did not know was that my time spent with Douglas would turn this total newbie into an artist in just one day. Douglas was able to transform my abilities and skill level with a camera from just your average snap shooter into an actual photographer in just one workshop.
Now, I am not claiming that I am ready to go pro by any means but the photos I shot with Douglas are top notch and in my mind pretty dang close to being gallery worthy.
From the onset, Douglas honed in on my learning style (visual/practice) and showed my how to set myself free from the typical Automatic/JPEG mode that I normally shoot in and introduced me to the world of Manual/RAW photography. From there, we started talking about composition, lighting, shutter speeds and much more. Let's put it this way... In one 8 Hour workshop I learned at least a semesters worth of knowledge had I taken a class at a local community college.
Not only was the workshop packed with technical knowledge, Douglas was a true professional in every aspect. Ever eager to answer any questions and offer constructive criticisms that made me a much better overall photographer not only on this trip but for life.
If you are planning a trip to Maui and dream of taking some amazing art worthy images, I highly recommend Douglas Hoffmann's Photo Workshops. Not only is Douglas a fantastic instructor but he is now a life long friend and mentor that I will visit again in the future. Possibly on one of his underwater photography workshops...
Now, I am not claiming that I am ready to go pro by any means but the photos I shot with Douglas are top notch and in my mind pretty dang close to being gallery worthy.
From the onset, Douglas honed in on my learning style (visual/practice) and showed my how to set myself free from the typical Automatic/JPEG mode that I normally shoot in and introduced me to the world of Manual/RAW photography. From there, we started talking about composition, lighting, shutter speeds and much more. Let's put it this way... In one 8 Hour workshop I learned at least a semesters worth of knowledge had I taken a class at a local community college.
Not only was the workshop packed with technical knowledge, Douglas was a true professional in every aspect. Ever eager to answer any questions and offer constructive criticisms that made me a much better overall photographer not only on this trip but for life.
If you are planning a trip to Maui and dream of taking some amazing art worthy images, I highly recommend Douglas Hoffmann's Photo Workshops. Not only is Douglas a fantastic instructor but he is now a life long friend and mentor that I will visit again in the future. Possibly on one of his underwater photography workshops...
Written August 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mahalo for such a glowing report. Its nice to know I am doing things right! I really enjoy sharing what I know and seeing the eyes of the participant light up when they learn something new. Giving you skills that will last a lifetime is what these workshops are all about.
Written October 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Doug595
Inkster, MI2 contributions
I would like to book a half day photo tour on Sept 10th 2018 from the Kamaole Sands Resort any and all information will be greatly appreciated
yasuyoy2018
Vancouver, WA
Hi, how do I book half day tour? How far in advance do I need to book? Thank you.
Douglas Hoffman
Kihei, HI33 contributions
Aloha,
Mahalo for your contact. Please call 808 870 3686 to book a date. Please book with as much notice as possible. Thank you for your interest and I look forward to speaking with you.
eddiemg24
Fair Lawn. NJ11 contributions
We will be on a cruise ship in mid September. I was wondering if you offer photo tours specifically for cruisers. We will also be at the Big Island, Oahu, and Kauat. so we would be interested in any photo tours you offer for those islands as well or could make a referral.
Maui Photography - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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