Kauai Photographer Dana Nadeau of Garden Island Photography

Kauai Wedding Photography:
Wedding photography here on Kauai is a unique art combining the advantages of Kauai's natural beauty with every photographer's nightmare – harsh lighting. An understanding of light and lighting is a prerequisite to using the elements to create beautiful photos in any conditions. Capturing people and their relationships in a way that expresses their unique beauty in that light is my mission at every wedding. Check out the photos in this category and decide for yourself if I've succeeded.

Kauai Sunsets:
The tropical islands are known for dramatic sunsets. Kauai is no exception. But not every evening provides what people anticipate. You may even be good at photography, but be here at the wrong time. I maintain a careful watch on conditions and the sun's trajectories and the objects I want to include in the foreground to capture images that you don't just stumble onto (unless you're really lucky). After the preparation and running around sometimes I just get lucky too. These are all right out of the camera, not manipulated to look as they do. Enjoy.

Children:
Are kids cute or what? They are the most challenging and the most rewarding to photograph at the same time. They possess a freedom that adults have learned to suppress (for obvious social reasons). Yet in kids it's OK, because they're just kids. So with children's photography I like to just let them be their cut little selves and shoot away catching those expressions that you see and delight in every day and wish you could cherish forever.

Kauai Seascapes:
The magic hours for photography here on Kauai are the first light and the end of the day. Like the sky, the ocean here is often doing something spectacular. Besides its shear beauty there are times when it displays explosive power. Other times it appears warm and soft and inviting. I try to capture all its moods for people to enjoy, but I must admit I find the power the most appealing (and the most difficult) to convey.

Black & White:
You would think that in a location like Kauai there would be no place for black and white photography. We do have cloudy days when something still strikes my eye as beautiful, but not necessarily colorful. Sometimes the sun is playing through the clouds in a dramatic fashion but just the interplay of light is the star of the show. At these times just a little color seems like more of a distraction than just recording the light values in B&W.

Kauai Sunrises:
The tropical islands are known for dramatic sunrises. Kauai is no exception. But people on vacation don't always get up early. You may even be good at photography, but be here at the wrong time. I maintain a careful watch on conditions and the sun's trajectories and the objects I want to include in the foreground to capture images that you don't just stumble onto (unless you're really lucky). After the preparation and many early risings sometimes I just get lucky too. These are all right out of the camera, not manipulated to look as they do. Enjoy.

Kauai Aerial Photos:
The topography of Kauai is quite rugged. Even after living here for more than 20 years I'm still curious about how these waterfalls form and how these ridges and valleys really look. There is nothing like an aerial view to gain some perspective, not to mention an appreciation for the breathtaking beauty of the land and the sea. I went out on a couple of spectacular days and got some shots worth seeing (over and over again).

Kauai Architecture:
Here on Kauai you find the old plantation style influence, and the modern, interspersed and sometimes combined. I've photographed some of the iconic structures already, in their nicest light and seasons (North shore churches and the Koloa sugar mill still in operation for example). More to come. I've also included some condo shots as samples for owners interested in having their units photographed.

Animals of Kauai:
I've finally had to face the fact that an animal really shouldn't be categorized as an "Abstract". But they had to reside somewhere till I got this gallery up and running. So here they are, in their own little place. Sure half of them are chickens. This IS Kauai isn't it?

Families:
Every family has its own personality, and so does each individual. Communicating that through photography is an art I immensely enjoy, mostly because I just enjoy meeting people and getting to do something meaningful for them. Here on beautiful Kauai there are many scenic spots that just cry out for family portraits. Family vacation is a nice time and this is a great place to create a special memory that everyone will cherish.

Kauai Flower Photos:
One thing I've always appreciated about Kauai is its flowers. There is no "season" when they bloom. It's always flower season for something, and many bloom year round. For every occasion the local people pick them by the ton and we still never run out. I'm amazed by the variety of colors and design. It seems endless. With photography I can capture them in their most compelling light so that everyone can enjoy them at their best, whether they live here or not.

Kauai Landscape Photography:
Although Kauai is best known for its beaches, the unique foliage and topography of our island lend themselves to dramatic landscape photography as well. As with other scenic shots it helps to live here and keep an eye on conditions as they develop, and know where to be for those peak moments when the falls are flowing or the sun is striking the mountains a certain way.

People:
Like flowers, people come in an endless variety. With the exception of a couple of notable politicians (who shall remain nameless) all of them are interesting. Here are some of my favorite photographs mostly taken here on Kauai.

Abstract:
I see beauty everywhere. I find practically everything interesting. When I'm done photographing every little thing I find interesting here on Kauai I'm going to where you live and do the same thing. I'm 55. When I'm 140 I'll be done here.

Kauai Scenic Photos:
Somewhere I have to put the pictures that don't quite fit in the other categories. Photography here on Kauai is always drawing me in. It's an exercise in extreme discipline every time I put my camera away. There is always some other beautiful thing beckoning to be photographed. I sometimes tell visitors (jokingly of course) that all you have to do is aim your camera anywhere here and you'll get a great photo.

Senior Portraits:
Somewhere I was reading that most of us will probably never look better than we do at the end of our High School years. Why not have a professional photographer, whose whole job is built around making people look their best, capture you in your prime wearing your favorite clothes, or posing with props or in the environment that best defines you?

Kauai Stock Photos:
In addition to galleries which will be of interest to the general public, those looking for stock pictures of everything from people frolicking on the beach to fancy drinks with tropical fruit and little umbrellas hanging all over them ought to have a look at this gallery.

Sports:
Like any other sort of photography shooting sports is all about interesting subjects and angles. Of course timing and lighting is critical too. Here are some samples of shots I've gotten as opportunities have come along. As you can tell I've gone a little beyond just standing there with the camera on a few of them.