Big Island Hawaii Landscape Photography Workshops
At this time, we are not offering workshops until further notice. We will update this page as soon as we resume our workshops. Mahalo!
Hawaii photography workshops and tours with Big Island landscape photographers Wade Morales and Tom Kualii.
Hilo workshops start at $250.00. For other locations, please inquire. Before signing up for my workshop, please review the terms and conditions page and release of liability form.
To book, please contact me for pricing and availability
Photography workshops are the perfect way to learn new skills while exploring Hawaii. Joining a workshop is a great way to ensure you'll capture the best photos during your stay.
Aloha and welcome! My name is Wade Morales, and I am a landscape photographer here on Hawaii Island, specializing in photographing landscapes, wildlife, and the beauty of Hawaii island. The Big Island is like nowhere else on the planet, and I look forward to having to come along to photograph its beauty with me.
Are photography workshops worth it?
As a landscape photographer, I understand what other photographers are looking for in a tour. Not just going out to see beautiful places, but to see them during the best light while seeking out the best compositions. Not to be on a strict schedule rushing from location to location, but to carefully plan a trip to get beautiful photos during the most optimal light. This is what differentiates my photography workshops from the hundreds of other tours in Hawaii. So many factors come into play when photographing in Hawaii, such as the time of year, weather, ocean conditions, safety, equipment, volcanic eruptions, moon phases, where lava is flowing and where it is not, and so much more. Because every day of your trip is valuable, I would like to assist you in getting the very best photos during your stay on the Big Island.
The Best Places To Photograph In Hawaii
Hawaii Island is highly diverse, offering various photographic opportunities ranging from sunsets on beautiful sandy beaches, volcanoes, lava, native Hawaiian birds, sea turtles, and more. With so much to see with so little time, making every day count is essential. I look forward to planning an adventure based on your interests.
Services I offer before and during the workshop
I offer a variety of services during our workshop. My workshop participants range from beginners to professionals. I like to provide as much or as little help to my participants depending on what they would like. Here are a few things I offer my workshop attendees during our workshop.
What You Will Learn
- How to work with light to create compelling photographs
- Discovering unique compositions
- Planning the photo and selecting the right equipment
- Working with the available light to create the best possible photo
- How to utilize lens filters if needed
- How to use camera settings for creative expression
- My knowledge of Hawaii.
- Safety while photographing on location
- How to overcome the challenges of photographing lava if we are shooting lava.
- How to shoot astrophotography
- How to photograph seascape images
- and much more
What do I need for a photography workshop?
- Transportation. Depending on the workshop we will meet up and then drive to the shooting location
- Any type of camera, including cell phone cameras
- A sturdy tripod if you want the very best landscape photos
- A wired or wireless shutter release is recommended
- A good headlamp and/or flashlight with extra batteries if the workshop calls for it (usually night photography)
- Batteries and memory cards to last the entire workshop
It is not uncommon for my workshop attendees to see one of my photos and ask me to help them photograph a similar scene. It is essential to know what equipment is needed, if it is currently possible to shoot at that location, and if the conditions will suit the specific shot. I welcome you to contact me before booking so we can better plan your workshop!
Prior to signing up for my workshop, please review the
terms and conditions page as well as my release of liability form.
Photography Lessons
Every photography lesson I give is different and based on the participant's skill level and understanding of their camera. When we meet up, I will ask a series of questions to find out what you know and want to learn. Lessons run for approximately 2 hours. Please contact me for pricing and availability.
What is the difference between a photography workshop and a photography lesson?
Photography workshops are planned outings to photograph specific subjects or places. During a photography workshop, I teach about using the camera, although it is less in-depth and more focused on capturing the photos the participant is after.
Photography Lessons are much more focused on learning how to use your camera. A photography lesson can be held in the field or in a coffee shop. Participants usually take photography lessons to understand better how to use their cameras in the field. I often recommend that inexperienced photographers take a lesson before taking a workshop. Taking a workshop and a photography lesson can be done on the same day or over several days.
Here are some of the things that I teach in my photography lessons
Many of these subjects are basic fundamentals which are some of the most important things to know, in my opinion. Knowing your camera well can make the difference between getting amazing photos or mediocre photos out in the field.
•Camera Basics
Turning your camera on and off
Change your lens safely
Handling your camera
Cleaning your camera
Cleaning your lens
Memory cards
Battery's
•Important Camera settings
(note: some cameras may not offer certain features. I will mark the features * your camera may or may not have. I find them very helpful so I will explain their benefits.)
JPG VS Raw
JPG picture modes
White Balance
Color Space
Live Shooting
Bracketing
Autofocus on and off
Metering mode
Image Review
Throwing away images
Highlight over exposure warning
The histogram in live view*
Composition Grid
In-camera level
Drive Modes
•Tripods
Why shoot on a tripod
Different ball heads
The importance of a sturdy tripod
Getting low with a tripod
Shooting in landscape/portrait
Benefits of carbon fiber legs
Planting a tripod firmly into the ground
Attaching weight to your tripod in wind/grass
Tripod maintenance
•Exposure
How the camera creates exposure
What is aperture
What is ISO
Shutter speeds
White balance
ISO, Aperture, and Shutter to create exposure
How to use a meter
What is a stop of light
What is metering
What is evaluative metering mode
Viewing shutter, ISO, Aperture in the viewfinder
Adjusting viewfinder
Activate live mode
Navigating live mode
Using a histogram
Does the scene exceed the camera dynamic range
Drive modes
Using a cable release
Using autofocus and focus points
Using manual focus and live screen focusing
Where should I focus?
What aperture should I use?
What shutter speed should I use?
What ISO should I use?
•Lenses
Why 24-70mm is my favorite lens
Why 16-35mm or wide-angle is 2nd favorite
Why 70-200mm is the third favorite
How to get sharp photos with telephoto lenses
Cleaning your lens
•Light
When is the best time to shoot?
Why shouldn't I shoot mid-day?
Why I should shoot mid-day
Shooting into the sun
Shooting with back-to-sun shadow problems
Shooting a scene with side light
Shooting a scene when the sun is behind clouds
Avoiding dull grey sky's
Foliage in the harsh light
Light situations exceeding my editing capabilities?
•Filters
Polarizer Filters
Avoiding polarizing skys
Removing glare on foliage
Enhancing rainbows
ND (Neutral Density Filters)
Uses for ND filters
Removing People from a scene using ND Filters
•Composition
Composing the shot
Work the scene
Getting the horizon line straight as possible
Choosing your zoom
Avoiding distracting objects
Leading lines
Choosing to shoot high or low
Choosing to shoot portrait or landscape
Deciding if your shot will require exposure blending
Interested in a photography lesson? Please contact me