Take in the rich nature of Kauai with a healthy dose of photography to capture it all.

(June 30th - July 4th 2023)

Join us for a photography retreat on the beautiful island of Kauai from June 30th to July 4th, 2023. Our adventure will take you to some of the most breathtaking locations on the island, including Waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Lookout, and the majestic North Shore. We'll also take a boat trip around the stunning Nepali Coast, providing ample opportunity to capture breathtaking images. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in photography and explore the natural beauty of Kauai.

Throughout the trip, Samuel R. J. Gillilan will be leading photography specific excursions throughout diverse areas of Kauai. This trip has been curated for the travel-loving, photography junky. We'll be bringing you on an eye-opening, insider tour of the island culture and have some added adventures along the way.

In the evenings, hold workshops on camera usage, editing, print making, book publishing, and peer photo critiques, giving you the opportunity to get feedback on your work and learn from your fellow photographers to help you improve your skills and take your photography to the next level. This retreat is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, our team will be there to help you every step of the way.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Kauai, and return home with a collection of stunning images that you'll treasure for a lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable photography adventure. Sign up now to reserve your spot on this unforgettable retreat!

Price includes:

• Five night stay at a boutique hotel at the heart of Nawiliwili Harbor.

• Private transportation to and from airport as well as transportation to and from all photography adventures and workshops. Including meal stops during the retreat (does not include the cost of meals).

• Boat trip along the Nepali Coast.

• Opportunities to photograph stunning nature and surrounding areas at different times of day, including early morning and late afternoon, as well as street photography of the local area with night markets and fireworks in Hanalei Bay.

• Workshops on a variety of photography topics, such as composition, lighting, and post-processing.

• Critiques of participants' work, where photographers can get feedback on their images and learn from one another.

• Workshops on printing and publishing books with your photography.

*All Covid 19 safety measures will be followed.

Not included:

• Round trip flights.

• The cost of meals during the retreat (typically it's about $15-30 with drinks), alcoholic beverages.

• Baggage fees.

• Tips for our on-the-ground team.

Why Kauai?

Kauai is an island paradise known for its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes. The island is home to a number of natural attractions that offer endless opportunities for photography.

One of the most popular destinations for photography on Kauai is Waimea Canyon. Located on the western side of the island, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." With its deep red and orange rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping views, Waimea Canyon is a photographer's dream.

Another must-see destination for photography on Kauai is the Kalalau Lookout. Located on the north shore of the island, this scenic lookout offers panoramic views of the rugged Napali Coast. The jagged coastline, towering cliffs, and hidden coves provide a stunning backdrop for photography.

For those interested in beach photography, Kauai's north shore is home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Hanalei Bay and Tunnels Beach. These picturesque stretches of sand are surrounded by lush greenery and offer a variety of photographic opportunities, from dramatic sunsets to serene landscapes.

In addition to these natural attractions, Kauai is home to a number of other scenic spots that are perfect for photography, including the Kilauea Lighthouse, the Wailua River, and the Spouting Horn. With its diverse and stunning landscapes, Kauai is a true paradise for photographers.This is the Samuel R. J. Gillilan Masterclass™ tailored to bring you up to an advanced level on using your camera equipment, setting up a workflow on your computer, editing and presenting images, and shooting different assignments.

Good to know about going to Kauai

• Book a flight ticket to Lihue International Airport (LIH)

• Geography: Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian archipelago. It is known for its rugged coastline, tropical rainforests, and beautiful beaches.

• Climate: Kauai has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average high temperature in summer is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) and the average low temperature in winter is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). There is some chance of warm tropical rains.

• Natural attractions: Kauai is home to a number of natural attractions, including Waimea Canyon, Kalalau Lookout, and the Napali Coast. These locations offer opportunities for hiking, photography, and sightseeing.

• Culture: Kauai has a rich cultural history and is home to a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year..

• Transportation: We will be taking care of transportation to and from the airport and daily photography adventures. Renting a car is also possible to get around Kauai if you wish to extend your stay.

• Food: Kauai has a diverse food scene, with a mix of local Hawaiian cuisine and international options. Seafood is a popular choice on the island, and there are many local farmers markets where you can find fresh produce.

• Activities: In addition to the natural attractions and cultural events, Kauai offers a range of activities such as snorkeling, surfing, and golf.

Arriving on Kauai

The Airport in Lihue is small. When you walk off the plane, you walk into the main building to revive your checked luggage. We will provide transportation from the airport to the hotel.

What to bring

• Camera gear: Be sure to bring all the camera equipment you'll need, including your camera body, lenses, camera bag, and any other accessories such as tripods, filters, and extra batteries. Memory cards and backup drives: Don't forget to bring plenty of memory cards and/or external hard drives to store all your photos. A computer with Lightroom installed for editing of photos. For the walkabout day we will select a minimum of equipment.

• Comfortable clothing and shoes: You'll likely be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so be sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes that you can wear while shooting.You may also wish to bring sandals and swimwear, the water is quite nice to go for a swim.

• Sun protection: Kauai can be very sunny, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's rays.

• Light-weight rain jacket: There is some chance of tropical rains, these tend to pass by very quickly and are not usual for this time of year but it is best to be prepared!

• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in some parts of Kauai, so it's a good idea to bring insect repellent to help keep them at bay.

• Water and snacks: For our day trips be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep you hydrated and energized during the retreat.

• Power bank: It's a good idea to bring a portable power bank to keep your electronic devices charged while you're out and about shooting.

• If coming outside of the US bring your Passport and visas: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport and any visas required to enter and travel in the USA.

What to expect

You will meet like-minded people who want to improve their photography. All types of cameras are welcome.

The seminar is very informal and hands-on. You will be able to ask all the questions you like.

What we will deal with

People, light, landscapes, street photography, portraits, how to handle people, timing, composition, your goal as a photographer, color control, messages in photographs, your unique talents and skills, how to set up a digital workflow, what to look for when editing, color management, speed of work, white balance, exposure, reflectors, quality of light, finding the right locations and how to share and present your photographs.

End result

You can expect to get a relaxed and simplified view on photography and realize that this is something you can perform well, enjoy and produce much more than you used to.

You will walk out from this seminar taller and more confident, no matter their skill level and experience

FIVE DAY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ITINERARY

Day 1:

• Arrival on Kauai

• Check-in at the hotel

• Introductory workshop on camera usage and basic photography techniques

• Early evening photo shoot at Nawiliwili Harbor

Day 2:

• Morning photography adventure to Waimea Canyon

• Lunch break

• Afternoon photography adventure to Kalalau Lookout

• Evening workshop on editing with Lightroom

Day 3:

• Morning photography adventure to Historic Kilauea and Waterfall Experience

• Lunch break

• Afternoon workshop on printing and making books

• Evening night market street photography

Day 4:

• Morning boat trip along the Napali Coast for photography

• Lunch break

• Evening photography review/critique session

Day 5:

• Morning workshop on photography book publishing

• Lunch break

• Afternoon free time to prepare for fireworks in the evening

• Evening photography adventure to Hanalei Bay for 4th of July fireworks

Overall, this 5 day photography workshop retreat to Kauai will provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for photographers of all levels. Each day will include a mix of structured activities, such as workshops and photo critiques, as well as plenty of time for independent exploration and shooting at the stunning island. The retreat will cover a wide range of photography topics, including camera usage, composition, editing, printing, and book publishing, giving participants the skills and knowledge they need to take their photography to the next level.

Got questions? We got answers!

1) WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Almost everything! The retreat price includes accommodations, transportation to and from the airport, transportation to stunning scenic attractions, Nepali Coast boat experience, all workshop materials, and memories that last a lifetime. Not only do we take care of the not so fun stuff, like reservations and on the ground transportation, but we always connect our travelers with beautiful, locally owned boutique hotels in Nawiliwili Harbor. We cover it all. Meals, additional activities, and personal expenses are not included in the retreat price. We will provide all participants with a detailed schedule and any updates or changes as they occur. We recommend that you keep an eye on your email and check in with us regularly to stay up-to-date.

2) WHAT EXACTLY IS A PHOTOGRAPHY FOCUSED TRIP?

The workshop is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, our team of experienced instructors will be there to help you every step of the way. We’ve added some incredible photography walks/workshops with Samuel R. J. Gillilan. He’ll be with you the entire week to hang out and talk shop about photography and will be leading photo walks to really practice and sharpen your photography skills. It’s an amazing opportunity to bounce questions off of him, ask for examples all while shooting shoulder to shoulder with some really great photographers!

4) SO GROUP TRAVEL, EH??

We know what you’re thinking…am I going to like traveling with people I don’t know?? We have been doing this for the past few years now and the answer, every time, is YES! When else, as an adult, can you meet a group of people all with one very major thing in common, the love of travel and photography?! The group size will vary, but we aim to keep it small to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience. We forget in this technology filled day and age that people like being around people. Also, there is plenty of time for relaxing and solo time built into our itinerary in case you need to recharge! We’ve got all the angles covered.

5) IS THERE INTERNET?

For sure! The internet works very well when you connect to WiFi hotspots or in the hotel. Cellphone coverage is generally good throughout the island, although we will be going to areas where the service will be unavailable, although, it’s nice to unplug on vacation, right??

7) WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE?

Average weather in July is mid 80s F during the day and lows are in the 70s F. There is some chance of warm, tropical rains. As the date nears, it is best to check your weather app to get more specific temperatures.

8) WHAT IS THE LOCAL CULTURE OF KAUAI?

The local culture of Kauai is a blend of traditional Hawaiian culture and modern influences. The island has a rich history and is home to a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Traditional Hawaiian culture is an important part of life on Kauai, and many locals still practice traditional customs and traditions. These include hula dancing, luau feasts, and lei making. Kauai is also home to a number of cultural sites and landmarks that reflect the island's history and heritage. These include the Ahukini State Recreation Pier, the Grove Farm Homestead Museum, and the Waioli Mission House Museum. In addition to traditional Hawaiian culture, Kauai is home to a diverse population that includes people of many different ethnicities. This diversity is reflected in the island's food scene, which offers a mix of local Hawaiian cuisine and international options. Overall, the local culture of Kauai is a vibrant and welcoming blend of tradition and modernity that reflects the island's rich history and diverse population.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Payment: Full payment is required at the time of registration to secure your spot on the retreat.

• Cancellation: If you need to cancel your registration for the retreat, please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of the retreat, you will receive a full refund minus a processing fee. If you cancel within 30 days of the start of the retreat, no refund will be given.

• Travel and Camera insurance: We recommend that all participants purchase travel and camera insurance to protect against any unforeseen circumstances such as theft, damage, illness, injury, or travel delays.

• Responsibility: We will not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury that may occur during the retreat. Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings and for ensuring that they have adequate travel insurance coverage.

• Photography release: By participating in the retreat, you grant us the right to use any images or video you create during the retreat for promotional purposes, including on our website and social media channels. You will receive attribution for any photographs or videos used.

• Behavior: We expect all participants to behave in a respectful manner during the retreat. Any behavior that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive may result in the participant being asked to leave the retreat without a refund.

• Changes to the schedule: We reserve the right to make changes to the schedule or itinerary of the retreat as necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated to participants in a timely manner.

• Accommodations: Accommodations will be at the expense of attendee’s

• Meals: Meals will be at the expense of attendee’s

• Transportation: Transportation to and from the airport, as well as transportation to and from the photography adventures each day, is included in the retreat price.