Story by Sarah Ruppenthal | Photography by Kris Nelson
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice who forgets the lens cap is on, there is no better opportunity to sharpen your digital photography skills than the 2010 Maui Photo Festival, which runs from August 25 to 29 at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Ka‘anapali.
This year’s festival will bring more than twenty industry experts to one of the most photogenic locations on the planet. The weeklong schedule features classroom sessions, location shoots and demonstrations, capped off by evenings at the outdoor theater on Ka‘anapali Beach, where the pros will share their work, as well as a slideshow of images shot by festival participants. Maui photographer Randy Jay Braun will lead the festival’s signature session, “The Quintessential Hawaiian Photo Shoot: Hula on the Beach at Sunset.” Optional excursions include a “doors-off” helicopter shoot, underwater shoot, sunset cruise, and a trip to Haleakala Crater at sunrise.
“The workshops were the best part,” says Maui No Ka ‘Oi art director Cecilia Fernández Romero, who attended the inaugural festival in 2009. “It was a beautiful opportunity to capture the essence of Hawai‘i with others who have a passion for photography.” And capture it Ceci did. At a Photoshop seminar where participants created posters, then voted on the winner, Adobe creative director Russell Brown presented Ceci with a special award for the quality of her work.
For professionals and amateurs alike, the 2010 Maui Photo Festival is sure to inspire a flash of genius—just bring your camera and a little imagination.
The cost for the five-day festival is $595; optional excursions and travel accommodations are separate. For more information or to register online, visit www.mauiphotofestival.com.