It was a pleasure to meet owner and photographer Bruce Omori at Extreme Exposure! Thank you for finding two beautiful pueo owl photos, I can't wait to frame and put on my walls. There are tons of lava and volcano photos on their walls, very impressive collection of past and recent eruptions. You're sure to find something for your home here! read more

If you want to truly see the Big Island as its wild, awe-some, untamed, and absolutely alive self, Bruce Omori of Extreme Exposure is the person to get you there, both as a guide and through his photography. As a budding extreme nature photographer, I've found I do my my best work when my photography is paired with a deep sense of place. I want to truly know a place, feel a connection, and set that free in my shots. You can't truly know the Big Island (or any part of Hawai'i) as a new arrival/outsider, in my opinion, unless you are invited in through the eyes of someone who knows it fully and deeply in a way that only locals can, and can skillfully immerse you in such a way that you feel like you belong. That skill is incredibly rare (as is being a kind, thoughtful and respectful human without bravado when guiding), but Bruce is a master. During my last visit to the Big Island, Bruce spent two days showing me parts of the island largely inaccessible to outsiders. One of the days was a lava tour; at each stop, his passion for volcanoes and the active history of the island shone through. I was totally nerding out and he was right there with me; you'd never have known he had seen these things a million times. He patiently answered every question, never once rushed me or seemed bored, and clearly was invested in making sure the visit was exactly what it needed to be. I felt like I was spending the day with an old friend. The second day was an exploration of a lesser-traveled part of the island, and was a grand adventure. We had to traverse a small stream crossing on foot to go check out a waterfall, and Bruce let me slowly creep around like a dummy, making sure I didn't fall on my camera in the water without seeming inpatient or disrespectful, keeping me upright and pointing out stable areas in the water where I could step. The next time I return to the Big Island (which will hopefully be on the regular to see lava!), it will feel like I'm going home, and that is in large part due to the way Bruce shared it with me. If you want the real deal, this isn't a place to cut corners - and honestly, I'm not sure you're really going to find an experience like this with anyone else there. Mahalo nui Bruce and Sheryl for bringing me home. read more

Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery - Bruce showing me lava layers from the 2018 eruption. - Art Galleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

The photography is excellent, makes you feel like you are there experiencing the lava up close yourself. It's a lovely gallery making you feel welcome when you walk in, no high pressure sales, just welcome to look at the beautoful photography. There's a nice lay out of artwork with displays to dazzle all around. Staff is very helpful. Not only are the photos fantastic but the service is out of this world. I had purchased some items from the gallery & forgot them in the rental car. I called the gallery, and Bruce Omori himself drove out to the rental car agency at the Hilo airport & sent me my package. Outstanding. I'd give them a 10 if there were that many stars! read more

A wide variety of photographers are represented. I came for Bruce's art but was very impressed with others as well. In addition there are other souvenirs that feature the photos, but I just wanted one of Bruce's prints. read more

I hired Bruce Omori as a photo guide for a few days. The experience was so much more. Bruce lives and does a lot of his work on the Big Island; he is a self-described lava junkie and documents flows and eruptions both for art and posterity. You can find his work at Extreme Exposure. Little did I know at the time that he would take me to places that are not accessible to the casual tourist and would provide me with some of the most memorable experiences of my journey. I could not recommend him more highly. read more

We finally bought some of Bruce's amazing art ! I've been fallowing them for a few years now collecting pieces from each of my favorite artists, like Tom Ku'alii and Bruce Ormi. I can't wait to go home and hang this beautiful art ! When I return again I hope to buy a large piece for my accent wall. Thank you again I really appreciate your fine art and passion. Keep doing what you do ! Mahalo read more

Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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I think in order to see Hawaii beyond beaches and resort, one has to spend the time exploring all amazing areas of this gorgeous island with a local. I have never met anyone who is more genuine, down to earth and humble than Bruce and Tom from Extreme Exposures. Their gallery is simply stunning - full of prints, calendars right next to incredible art they do on acrylic or metal. You have never seen lava presented in a more stunning way that these guys capture at times risking their lives. They also offer tours and will give you more intimate experience of Hawaii. And that should be # 1 on your list. I promise , it will be one of the best memories of your life! read more

Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery - Live on the Edge with Extreme Exposure! - Art Galleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

As a local played tourists in downtown Hilo. We always thought most of the shops are geared toward tourists. But this particular shop caught my eye a few times. I was impressed with the quality of work done by Tom and Bruce. I bought one of their showcase items that caught my eye since I 1st walked in the door which is called Moonlit Kalapana Coast taken by Tom Kuali'i. I just had to get that piece for our kitchen. Bruce gave us an awesome deal we couldn't refuse and I gottah say its the perfect fit for our kitchen. 1st piece bought from this gallery and diff not the last! Tom and Bruce & wife are awesome people with Aloha! We will be back! read more

Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery - Moonlit Kalapana Coast! Once we get the lighting it will be perfect! - Art Galleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

WORTH IT. For a tour guide I would think it easy to fall into one of two pitfalls: Become entrenched in the repetitiveness of visiting the same locations ad infinitum, resulting in a rote and uninspired tour; or, develop an ego around being the one "in-the-know" and become blustery or obnoxious. But there is a category into which the best guides fall, which is that of the guide who genuinely loves to share a place with every person they come across, for whom every time is like seeing the place anew. Bruce Omori is one such guide. Bruce is kind, gracious, and genuine. We spent nearly two full days together, during which I saw so many different parts of the magic of Hawai'i that I don't think I ever could have truly explored and absorbed without him. He subtly weaves history, culture and local knowledge into his presentation of the nooks and crannies that make Hawai'i special. Bruce shares the delicate beauty of this place with you in a manner that always comes off as natural, and never as over-confident. He shows you Hawai'i with the tenderness it deserves, and serves it in a way that is never tiring or overwhelming. He is patient with your questions and curiosity, and allows the experience to take exactly as long as it needs to. Which is to say, it takes as long as it should. It was like spending the day with an old friend in a new place. My two days with Bruce were inspiring. They gave my eyes a sorely-needed reset, as both a photographer and a human. I saw the world with a fresh sense of wonder, one that Bruce seemed to share with me despite his familiarity with our subjects. I was excited about the pictures I was capturing, using my photography not as a means of separating myself from my subject but rather as a means of immersing myself in it, of exploring it more deeply. And while I went into those days with some apprehension about his rates, I can tell you that booking Bruce was worth every penny and more. read more

Bruce and Tom are some of the best guys around! Ok, first, the gallery. Stunningly beautiful. You can simply be immersed in the natural beauty of the Big Island by stepping into this wonderful place. From metal prints to calendars, this gallery offers some great souvenirs to take back to friends. I guarentee they will be amazed at the detail, composition, and LAVA! Cheryl is one of the nicest people I know, and she goes out of the way to make sure you feel at home. She's never overbearing, and she is always smiling. Second, Bruce and Tom's photography tours provide unique opportunities to see the natural beauty of the Big Island firsthand. They are comprehensive and professional in their planning, thoughtful and caring for the land that they inhabit, and down-to-earth and readily available in their interactions. I'm proud to call Bruce and Tom my friends, and they will surely make your trip to the Big Island one to remember! Mahalo! Enjoy! read more

Amazing art, definitely worth stopping in. Really captures the beauty of the volcano (and images from the 2018 eruption) and sea life.

The shop is just great, it has so many nice prints and pictures from several years of the Kilauea eruption. The shop alone is worth a visit to Hilo if you are staying on Kona side. The tours they offer are individual tours that are not like the photo tours you can book on the other islands, more expensive but much more tailored to your needs. This is for serious photography, not some standard tourist picture tour :) If the eruption is going, these guys can take you to spots which would off-limits to you otherwise, well worth the money! read more

This a great place to some amazing photos from pros that live in Hawaii it is also a great place to book a tour with any of the photographers. I had the privilege to go out with Bruce Omori and he was an amazing guide and extremely helpful in helping get good shots of Lava. If you want great shots of anything on the big island This is the place. read more

When I was visiting the Big Island this past Fall, one place on my bucket list was to visit Extreme Exposure Gallery. I have been wanting to visit them ever since my photography started to become more than just a fun activity for me, meaning, when it started to get serious! I absolutely love Hilo Town so it wasn't hard to get me to drive over the hill from Waikoloa where we were staying. With the new Saddle Road, its a nice drive on a smooth highway and it knocks off some serious road time compared to the old road. The first day that we visited Hilo I went directly to the Gallery. I was immediately impressed and in awe of the beautiful images by Tom Kuali'i and Bruce Omori. It's like when you like fishing and you go into a tackle shop, you are taken over by all the different kinds of tackle and gear! It's hard to explain from a photographer's point of view, but when you see their images, you just want to go out and take pictures. It's definitely a motivating experience in itself. These two photographers are certainly awesome in their craft and through their images share the beauty of the Lava flows and all things Big Island. Madame Pele must certainly be smiling at these two for portraying her beauty and sharing it with the world. I was so impressed with what I saw that I drove back from Waikoloa the next day to go to the Gallery again! It was just that good to me. I'd do it again in a heartbeat next trip to the Big Island. If you want to experience all of their beautiful works of art, I highly recommend that you make the trip to Extreme Exposure and see for yourself what I'm talking about. You'll be glad you did, it's well worth the trip! The only thing I regret on my visits there was getting a chance to meet Tom and Bruce in person. I hope I will get that chance on my next trip there! read more

The most amazing metallic volcano prints by local artists like Bruce Omori. The volcano shots are truly awe inspiring. I also like his metal prints of the small elusive Hawaiian birds. Some of Bruce's photos have even made it to the Smithsonian read more

Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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This truly is "As Good As It Gets", when you're visiting Hilo. The Gallery will amaze you, the tours (Ive not taken) I've been told are a spectacular, once in a life time event. Remember the Lava never looks the same,so to have this level of talent locally getting out to capture the birth and beauty of our Island is a privilege. If you like Ansel Adams in color, If you like the spectacular wonder of our volcanoes, coastlines, forests this is a "MUST SEE" for the east side of Hawaii. Oh, and they're really nice peeps too. read more

If you are in Hilo and looking for extreme photography, this is the place for you. It is a small store right off the main drag in Hilo town and features some of the most amazing lava photography I have ever seen. Well worth your time...ask the owners about their recent Smithsonian competition winner, too. read more

I tagged along with my friend Yegor . I went to experience what professional photographers do and where they go to shoot. Bruce and his wife Cheryl were very gracious . The studio has some amazing work. Tom also accompanied us on our trip to the observatory . The experience from the silversword to the boxed Hawaiian lunch Benti box was unique . The shoot at the observatory was out of this world. I highly recommend Bruce and Tom . I really feel by the end of this trip I have found some new friends! read more

As an amateur nature photographer, I'm always looking for new ways to approach a particular subject, and my recent trip to the Big Island to photograph the Hawaiian lava flows was no different. I have been on numerous tourist lava hikes and lava boat trips, but I needed to find a new perspective to this time. Having been an admirer of their work for a while, I reached out to the folks at Extreme Exposure to inquire about a photo tour. Bruce explained that in this situation, a custom photography helicopter tour was the way to go (which, of course, it was). This was not a typical tourist helicopter tour. Bruce arranged everything, including personally selecting the best pilot for photography. Once airborne, he was able to precisely direct the pilot to get the best angles of the lava from overhead and in the best light, and he was constantly calling out camera settings to make sure I didn't miss an amazing shot due to operator error (which was really appreciated). Not only did I capture a ton of images, but the diversity and the ratio of keepers was very high. Not to mention I experienced the insanity of flying in a helicopter with no doors over a volcano! Afterwards, I visited the Extreme Exposure Gallery in Hilo (which I truly believe houses some of the best lava images in the world). The quality of the prints are incredible, and the staff is friendly and informative. I also got to geek out on talking photography with Bruce and heard stories about how some of those amazing shots were made. As a lifelong resident of the Big Island, Bruce has the knowledge and connections to arrange almost anything you want to do, and of course knows the best places to shoot (not just lava). I can't recommend the folks at Extreme Exposure enough. I have been telling everyone I know about them, and I hope to see them again very soon. read more

Love this place, talked with the owner for 15 minutes while the girls shopped. The photo technology has progressed so much since I was in school. The pictures leap out of the medium. Bright, spectacular lighting and fascinating subjects make this a must visit shop. read more

Took a photo tour around the Big Island with Bruce and it was an amazing experience. I've lived in Hawaii for my whole life and have been to the Big Island a few times. From this tour I gained an entirely new appreciation for the beauty of the island. Mauna Kea and Waipo Valley were experiences I will never forget, and I never would've been to these places otherwise. Their art gallery in Hilo is also a must visit spot. read more

Tom and Bruce are the BEST!! They are supremely knowledgeable and epitomize Hawaiian hospitality. They make a great team and each bring a unique angle to their partnership. They are a fountain of information not only on the technical aspects of photography, but also the relationship between man and nature. They are so good at capturing the raw power and beauty of the world they live in. And both men truly enjoy sharing their views and talents. If you are on the Big Island, don't miss the opportunity to visit their gallery in Hilo. And wether you are an amateur looking to grow, or an experienced photographer looking for a knowledgable guide to some of the great gems in the Hawaiian islands, Extreme Exposure is the company for you. I can not recommend their services any more highly. Mahalo. read more

Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery - Captured at 4am in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with Brice Omori. - Art Galleries Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Great gallery and even better photo tours! Went on a charter flight with Bruce and Tom to see the new lava breakout... Simply amazing, memories of a lifetime! read more

Upon entering the Extreme Exposure Gallery, I was blown away at the beautiful photos that peppered the walls. I had seen Bruce's images online, but seeing their vivid colors and dramatic landscapes in person could not compare. The Extreme Exposure Gallery displays the most captivating lava photography I have ever seen, as well as other equally stunning photos of waterfalls, wildlife, and night photography. It is hard to resist taking a piece of this incredible art home, and options are available in a wide range of prices and sizes. We really had a hard time choosing only two to take home with us! Bruce Omori and Tom Kualii also offer guided tours for photographers, and you couldn't be in better hands. We were so captivated by his amazing lava images that we were lucky enough to have Bruce guide us to the see the lava for ourselves. Bruce is an extremely experienced and knowledgable guide, and we genuinely enjoyed his company throughout our trip. We cannot recommend visiting the Extreme Exposure Gallery enough! read more

I was one of the fortunate ones to do a lava photography tour with Bruce and Tom in Oct 2016. Their love and respect for the land and creation of ohana among their guests made it stand out way beyond any other photo tour I've ever been on. When you go to their gallery, know that they are very conscientious about the colors of the lava being true and not just made spectacular for the "wow" factor to entice you to buy something. read more