"So, You Just Got a DSLR or SLR Camera...Now What?"…read more That was the title of the 3-hr beginner class I took today with Steve. I wish I had taken that class a long time ago! Back then I had a Canon EOS Rebel that used film (the thing that comes in the little black cannister that you load into the old fashioned cameras) and shame on me, I never used anything but "auto" mode to snap pics. Flash forward to today and I'm shooting with a Nikon DSLR but still in "auto" mode because I never learned what all the dials and buttons meant. Do you have a DSLR and shoot in "auto" mode too? You need to take this class! I found a great deal on Amazon Local for $65 for a 3-hr beginner class. There is also a deal for $79 for the 4-hr intermediate class if you already know the basics. If you go to the website, there are all kinds of classes you can take once you get the basics down. Steve is not only an amazing and internationally recognized and published photographer, but he is a great teacher for those of us who never took a photography class before. Today I learned so much, but the highlights for me were the following: 1. I learned what ISO, f-stop, and shutter speed means, and how I have to adjust them based on the distance, lighting, etc. 2. I learned what the letters on the dial means (P, A, M, S) so I don't have to shoot in auto mode ever again. 3. Depth of field (it's not just a filter on instagram!). 4. We got to see the inside of a real camera, which made it much easier to understand shutter speed, aperture. I felt really old when the rest of the class said they had never used a film camera. 5. Formatting the memory card Are all of those things in the instruction manual? Probably, but I hate reading instruction manuals and I don't even know where mine is. Steve explained everything clearly and gave us a chance to go and try the different settings we learned about on our own. The small class setting (there were 6 students in my class) was a great learning environment and even though we each had a different camera, by the end of class all of us were shooting in manual mode. Yay.

I took an Introduction to Photography class with Steve a little over a year ago. I wanted to know…read morehow to use a dlsr that I bought in Japan (i.e. other than the auto button). The class was taught outside, at the Queen Kapiolani Botanical Gardens in Waikiki. After a brief introduction to photography (understanding iso, aperture and shutter speed), we were sent outside to practice. After only a few hours, I understood what a majority of the other "non-auto" settings on my dlsr did. Also, I was a lot more comfortable playing around and shooting with my camera. Steve is a great teacher and I would recommend him to all. Keep up the good work.

This was our second time working with Radek for our family photos in Oahu (first in 2019 and again…read morein 2026), and we couldn't be happier with our experience! With four little ones, family photos can definitely be challenging, but Radek was incredibly patient and worked so well with our family. He made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable, and our pictures turned out GREAT! We're so happy with how the photos captured our family, and we will definitely reach out to Radek again the next time we're back in Oahu. Thank you, Radek, for another wonderful family session! Aloha

We had a great experience with Radek at Right Frame Photography. Communication leading up to our…read morephotoshoot was great and we had a lot of fun during it! We are very happy with the final pictures too! Mahalo!

I was there about a month ago for a farewell party. Wow…read more..... our host rented a large spacious room! Great venue and the staff was great!!

This is my third or fourth visit to Kaeo Studios, but my first time leaving a review and I remember…read morethis place being the exactly as it is today. The building that this spot is in looks a little rough, but once you enter Kaeo Studios, it's a vibe! There are many businesses that operate in the same building so parking can be limited until 9pm. Our party was in the Trellis Room and the aesthetic is so cute! It's designed to look like a garden and is very spacious. This room can seat about 20/30 people and there is a separate little room for kids or people who don't want to be in the Karaoke mix hehe. There is no food served as it is BYOB and bring your own food. The service is always efficient and awesome. I am hoping to book my mom's party here this year!

In November 2025 I had such an incredible experience with JP Moulin Photography! From the moment I…read morearrived, getting my hair and makeup done by Rosie, I felt completely taken care of Rosie was so warm, friendly, and talented it really set the tone for the entire shoot. When it came time to work with JP, he was the perfect balance of professional and personable. He created such a comfortable, safe space and knew exactly how to guide me in a way that made me feel 100% confident in my body. What started as a simple clothed shoot naturally evolved into an implied nude session and I never once felt anything but empowered and supported. If you've ever thought about doing something like this, don't hesitate! This is an experience you won't regret. I can honestly say it's more than just a photo shoot; it's a confidence boost, a moment of self-love and a chance to see yourself in a whole new light. Fair warning... you'll probably want to book another session just to feel that magic all over again and capture even more stunning photos!

This is my 2nd time shooting with JP!! I LOVED THIS SHOOT…read more JP is so talented. He makes you feel so comfortable and he's really good at posing you (making you feel beautiful). He knows his way around the camera. I love how he is so creative. You can bet, I will be doing another shoot soon. He's the best.

This is the second time they have canceled the FAA class on me and pushed it another month. I…read moreoffered to do a private which has an additional fee, but no response. Do not sign up for this course, they will take your money and string you along. I am giving two stars because Maria is nice. They offered me a 10% discount on my next purchase , but why would I give you more money so you can cancel on me again?

Sal and his Drone Academy is exactly what Hawaii needs.Someone with great intelligence and the…read moreenergy to help others. I attempted to apply on my own for the FAA's Section 333 Exemption.I did some serious online research and read how other people had resorted to going to a lawyer and paying upwards of 6K+ to get it done. The Drone Accademy offered a class to help me to understand all of the many, many intricate details and requirements. Originally,Sal told us that a pilot from the Big Island who already had the Exemption would be coming over to teach the class.Unfortunely this person got cold feet and must have realized that teaching others to do this difficult task,was not in their own interests. Sal conducted the class with absolute perfection. Every person in the class "got it". His class was informative,accurate and left us all eager to go home and complete our own Exception 333 requests. Sal is a pro and extremely knowedgable and willing to share and help others. I would highly recommend that you meet with him if you are interested in learning more about flying drones and doing it safely Larry S..are real or is your real name Tim? Larry please call me since all you said in your post might well be true but I find it hard to understand why you have taken this position when all the Hawaii Drone Academy is doing is trying to help people.With zero deception on Sals part. If you know where I can find the FAA approved curriculum, please let me know.I want to understand your point of view and find out why you would warn people about what Sal is doing? I believe if you met with him, you would change you mind.

Krystle is not just an amazing photographer, but also a great photo journalist. With her photos,…read moreshe creates the perfect story that fits you personality and your brand. I am almost about to publish my first book in the field of Health and Nutrition. I wanted to create the perfect photo for the cover and also a few photos that show me as a professional in the field and at the same time my personality. Photos that get the reader involved with who I am. Krystle send me a questionnaires to capture the most important things of who I am and what I wanted. The result was the most creative an beautiful photoshoot- we transported the kitchen to a sunrise beach set up. I love her creativity to make your projects come true. I have to say, I don't usually like to be in front of the camera but Krystle made me forget that she was on the other side. I felt very comfortable during the 3 hours photoshoot. We had a lot of fun. I do recommend Krystle to anybody who wants to take their business to the next level with very professional photos for their website, book, social media marketing or any other project. She will cover your expectations by 300%!! Thank you Krystle!

I highly recommend Krystle Marcellus Photography…read more If you're looking for a photographer who can capture your personality and the spirit of what you hope to achieve in your photos, look no further. Krystle is your gal. While she brings an excellent eye for detail and a high quality to her photos, I especially loved her ability to pick up on the little things that bring your personality to life in photos. She is a very easy going personality, and made the photo session super comfortable for me as I am not very good at the whole 'modeling' thing. She puts you at ease and gives very good direction so that you don't even realize you are modeling. :) While I run a business of my own, it was important to have photos that are both professional yet show my personality. I feel that Krystle did an outstanding job with this and highly recommend her to anyone.

Long Overdue Praise for Joseph Esser and His Incredible Team…read more This review is long overdue for Joseph Esser and his phenomenal team of photographers and videographers. If you're searching for a wedding photographer and videographer in Hawaii, look no further -- Joseph and his team are truly among the best. From the very beginning, I was impressed by Joseph's professionalism, warmth, and incredible attention to detail. In the months leading up to the wedding, he collaborated closely with my amazing wedding planners, Fred and Kate, to review the timeline and ensure everything was aligned. That preparation paid off -- the entire day ran smoothly and stress-free, allowing me to fully enjoy every moment. Joseph and his team arrived punctually and were ready to capture the magic from start to finish. They didn't just take photos -- they preserved moments. Looking back at the images and videos now, I'm filled with joy reliving those memories with my husband. What truly sets Joseph apart is how much he cares. His energy and positive attitude were infectious -- he had us laughing all day, which naturally translated into joyful, candid photos full of smiles. Beyond his personality, it was his instinct and thoughtfulness that left a lasting impression. For example, during our grand reception entrance, we used a money gun that left fake bills scattered all over the dance floor. Before our first dance began, Joseph got down on his knees and cleared the floor himself -- not something you'd expect from your lead photographer, but it speaks volumes about his commitment to the perfect shot and a smooth experience. Similarly, during the ceremony, when my wedding train and cape needed adjusting, Joseph didn't hesitate or wait for a bridesmaid -- he stepped in and fixed it himself to ensure everything looked flawless. These small, meaningful actions showed just how much he truly cares about his clients and the quality of his work. Joseph and his team worked tirelessly for nine hours, and the final results were nothing short of spectacular. Every guest who's seen our photos and video has commented on how stunning they are. We also opted for a 10-minute wedding highlight video -- and I highly recommend it! The timing of the music, lyrics, and our vows were perfectly matched with the visuals. The attention to detail, from the transitions to even the placement of our names on the Cover page -- Everything was intentional, thoughtful, and beautifully executed. As someone who is very detail-oriented, I was blown away by how aligned Joseph and his team were with my vision. Their passion for what they do shines through in every frame. They don't just document a wedding -- they tell a story. Thank you, Joseph, for being such an integral part of our day and for capturing it so perfectly. You and your team are truly the best -- mahalo from the bottom of our hearts!

TL;DR: Joseph is a wonderful person and a stellar…read morephotographer with an eye for capturing the essence of his couples and the true magic of the day! He and his photo/video team were so much fun, and you won't regret getting a chance to work with them! The Long Story: Our wedding planner recommended Joseph after my now-husband and I told her how photography/videography were among our top priorities for our big day. During our first call with Joseph, we immediately sensed that he'd be a great fit. He was delightful and easy to talk with, and his extensive knowledge, thoroughness, and patience in walking us through our many questions made us realize we'd be in the hands of a true professional. So after reviewing his gorgeous portfolio of wedding photography, we ended up booking a 10 hour photo/video package (which included an engagement shoot and photo booth as add-ons). Our engagement shoot (which we highly recommend doing with Joseph before your wedding day so you can get to know him and get used to being photographed) quickly solidified our opinion of him as both an excellent photographer and an awesome person overall! He woke up bright and early to meet us for sunrise and even went above and beyond by helping me find someone willing to do my hair and makeup at the last minute, which I was incredibly grateful for. The session started out with some rain, but Joseph was super chill and suggested we wait and see what happens. Sure enough, the rain clouds parted, treating us to a gorgeous sunrise. My husband and I are super awkward when it comes to photos, but Joseph made us feel so at ease with his fun, infectious personality and his thoughtful approach to directing us. Funnily enough, this engagement rain experience repeated itself on our wedding day, when a seasonably late Kona low was pouring rain all over the island during the week of the wedding and into the big day itself. Despite the gloom of both the weather and the bummed out bride (aka me), Joseph and his team brought bright, positive vibes from the get-go. They showed incredible care and flexibility given the circumstances and pivoted seamlessly when the weather prevented us from doing our first look at our originally planned location. When we were running ahead of schedule, Joseph and his main videographer, Jimi, even made sure to get extra photos/videos of us in some cool locations nearby. And when the moment of truth came for our actual wedding? Pure magic--no rain for the ceremony and a stunning sunset! Joseph and his team did an incredible job at capturing just how unique that day was, and we're grateful to have had them there by our sides throughout. Thank you, Joseph and team, for capturing such wonderful memories for us! P.S. Check out Joseph's wedding podcast, Unveiling Paradise! We were featured on Episode 69, and in that episode, Joseph does a wonderful job breaking down how photography is handled when weather threatens your big day :)

I recently took some drone lessons from Alex. It took a while to get time but it really wasn't his…read morefault. You need the optimal conditions and I valued that he made sure that the weather was perfect for my first time practicing flying my drone. My husband got me a drone about three years ago for my birthday or Christmas. It was just poor timing on his part because he gave it to me the same year we had a baby. I guess he didn't figure that having a baby would take up 100% of your time and leave no time for drone flying. Well she's three now and a lot more independent so we decided to open our drone box. Lesson #1: don't be like me and open your box three years later. We had a few batteries that wouldn't charge up because it was sitting idle for so long. Alex gave me some good recommendations of what to do and who I could possible take the batteries to check them out. I met Alex at Kawainui Model Airplane Field. I have never been there but it was a great place to learn. It was a wide open area perfect for people who are just learning. Just in case they don't know how to move their controls. Alex was a good instructor. He told me about the rules of flying and how to be cognizant of the environment around before flying. He had me do several tries of the different controls. It was a little confusing at first but he was patient. I didn't get it but he helped me understand it better by putting it into analogies. Then I kept thinking of the analogy to help me remember the controls. I learned how to control it in all directions and take a selfie. I'm glad that I took this course. My husband was super excited that I finally got to use my drone. So I showed him what I learned in class and he's hooked too. Thanks Alex for the great lesson!

When it comes to getting those perfect family pictures, you can't be anything but choosy to capture…read morea perfect moment. Particularly a shoot with 5 kids, no easy task. I came across an ad on Facebook's Military Buy, Sell, & Trade. I liked the portfolio shown and reached out to Alexey to inquire on pricing and scheduling details. Response time was very quick and professional and pricing was very reasonable. *Note: A deposit will need to be put down.* Honestly I think more people in the service industry should do this. Think about it, it's their livelihood and if you cancel they missed on having someone one else in that slot. Alexey was so helpful in giving ideas for locations and best places/timing to capture my kiddos. We scheduled on a Friday for that Monday. A quick turn around and I was super excited yet cautious just not knowing much feedback for this photographer. I did keep my faith and it paid off! :) Alexey was prompt and sooooooo easy to work with! He was very patient with the kids, was accepting to my ideas and yet some wonderful ones of his own. He took the time to give me a wide variety to choose from and get the kids in raw moments as well as "staged." We had a great time doing the shoot, tons of giggles and smiles. Alexey was SUPER quick to turn around the images for me to choose for edit, like 24 hours or less quick. There were over 500 images to go through, picking just 10-15 was no easy task. I couldn't be more grateful for that many pictures though, he really took a lot of time for a great deal! I ended up choosing a bit more than the 15 for the extra fee and it was sooo worth it, still such a bargain! The edited photos came back quickly, and the fortunate part, due to the great job the first go around, no edits were really needed. The photos are all throughout my house and up to date, finally! Thank you, Alexey, for everything! I can't wait to come back for more sessions!!!

We had our photo session last october 26th, we had a lot of fun! our photographer JUSTIN did an…read moreexcellent job, he arrived there about an hour prior to the shoot, and was patient enough to wait for us as we search for the exact location. we brought several props we can use, we were happy how he has alot of ideas, on what areas at Waimanalo bay state recreation area we can use to make it look we were at different places. Seemed we might not need our props anyway, but when we asked him if we still can, he used them artistically. It really shows how he loves and enjoys his job, we never felt hurried, or directed in a negative way, we literally had fun:) Pictures turned out GREAT! We love them all;) Plus we are now November's cover photo and couple of the Month at their website:) imagine how ecstatic we were when we saw that. Thanks Hawaiianpix! You guys are the Best!:)

Awesome service!! Had a great time with Jerry & Wes, made picture taking fun and easy!! The…read moreOFFICIAL photographer for the Samoan Gospel Heralds!! thanks

I was looking for a driving instructor for my teen and saw all the positive Yelp reviews for Hawaii…read moreDriving Academy. Jay was a wonderful teacher! He has a "can do" positive attitude. He was extremely responsive and answered all my questions over the phone before the first lesson. He is very patient, always came on time and had a face mask on for every lesson. After each lesson, he would message me on my teens progress. Jay was very easy to work with and I felt he and I were able to work together to achieve our goals. It was also very easy and convenient to pay for our lessons via payment app. Our teen passed on the first try!!!

Jay is an experienced driver and very capable instructor. I held onto my learner's permit for half…read morea decade because I was too nervous to take the driver's test, but Jay was able to pace the lessons in a way that worked for me. Since I struggled with the practical aspect, he identified what I was hesitating on and walked me to through the concepts using drawn diagrams to ease me into it. Thanks to his personalized approach, I passed the Kapahulu driver's test in a single attempt.