The Big Island of Hawaii
September 17-22, 2025
Instructor: Mike Mezeul II
Class size: 5 (3 Spots Open)
Tuition: $4299
The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most captivating and diverse landscapes of the Hawaiian Islands. From jagged lava rock filled beaches, to being above the clouds at nearly 14,000’ on top of an extinct volcano, lush rainforest waterfalls and one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea, the Big Island offers an incredibly diverse photographic adventure. Come join me for six days as I show you some of my favorite locations on the island to photograph. We will even be taking a doors off helicopter flight to shoot aerials of various stunning locations. With a bit of luck, Kilauea will be erupting and we will visit her to capture and experience the eruption as well. If you’re ready to see Hawaii in a different light, then this workshop is for you!
What You Will Learn:
How to create compelling landscape compositions.
How to create beautiful aerial landscape images.
How to use your camera to its fullest capabilities.
How to utilize a variety of lenses to think “outside the box.”
An understanding for light and how to take advantage of it in all conditions.
The basics of Lightroom and Photoshop.
How to create motion blur in waterfalls and clouds.
How to plan for a landscape shoot.
How to wear a hula skirt.
What You Will Need:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera body and an assortment of lenses. A wide angle is highly recommended as well as a zoom lens.
A sturdy tripod.
Camera strap for the helicopter shoot.
A headlamp or flashlight.
At least the trial version of Lightroom or Photoshop on your laptop.
Multiple batteries.
A desire to learn, have fun, be flexible, and explore nature!
Note: a 10 or 6 stop neutral density filter for your wide angle is recommended, as well as a circular polarizer.
What's Not Included:
Travel to the Big Island.
Rental vehicle and fuel.
Meals & beverages.
What's Included:
Accommodations, based upon double occupancy.
Helicopter charter photo flight over the Big Island.
All park entrance fees and permits.
Access to my mind 24/7.
Post-workshop editing tutorial videos.
Where are we staying?
For this workshop, we will be spending two nights on the Kona side of the island and then transfer to the Hilo side for the remainder of the workshop. We will be in two beautiful AirBNB’s that will allow us to spend more time together, talk shop, and edit. Rooms will be based upon double occupancy. Single occupancy is available for a fee.
Physical Requirements:
There will be some short walks to our shooting locations. Although these walks are shot (< 1/2 mile ), they will be over rocky and wet terrain, with some locations requiring you to stand in about a foot of water. We will also be at nearly 14,000’ elevation for one evening. Please know your physical limitations and consult with your physician if you are uncertain.
Arrival / Departure
It is highly recommended that you arrive in and stay in Kona one day prior to the workshop to avoid any possible travel delays. You will want to fly into Kona International Airport, NOT Hilo. Hilo is much more expensive and usually requires multiple stops to get to.
Rental Vehicle
Transportation within the workshop will be provided, but you will need a rental vehicle. We will be starting on the Kona side of the island, and finishing on the Hilo side. In order to get back to the Kona side for your departure, you will need a rental vehicle. You will also need a rental vehicle for our transfer between the two locations. Please do not book a rental car immediately as I can help coordinate sharing a vehicle between participants.
