couple-photography – photography2

Thanks for visiting my Couples Photography page

THE EXPERIENCE...

Honeymoon, birthday, anniversary—you don't need a reason to have a couples photo session. It's always special.

Ask me, a longtime high-end professional photographer, what makes couples photography in Kauai special, I’d say one word: love. But the reality is it’s a celebration of love showcased and realized in a mix of authentic intimacy and great joy and silliness set against Kauai’s stunning backdrop—the misty mountains, the crashing waves, the sun-filtered ocean spray. When I shoot couples sessions I love capturing the visual interplay of two souls on their connected journey. I think you get the picture. A good part of my couples sessions are candid moments. For sure I’ll encourage you, prompt you, and at times give you very specific directions. Notwithstanding these prompts, my couples sessions are designed for fun and thrills so that you give me real belly laughter and heartfelt joy and genuine emotion. So go ahead, flirt, be coy, have fun, and we’ll make amazing photographs.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

"We were thrilled when David sent us the final picts. He sprinkled some fairy dust on them or something. They're phenomenal! Beautiful colors and lighting. He's very talented and has a great personality as well. So, so happy with them. Thank you, David!”

—Sarah D. - Yelp review

BOOK YOU SESSION

Erin Oprian CA

“David is by far the best photographer we’ve worked with. Not only is he incredibly creative and skilled behind the camera, but he’s also an absolute pleasure to be around. His editing is top-notch, and he truly knows how to bring every shot to life. I highly recommend David—his work speaks for itself!

THE ABSOLUTE BEST SPOT FOR A PHOTOSHOOT

I live on the north shore because it’s the most beautiful side of the island—not just me saying it. So I’m partial to doing my photo shoots on the north shore. However, I also do photo sessions on the east and south sides of the island. I go where my clients want.

Here are my preferred locations:

Hanalei Bay— my favorite location for photoshoots, globally recognized as one of the best beaches worldwide, recently ranking 9th in the world by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2025 — and it was the only Hawaiian beach on that 2025 list. It’s a 2-mile long crescent shaped bay with multiple unique and gorgeous beaches. I like to shoot at five of them(there’s nine that are accessible), each uniquely stunning.

On the eastern side of the bay is the Hanalei pier, and the mouth of the silky Hanalei river where, on its sandy banks, sweeps of verdant trees and green pastures dazzle the senses. This area is known as Black Pot. There used to be a big black cauldron buried in the long stretch of golden sand here. Um…that conjures interesting notions. The views of the mountains with their laced waterfalls are stunning from Black Pot. The pier is iconic for photos, easily accessible because there is plenty of parking. There’s also restrooms, which makes changing outfits a breeze. The one drawback is it can get crowded. But because the beach is so huge, it’s easy to walk along the beach and get beyond the throng.

The Cape Beach – half a mile west of Black Pot is typically less crowded. You can park on the road and walk a narrow pathway to the beach. What I love is that it’s so different from the pier area. There’s swathes of palm trees and ferns to frame photos and the further west you go the fewer people you’ll see until suddenly there’s no one. This really feels like desert island paradise.

Innes Secret Beach – on the western side of Hanalei Bay is a small stretch of undisturbed beach that few people ever visit. You’ll have to park on the side of the highway—there’s enough space for eight or nine cars. Once on the beach, you’ll see a nesting of lava rocks and a couple of big fallen trees breaching the surf—awesome photo props. Walking east, there’s a river tributary, sand berms, and a long stretch of paradisiacal beach where you’re unlikely to see anyone else. This is my secret go-to place for romantic couples.

Pu’u Poa Beach – a stunning Princeville beach that highlights the luxurious I-Hotel, with a full view of Hanalei Bay. As you walk the beach toward the Hanalei river, you’ll pass leaning almond trees and ironwoods that create organic photo frames. One thing: If you’re not staying at the hotel, you need to pay for parking.

Hideaways Beach. As the name implies a hidden jewel of beach, accessed by taking a steep incline from the Princeville bluff. On the way down the views are gobsmacking breathtaking. Once you reach the narrow beach your toes will slip into course golden sand and you’ll see a shoreline of lava rocks and rock pools, crazy basalt formations, and overhanging beach almond and ironwood trees. Downside to this beach—there’s no parking.

Anini Beach west. Near the end of Anini road, before you reach the sparkling lagoon, there’s a tucked away jewel of a beach, with an amazing lava rock pool. It’s a photo paradise especially if you’re willing to dip in the water. It has to be an early morning shoot to avoid locals and tourists who’ve discovered this secret spot.

Tunnels Beach -so gorgeous that it might take your breath away but parking can be difficult. The beach is vast with rich foliage and mountain backdrops; it’s very popular for wedding photography.

Kealia Beach – On the east side of the island this long golden sand beach is my goto for sunrise photoshoots. Sunrise shoot are amazing when you see the sun rising above the ocean’s horizon in a blaze of color—but you’ll have to get up really early, when it’s pitch black. Me too!

Coconut Beach / Wailua – Sheraton beach. Sometimes I do photo sessions on this beach when my clients are staying at the Sheraton or one of the other nearby hotels. Of note: It gets crazily windy here.

Lihue’s Kalapaki Beach – This is a beautiful little scenic bay, small golden sand beach, lava rocks and often a Hobie kayak parked on the sand—perfect prop for a photoshoot.

Shipwreck Beach (Keoniloa Bay) – Another gorgeous beach and a photogenic gem with its iconic limestone cliff where swimmers take daring leaps and dives into the ocean below. The backside of the beach has a lush foresty area—great for photo ops. The drawback to Shipwreck Beach is that it’s a very popular beach, gets very crowded at times.

If the beach or location you’d like me to shoot at isn’t listed, drop me a line. There are other beaches I’ve done sessions at, no doubt others that I haven’t. Maybe the one you’d like will be my next. Aloha – David Fraser Marsh

INTRODUCING…

THE AMAZING BEST FRIENDS PHOTO SESSION

For “besties” and romantic yet adventurous couples, this is 2+ hours of flattering photography, as many outfit changes as you want, up to two locations, a mix of lifestyle and posing. The package will yield 60+ cinematic style photos.

Get in touch

Kauai Photographer
David Marsh

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