Hawaii | Russ Bishop Photography | Nature Photo Blog

March 28, 2019September 4, 2020

Kauai’s Secret Beach

Surf crashing on rocks at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

If you’re in search of warmer latitudes and a sense of adventure the north shore of Kauai is a great place to get away from it all. From the rugged Na Pali Coast at road’s end in Ha’ena, the famed Kalalau Trail traverses the cliffs and valleys of this spectacular landscape for a truly unforgettable hiking experience.

For maximum time on the water, kayaking the 16 mile coastline is a truly unique way to see this remote part of the island that doesn’t require an overnight. Several tour companies in Hanalei provide all the equipment and an informative guide along with pickup service at the end of the journey.

But perhaps this all sounds a bit too adventurous after your escape from the mainland, and all you really want is a quite little piece of paradise to call your own. In that case, you can’t do much better than Kauapea Beach (known by the locals as Secret Beach). This pristine strip of golden sand is a short detour off the Kuhio Highway, but is rarely crowded and offers wonderful views of the Kilauea Lighthouse above the turquoise waters of the Pacific.

Whether you need to wind down with your toes in the sand after a day of hiking or paddling, or prefer to spend all your time a la Robinson Crusoe just off the grid and unplugged – this secluded hideaway is a mandatory stop on your North Shore adventure.

January 18, 2018September 4, 2020

The Emotion of Motion

There’s something fascinating about visual movement that stirs our souls and creates a visceral response. I’m not referring to the exhilaration of skydiving or skiing down a mountain, but the more subtle visual connections we make while witnessing a dance performed on a stage, watching clouds race across a desert sky, or simply viewing a photograph of a silky waterfall frozen in time.

As photographers we have the privilege of stopping time or even slowing it down just long enough to give our viewers a glimpse of a world that can never be seen with our own eyes. We can illustrate a repetitive process over time such as a series of waves washing upon a shore, or create an abstract vision of color and form that has no resemblance to the natural world.

At these moments, there is a bond that occurs between subject and viewer that’s hard to put into words. Perhaps it’s our secret desire to slow the inevitable march of time or just a sense of voyeurism at seeing something beautiful that we know we shouldn’t be able to. I like to think of it as the emotion of motion.

March 2, 2011November 6, 2015

Better Together

Jack Johnson’s well-known line sums it up nicely when it comes to many things and especially outdoor photography. It’s wonderful to visit and photograph beautiful locations, to have a permanent (or so we hope) record of our experience long after the trip is over, but an added plus is always being able to savor those moments with someone else.

A recent exchange online got me thinking about all the benefits of sharing your photographic adventures with a friend or partner. Beyond the obvious pleasure of simply enjoying a tropical sunset together or wandering down a forest trail and savoring the smell of wet pines after a storm, there’s another big perk – perspective. Having someone in your landscape images can often add a unique visual element that gives the viewer a sense of place, and with action shots the benefit of being able to give direction (although utmost care is needed here) can make for much more compelling imagery.

In this image, my wife Maureen and I are just starting off on a 16 mile journey down the Na Pali coast of Kauai. Shooting this close to the water is always risky business, but I managed to keep my equipment dry with the careful use of a dry bag while my partner helped line up the perfect shots. So the next time you’re heading out to shoot bring a friend, and don’t forget to let them get in on the action.