David Y. Igé | DLNR Press Release: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS IGNORING RULES RECEIVING CESSATION AND WITHDRAWAL LETTERS

(Līhuʻe) – There is no doubt that the photos are breathtaking, with the bride and groom perched on ridges overlooking the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, under a waterfall or at sunset on a typical beach of Kaua’i. These are the works of commercial wedding photographers, many of whom do not obtain the required state or county authorization and / or permits, allowing them to settle down and take photos in specific locations.

“It’s not fair to photographers who make a living by following the rules,” said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau. For years, she’s lodged complaints against “bad actors” who scoff at regulations requiring permits to conduct commercial activities in places like state parks.

Kanoho added, “It is so important at this time to ensure that the rules in place are followed for the protection of the place, for the couples who visit and for the residents of Kaua’i. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could face contempt from the residents, you could be cited, and there are other things that can go wrong.

One of the photography companies receiving a cease and desist letter from DLNR is Bradyhouse Photographers. Its website includes this statement: “Our team know Kaua’i inside and out, we know the places to get away from the crowds, whether you’re looking for a secluded beach, private waterfall, or epic ridge trail, and we know the vendors who will show you and take the best care of yourself.

According to records from the Hawai’i State Film Office, Bradyhouse applied for and obtained a total of eight photography permits between May and September of this year, including an open and accessible permit that details legal photography locations, which photographers can use, without additional license. , for defined periods. This permit expires later this month.

State Parks DLNR division administrator Curt Cottrell said there was no record of Bradyhouse photographers applying for permits. “Our review of the photographs on the company’s website, as well as its social media pages, clearly shows footage of Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Falls, drone shots in Waimea State Parks. Canyon and Kōke’e, as well as Hanakāpī’ai Beach and Honopū in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Many of these locations are both naturally and culturally sensitive and we will not be issuing permits for commercial drone operations or wedding photos in these sensitive locations. “

In July, Kanoho observed via social media posts, photographers chartering boats and having weddings in Honopū. “It’s 100% illegal and culturally inappropriate,” she said. She says her efforts to discuss the issue with other photographers have been met with derision and threats.

Another offender receiving a cease and desist order is The Foxes Photography who touts their Kaua’i elopement tours. This company also promotes its business online with photographs that were clearly taken in state parks, without a commercial license.

A photo of newlyweds standing on a rock at the base of Wailua Falls includes a caption that suggests people are breaking the law by illegally hiking from the road to the falls: “One of the largest waterfalls in Kauai is also one of the easiest to access. You can get a great view of it from the road, but the steep descent to the base is 100% worth it. If you want runaway photos here we highly recommend going early in the morning as it’s a popular spot.

Ironically, elsewhere on The Foxes Photography website is this statement: “When you visit, please respect the island and the people who live there. The locals are friendly and with our help it will remain a very special place for many years to come! ”

Film authorization is handled by jurisdiction, whether state or county, and requires approval from the government agency having jurisdiction over the location. The 65 members Kaua’i Wedding Professionals Association can help member photographers find what they need.

Mike Danderand, president of the association said: “Renegade photographers create unhealthy expectations for visiting couples when they see photos online or on social media and they ask our members to take photos at the same. places. There are places on Kaua’i that are sacred or dangerous. Our members are committed to honoring and respecting cultural sites.

The association reports that members have lost important business to unauthorized photographers when couples insist on places, which they see on social media … where images were taken illegally. “The biggest problem we have,” Danderand explained, “is the photographers who follow the rules, respect the island and respect the culture are cut off because other photographers don’t follow the rules.”

Photography companies receiving cease and desist letters could face criminal or civil prosecution, potentially leading to fines of several thousand dollars and jail time.

Cottrell’s tip: “If you ignore the rules for a business advantage, the evidence is on your websites and the law will catch up with you. For couples wishing to get married in Kaua’i, we encourage you to simply ask if your wedding photographer is a member of the professional association. They may not be able to get you to the exact spot in the likely unauthorized photo you saw, but they know exactly where it is legal and appropriate and where it is not, due to culturally or naturally sensitive which are banned… But hey, it’s Kaua’i, so pretty hard not to get great photos no matter where.

The issue of illegal activities on state lands is not isolated in Kaua’i. In Maui, the Film Bureau reports receiving multiple complaints about unauthorized commercial photography, not only in state parks, but also on land under other departments or division jurisdictions.

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RESOURCES

(All images / video courtesy: DLNR)

HD Video – Wailua Falls, Wedding Photography Websites, SOTS:

https://vimeo.com/625833540 (shooting sheet attached)

Photographs – Wailua Falls, Wedding Photography Sites:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9wy4qvulyp8c04c/AAB_eFzRMrJ7FnRHXA5czf3fa?dl=0

Screenshots from https://bradyhousephotographers.com/:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7n6bb2obsncabgr/AABrmolrCHZRX2KP_wXhGOVna?dl=0

Screenshots from https://thefoxesphotography.com/elopement-photographer/kauai-elopement-guide/:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yel0m5q00nmn0yx/AADKssgxNneb9n6ev_gkNZKwa?dl=0

Media contact:

Dan Dennison

Senior Communications Officer

(808) 587-0396

[email protected]