About Graham Chappell
Photographer · Artist · Creative Director
Seeing Things Differently
Graham Chappell is a photographer, artist and creative director based in Maui, Hawaii.
His career has taken him from the world of Hollywood motion-picture advertising to fashion, editorial photography, luxury resorts, portraits, weddings and destination events.
Today, photography is at the center of his creative work.
From a quiet family portrait on a Maui beach to an elaborate destination wedding, a fashion shoot or a commercial assignment, Graham approaches every photograph with the same idea:
Create an image that makes people feel something.
Behind the Photograph
A finished photograph can look effortless.
Behind it, there is often a very different story.
There is light to find, locations to explore, people to direct, moments to anticipate — and sometimes a photographer simply has to get wet.
Over the years, Graham has photographed on beaches, at resorts, private estates, studios, fashion sets and some rather unpredictable places.
These behind-the-scenes photographs are a glimpse into the work that happens before the final image.
Because sometimes the story behind the photograph is almost as interesting as the photograph itself.
From Hollywood to Hawaii
Before photography became the center of his career, Graham worked extensively in the motion-picture advertising industry as an art director and campaign creator.
His work included projects associated with major entertainment companies including Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney, Paramount, MGM and Miramax.
As an art director, Graham worked on the visual campaigns surrounding major motion pictures, creating movie posters, billboards, advertising campaigns, promotional materials and other visual communications.
Working in advertising taught him an important lesson:
An image has to do more than look beautiful. It has to communicate.
Composition, color, typography, scale, emotion and storytelling all have a purpose.
That philosophy continues to influence his photography today.
The Advertising Eye
Graham approaches photography with both the eye of a photographer and the mindset of a creative director.
Whether photographing a couple on a Maui beach, a family enjoying a Hawaiian vacation, a fashion campaign, a magazine editorial, a luxury resort or a destination wedding, he considers the entire image.
Light.
Location.
Composition.
Movement.
Expression.
Styling.
Color.
Atmosphere.
Story.
The goal isn’t simply to record what happened.
It’s to create an image that feels like the moment — only beautifully seen.
Maui Photographer
Maui has been home to Graham for many years, and the island continues to provide an extraordinary canvas for his photography.
He photographs families, couples, weddings, engagements, surprise proposals, maternity sessions, portraits, fashion, editorial assignments, advertising and private events throughout Maui.
He also works throughout Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as for destination assignments beyond Hawaii.
For visitors arriving in Hawaii, photography is often about more than simply having photographs taken.
It’s about remembering what it felt like to be here.
The ocean.
The landscape.
The light.
The people.
The laughter.
The quiet moments.
The celebration.
Those are the things Graham looks for when he photographs.
Destination Weddings & Events
Graham’s photography has taken him beyond Hawaii for destination weddings, international celebrations, private events, editorial assignments and commercial work.
His background in advertising and creative direction allows him to adapt to different locations, cultures, architecture, fashion and environments while maintaining a consistent approach to storytelling.
Whether the setting is a private estate, luxury resort, tropical beach or destination somewhere around the world, the goal remains the same:
Create photographs people will want to keep forever.
A Life Behind the Camera
Photography has always been about visual storytelling for Graham.
From designing an image for a movie campaign to photographing a couple standing together on a Maui beach, the principle remains remarkably similar.
Find the story.
Find the light.
Find the moment.
Then create an image that makes someone stop and look.
Today, Graham brings decades of experience in art direction, advertising and photography to every assignment.
The result is photography that combines the artistry of fine art, the precision of commercial advertising, the energy of fashion and the emotion of genuine human moments.
Published & Featured
Over the years, Graham’s photography has appeared in magazines, wedding publications, destination features and Hawaii travel publications.
His work has been featured by publications including Maui Magazine, Wedding Style Magazine and Maharani Weddings, as well as Hawaii wedding and destination publications.
Explore the published stories →
Maui. Hawaii. And Beyond.
Based in Maui, Hawaii.
Available throughout Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island, as well as for destination assignments worldwide.
Graham Chappell
Photographer · Artist · Creative Director