The art of photography

Biography of underwater & landscape photography artist Douglas J Hoffman

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Artist statement

I feel very fortunate to live my dream of being a professional photographer and want to give something back. Thats why I support Whale Dolphin Conservation Society, Humane Society International, and The Pacific Whale Foundation. These organizations study and preserve cetaceans, increase scientists knowledge base, help train future educators and increase public awareness.

As a result my images have been featured in the WDCS magazine and their program to end commercial whaling. Approximately 250,000 signed petitions with my whale photographs were sent to President Obama and the same number again to the European Whaling Commission. The HSI used my images in a campaign against shark finning and to end the demand for shark fin soup in China and for an educational project with Dr. Jane Goodall. The PWF uses my photography in exhibitions and invites me to present functions such as the Tribute to the Whales.

My goal is to create compelling images of nature that reflect beauty and drama in order to evoke an emotional response and raise awareness.

About Douglas

In 1985 Douglas Hoffman moved to Maui, Hawaii to work in the hotel industry. After participating in an introductory dive, the path of his life changed and he become a scuba instructor. As time passed he learned the art of underwater photography. Over his career he has more than 12,000 hours experience in the water.

In 1995, Douglas met his wife Mieko a fellow dive instructor from Japan. The couple spent the next few years dividing their time diving in Maui and at resorts & live-aboard boats in Indonesia, Palau, & Yap. In 1997 the Hoffman's decided to settle down and opened Maui Photography Inc. specializing in family portraiture. While operating a successful photography business, Douglas has not lost any passion for the sea and leads many annual dive/photography adventures. His favorite destinations include Tonga for Humpback Whales, Indonesia for tropical reefs, rich bio-diversity, & whale sharks, and Fiji for colorful soft corals, thriving reefs, and sharks.

Hoffman is well known for fine art photographs of Humpback whales and has received numerous awards. Douglas' work is featured in several art galleries, and been the subject of three recent magazine and newspaper articles. In January of 2012, he received the prestigious Master of Photography Degree from the Professional Photographers of America.

Douglas and Mieko have two girls named Hana and Aya and two dogs, Finn & Dusty.

Douglas J Hoffman addressing the Weekend with the Experts - Feb 10-11th 2012.