At Wailea Contemporary Gallery, we believe that fine art photography holds the power to transform perception. Few artists embody this more fully than Scott Reither, whose long-exposure photography transcends documentation to evoke stillness, depth, and emotional connection. Through his lens, Scott offers viewers an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

The Journey and Evolution

Scott’s path to fine art photography began over 25 years ago with a six-month journey through Southeast Asia—a formative experience that redefined his life’s purpose. During his travels, he discovered the power of the camera as a tool for seeing the world—and himself—more clearly.

"That trip was transformative," Scott reflects. "I knew I had found my calling.”

In those early years, Scott’s photography focused on capturing the beauty of the world—the soft glow of light at dawn, the sweep of a tranquil shoreline. Over time, his work deepened, becoming a way to express something more personal: a reflection of his inner journey and a pursuit of stillness and connection. This evolution shaped a body of work that continues to balance visual beauty with emotional resonance.

The Influence of Place and the Search for Stillness

Though Scott’s passion for photography was sparked by travel, Maui’s landscapes have deeply shaped his artistic vision. “Maui’s shifting light and tranquil waters align perfectly with my desire to create work that feels peaceful and grounding,” he shares.

Yet, his pursuit of stillness transcends his surroundings—it’s also a personal practice shaped by meditation. Scott describes how spaciousness, whether in life or in an image, holds the key to presence and clarity. “Meditation taught me that peace is found in the space around the forms of thought,” he explains. “Photography mirrors that—the space around the subject gives the image its sense of serenity.”

By incorporating expansive skies, quiet waters, and understated details, Scott’s work becomes a visual meditation—a reminder to embrace stillness amidst the noise of life.

The Creative Process: Patience and Precision

Scott’s approach to photography is deliberate and patient. He often returns to the same locations many times, waiting for the perfect convergence of light, atmosphere, and mood.

"Some subjects call me back over and over," Scott says. "Venice, for example—I’ve spent 30 days revisiting favorite spots, capturing its timeless beauty in different conditions. The Torii gate in Japan is another; I’ve spent over a dozen days photographing that single subject, drawn to its quiet elegance against shifting skies.”

Closer to home, Maui’s dramatic coastlines and serene waters continue to inspire Scott. There are familiar places he’s photographed countless times, observing how they transform under changing light and weather. What may seem like an arduous process to some is, for Scott, the heart of his craft.

"This is truly the best part of photography—being out in the world, fully present, and connecting with subjects that resonate with you," he reflects.

Scott likens the initial image capture to gathering raw materials. His craft doesn’t end with the press of a shutter—it continues in the developing stage, where he carefully shapes the essence of the image to bring its spirit to life. From the thousands of frames he captures each year, only 15 to 20 make it through his meticulous curation process.

"For me, it’s about distilling everything down to its core—the feeling I want to convey," he explains.

Whether standing at the edge of a Venetian canal at dawn or watching waves crash along Maui’s volcanic shorelines, Scott’s creative process is an exercise in devotion—a practice of presence and a celebration of patience and wonder.

Long Exposure: Time as a Tool

Long-exposure photography lies at the heart of Scott’s work, allowing him to slow time and capture the unseen. With exposures often ranging from 2 to 8 minutes, he transforms dynamic scenes into serene, painterly compositions.

“By slowing time, I’m able to remove visual noise and create a sense of spaciousness,” Scott explains.

This approach heightens his connection to the moment. Standing still for extended periods, Scott becomes attuned to the subtleties of his environment—the way clouds shift, how waves form patterns, and the feeling of the air around him. By slowing down, time itself becomes a collaborator in the creative process.

Each image becomes not just a representation of place but an expression of presence—a distilled moment of stillness drawn from the ever-changing world.

A Photographer’s Intuition: When Subjects Speak

For Scott, the process of discovering a location or subject is rooted in exploration and a deep awareness of his surroundings.

"In many ways, I feel the subjects choose me," Scott reflects. "I’m always looking for elements that speak to me—shapes, forms, and details that resonate on a deeper level and create visual harmony. It might be a skeletal tree, a pole in the water, or a simple grouping of rocks.”

This commitment to seeking meaningful compositions drives Scott to spend countless hours observing and engaging with the landscape. Whether standing at the edge of a windswept shore or wandering through ancient streets, he finds that the most compelling subjects often reveal themselves through patience and presence.

"As photographers, we must be keen observers of life," he explains. "When we remain open and aware, we’re able to see what others might miss.”

Each place tells its own story—of resilience, history, or quiet beauty—and Scott seeks to capture that essence in every frame. From the volcanic coastlines of Maui to the timeless beauty of Venice, the quiet symbolism of a Torii gate in Japan, and other locations around the world, Scott’s process is one of intention and immersion—seeking connection, embracing discovery, and finding poetry in the details.

Creating Connection Through Art

Scott’s collectors often share stories of how his work creates moments of calm in their daily lives—spaces for reflection and reconnection. His goal is to offer viewers more than a beautiful image; it’s to create a sense of sanctuary.

“True peace isn’t found in the forms themselves, but in the space around them,” he reflects. “By shifting our attention to that spaciousness, we can find something profound.”

How often do we pause to notice the space around us? Scott’s work offers us that moment—a sanctuary of stillness in our fast-paced world.

Final Reflections

Scott Reither’s photography is more than a visual record—it’s an exploration of stillness and presence. His images invite us to slow down, to breathe, and to see the world—and ourselves—more clearly.

Visit Wailea Contemporary Gallery to experience Scott’s work firsthand and discover how fine art photography can bring moments of peace and wonder into your life—and perhaps, inspire a deeper connection to the present.