Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Hawaii


I wanted to take the Camera Gear Lackey on a trip, just for us, prior to leaving again for Alaska. We found a decent priced package to the Big Island. After traveling there twice before, we knew exactly where to stay and go. We stayed in Kona. Since this was not a photo trip, I did not concentrate on photography. The green sea turtles images above and below were taken in the waters adjacent to our hotel.

Since I knew we were planning on snorkeling most days, I purchased an underwater housing for my point and shoot Canon S90 camera before leaving.

Taking the turtle images above and the below fish photos underwater was a new photography challenge. After 2 underwater trips, I figured out the best settings (TV; ISO 400; 1/1000; underwater white balance). Having a real flash sure would have helped. Seeing these fish was awesome, let alone photographing them.
Yellow Tang

Wedgetail Triggerfish

Moorish Idol (yellow & black) and a Threadfin Butterfly Fish

Orangeband Surgeonfish

The below birds would visit the feeders put out by our hotel.
Java Finch


Saffron Finch

Zebra Dove

Mongoose are found all over the island. Found these guys in a garden area adjacent to the hotel.


Gold Dust Day Geckos could also be found in the hotel garden area.


Also was able to get my park fix in. We took a day trip to Hawaii Volcano National Park. The lava was not flowing like we had seen in the past. A smoking volcano can be seen in background of the below image.

On one of our trips we had to stop and capture some shots of the surfers. The waves were good size and the water color was amazing.


Swear I am the luckiest guy in the world to be able to travel and see so much. Blue Skies.





10 comments:

Elaine said...

Those underwater shots and the surfer shots are fantastic. I've been to Kona and loved it there. We're hoping to take a trip back before too long. Being able to travel and see some of the wonders of the world does make you lucky, but your ability to capture the beautiful things you see makes us lucky as we get to share in your adventures. Are you back to McKinley for the season?

Juan C. Aguero said...

Hi Ken, good photos.

Jeannette StG said...

You caught that turtle beautifully!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Ken: Amazing captures from your trip.

Coy Hill said...

Glad to see you're back Ken. Willard & I were just talking this morning wondering what had become of you. Your waterfowl shots are fabulous, truly shots to die for! Glad to hear that your going back to AK, already looking forward to sharing your adventures there.

Willard said...

I enjoyed this series too, Ken. Excellent photos as always.

Jose's World said...

Great collection...the S90 did well. The surfer shots were a different subject for you.

Kekiinani said...

Awesome underwater shots and an amazing shot of the mongoose!! WOW.. :) Looks like you had tons of fun on the Big Island. That is my favorite island to visit. Aloha, Renee :)

Qiper said...

Great turtle shots, and the bird posing for you like that is a show "winner"

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Glad to see you posting again Ken ... missed your wonderful pics. Seems like you had a wonderful trip and I am sure Camera Lackey enjoyed it too. I will bet you are looking forward to the coming season in Alaska. :)