King’s Cauldron

 
Back in mid February I had the opportunity to work privately with a client on a workshop this afternoon.  With the surf being up to significant levels, 15’+, I knew that my usual go to spot would be a bit more challenging than usual.  After shooting some waterfalls we made it down to the coast and the waves were POUNDING.  The whole area is a very dangerous spot and normally I would not send people down here on their own in conditions like this.  Having a great understanding of the area and having a plan in case things get dicey is important.  As we watched the surf hit on to King’s Bath there was an area to stand and be safe yet able to scurry away if I thought we needed to retreat.  The amount of spray was incredible and therefore challenging to shoot in for sure.  After I had set up the client I decided I should join the fun.  As we watched, and occasionally ran away, the sun hit this hole right above Mt. Makana and the whole scene became this surreal cauldron of sea, spray and light.  I was able to get off just 2 series of photos before the sun passed behind the mountain for the night.  Quite the experience for both of us.
 
To see a slo-mo video please check out the link HERE
 
Much thanks all and be safe out there!
 
aF
 

Large surf crashes on the north shore of Kauai as the spray is backlit by the setting sun.
“King’s Cauldron” (unreleased)

Haupu & Naupaka

“Haupu & Naupaka”
Epic clouds that briefly were above Haupu Mtn during our 2015 Workshop as seen from Mahaulepu. It was SUPER windy this day which doesnt come across as much unless you see the choppy ocean. The small naupaka was hanging tight along the rocky coastline.
Enjoy!
aF

Haupu Mtn as seen from Mahaulepu near Poipu, Kauai
“Haupu & Naupaka” (unreleased)

Wizard’s Touch…a Workshop adventure

 
Day 1.  Actually not even more than a couple of hours after meeting our Workshop clients we found ourselves at the first stop of the 6 days we were to take exploring and photographing the island.  Given that the waves were up that day, and Ke’e Beach the destination, we made a pit stop over at Lumahai just past Hanalei.  I knew from pictures and reports that the beach and shifted tremendously over the winter.  Massive westerly swells pushed sand 20′ deeper than I’ve seen in places before, ever.  Of course I was the only one to know (or possibly care, ha) but I knew that unique possibilities would be there.
 
Getting down I was blown away.  Rocks that people normally jump off of in to the ocean were filled all the way up to with sand.  Crazy!  Walking up this little pool was hanging out enticing us so we set up and watched the surf.  Occasionally the waves would wash over the rock to the right and cascade in to the pool.  Which I thought was the shot I was after with them.  Getting everyone squared away and set up I was poking around to see what was left.  What you cant see in this photograph are the two tripods to either side of me 🙂
 
As we sat biding our time, watching the clouds move by, waves come and go the sun disappeared.  And all the golden light we had was gone.  Knowing we needed to get to Ke’e for sunset time was starting to run out.  The ehu kai (sea spray) was hanging around as well as winds were fairly light, thus allowing it to collect along the beach and treeline.  Magically, a beam of light opened up and illuminated the mist far down the beach!  Woah!  I was able to get a few exposures off and then it was gone.  60s of light.  That’s all there was for this image.  Amazing! Quickly packing up we were off to our second location of the workshop.  What a way to start the week 🙂
 
Processing this photograph I really wanted to show off the awesome curves which drew me to the scene in the first place.  After editing the color version I had a feeling that the simplicity of a black and white might make more of an impact to the effect I was after.  Converting it I was stoked to see the result but both images have their merits.  So instead of posting one…I present you both!
Note:  For cleanliness some footprints were removed from the scene.
 
Much thanks and enjoy!
aF
 

2015-03-02_029[web]
“Wizard’s Touch” (unreleased)
 
2015-03-02_029bw[web]
“Wizard’s Touch BW” (unreleased)
 

Orchid!

 
While co-leading a 6 day workshop on the Big Island last year with Kory Lidstrom we stopped over at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden just north of Hilo for some different scenery.  While exploring the beautiful gardens I came across these orchids.  Unusual flowers always this particular specimen caught my attention.  I used a long lens with extension tubes to help me focus in closer than I would normally be able to and isolated the crazy looking flower.  Always difficult to get something cohesive with these shots I was pleasantly surprised with this result 🙂  Enjoy!
 
aF
 

Close up of a purple orchid at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Hilo.
“Orchid” (unreleased)