Koki Beach Sunrise 1
Posted onHappy New Year! It’s been almost 4 weeks since my last blog post. Why should I feel so guilty? I needed a break from my online-self and took time off to visit Hawaii with my family. We spent the first week of our trip in the incredibly laid-back town of Hana on the east coast of Maui. This is the fourth time that I have been to Hana, and third time with my family. We rented 2 different homes during our week-long stay. The first was conveniently on Hana Bay, but rustic and gave us bedbugs. The second was just south of town right across from the field that lead down to the majestic Waioka Pool. Everyone in my family agrees that swimming in the pool was the highlight of our memorable trip.
While this was primarily a family vacation where I ignored the internet while taking my daughters swimming and buying them shave-ice, I woke up before them each morning in order to photograph the sunrise. Putting on my swim shorts and a tank top while leaving my sandals at home was not a bad way to start each day. The sweet smell of rotting guavas filled the air as I departed for the short drive to my photography objectives. Since Hana is quiet and remote, I had my choice of the fantastic beaches all to myself. One of my favorites is modest but rugged Koki Beach. This spectacular setting has a tumultuous wave break against the beach backed by a photogenic hill composed of crimson cinders. I attempted to shoot this fantastic scene several mornings during my visit. I was particularly enamored with the lava rocks on the right side of the beach that the waves occasionally washed over. I took some chances with my camera and tripod by setting them up in this surf zone, but knew that the waves draining through these rocks would complete the image I was after. Creating an image like this where moving water becomes an integral part of the picture requires being able to pre-visualize the composition. Of course, the sunrise light and billowing clouds complete the dramatic scene which I consider one of my best photographs from the entire trip. I created this image using my Canon 5DmkII, Canon 17-40mm f4 lens at 20mm, and Singh-Ray 3-stop Hard Graduated Neutral Density filter on my very wet tripod. It is a single exposure that required minimal processing using Aperture 3.
Great image Jon. I’ve been to that beach, but it was years ago, and you image looks nicer than I remember it!
I’ve also previously been to Koki, but agree that while it is a beautiful location it can be a photographically underwhelming. I think that I created something special from this modest little pocket of beauty. Best wishes to you in 2011!
Nice work Jon. I see that you have usedone of the techniques that I frequently use when shooting along the shoreline; shoot when the surf is on its way out. You would be surprised how many don’t. Much of what I’ve seen tends to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the water. By slowing down, it add a bit of life. Shooting on the way out, means the sand will still be wet. Thanks for sharing.
Jon,
I just finished watching the Youtube video where you planned out this shot, so I immediately came to the blog to see if the image was up! Stunning! I too have visited that same location and although I wasn’t “into” photography yet, I still understood the magic that being in Hana holds and wished I could capture it.
Thank you for sharing your work, and thank you even more for taking the time to explain how you envision a shot before you shoot and how you set it up.
Jamie.
Robert-Mahalo! Sorry that our paths did not cross. Perhaps I will come out to Oahu in April to do some shark diving. Will you be around?
Jamie-We are both blessed for being able to visit Hana. Did you spend the night? If not, you have to go back. We are already looking forward to our next visit. Here is the place that we stayed the 2nd half of our time there. http://www.hana-maui.com/hph.mk.html Keep it in mind next time you go to Maui. I’m also pleased to read that you enjoy my new image and video. Mahalo!
Jon,
I like the sense of motion in this image. And, it almost makes me want to leave winter in Alaska! Almost…
These Hawaii photos are making me homesick. my wife and I lived there for over 5 years and our daughter was born there. We try to visit often, but it’s been a couple years. Thanks for sharing these pictures and for your commentary.
Hi Jon,
I should be around, send me PM on twitter and we can arrange to meetup somewhere. I’ll tell you about some of my favorite sunrise/sunset locations, which can keep you busy when you aren’t diving.