Napali Coast
Using a Nikon L100, I captured this image from a helicopter flying at about 3,000 feet above the water. Interestingly, just the day before, I was on the large t...
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Using a Nikon L100, I captured this image from a helicopter flying at about 3,000 feet above the water. Interestingly, just the day before, I was on the large trimaran boat you can see in the water that carries 38 passengers. Without the large three hulled boat in the photograph, it would be very hard to grasp the concept of the sheer scale of this scene along the magnificent Napali Coast of Kauai! Following the wake, you can see that the Trimaran just came out of the sea cave with the collapsed roof you see in the foreground.
Truly one of the most spectacular shorelines in the world,the Nā Pali coast is along the northwest side of Kauaʻi, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Keʻe Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali (cliffs) rise as high as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean.
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Truly one of the most spectacular shorelines in the world,the Nā Pali coast is along the northwest side of Kauaʻi, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Keʻe Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali (cliffs) rise as high as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean.
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Jun, 2015Views
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frankwilson
July 05, 2015
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frankwilson
July 05, 2015
I captured this image from a helicopter flying at about 3,000 feet above the water. Interestingly, I was on the timaran boat you see in the water just the day before. Without the large three hulled boat in the photograph, it would be very hard to grasp the concept of the sheer scale of this scene along the magnificent Napali Coast of Kauai!
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Behind The Lens
Location
This exposure was made from a helicopter flying about 3,000 feet above the Pacific along the N? Pali Coast which is located is along the northwest side of Kaua?i, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The N? Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Ke?e Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali (cliffs) rise as high as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean.Time
The time of day was about 1:00 PM Certainly not the best time of day for shooting landscapes but this angle, the sea-mist, the atmospheric perspective, the sunlight glare on the water, all these elements worked together to make a spectacular image of a spectacular place.Lighting
I really could not have chosen a better time for this shot as the cliffs were fully illuminated by the overhead sun, creating defining shadows and a beautiful sparkle on the sea.Equipment
As this was a rather wild helicopter ride, I choose to bring along a simple point and shoot, my Nikon L100 so as not to be encumbered by worrying about camera settings etc. It proved to be a wise decision as I was able to move very quickly to get exposures. The helicopter was changing elevation and direction constantly making the decision to shoot frames a split second one.Inspiration
Just the day before this exposure was made, I was a passenger on the large trimaran boat you see in the photograph, photographing the cliffs from the water. I knew I had to take this shot to capture the boat before the wake disappeared as the boat had just come out of the sea cave you see in the foreground, the one with the collapsed roof. This shot would not only capture one of the most spectacular coastlines in the world but would also tell a story. Several times on the helicopter tour I was overcome with tears at the sheer magnificence and beauty that I was seeing.Editing
No, the photograph is just as the camera shot it. It was a perfect exposure and composition. The rich, natural colors of the Kauai, Hawaiian landscape and ocean are hues that need no further processing. It's nice to work with what nature provides!In my camera bag
In my camera bag, I carry three lenses for my Nikon D5300. A telephoto 55 to 300 mm, a 30 to 70 mm lens, and a wide-angle 10 to 20 mm lens. Small tripod, extra batteries, charger, extra SD cards, polarizing filters for all three lenses, lens cloths, and a few miscellaneous items. I have my gear stripped down to the necessities to lighten my load. I also carry a medium weight tripod strapped to my backpack when hiking in the mountains or desert.Feedback
When taking helicopter tours, remember that the helicopter is often flying at speeds up to 125 miles per hour changing elevations, directions, and angles of tilt very quickly. You have to travel light as there is no time for changing lenses of fiddling with settings. Try to anticipate your shot and confidently take it as that view will not be available to you again. As you see where the helicopter is going, be ever on the watch for that perfect shot. Take lots of exposures and choose your best ones. Shoot at a high speed to minimize movement or blur as the scenery races past you..
