Through the Surf
Honu trying to escape the surf
Honu trying to escape the surf
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Nov, 2017Views
3365
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Awards
Winner in AnythingYouWant Photo Challenge
Winner in Best of the best Photo Challenge
Winner in Splash in the Sea Photo Challenge
Contest Finalist in Endangered Species Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Subjects On The Ground Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Monthly Pro Vol 37 Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 20 rank week 1
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 10 rank
Categories
Platinum
Eddieuuu071
March 09, 2019
Thank you for submitting your wonderful photo to my “Water” Challenge! Best of luck!
PRO+
Ultimate
Platinum
mcampi
June 14, 2019
Congratulations on your grand prize winner in best of the best challenges awesome picture
PRO+
PRO+
Platinum
PattiBaker
July 24, 2021
Thank you so much, it is about being the right place at the right time and not all shots can be planned!
PRO+
PRO+
pamelawinter
January 09, 2022
Wow! This certainly says Wow in my challenge. You are one of the top ten finalists.
PattiBaker
January 09, 2022
one of those 1 in a million had to be there and totally unexpected shots! Thank you so much!
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken iinn front of the Zen Mission in Paia, Maui Hawaii.I frequently have gone there as it is a secluded undisturbed beach. The HONU (turtles) have been gracing our North Shores & increasing in numbers in most recent years. I quietly sit among the Honu as they beach shooting them and respecting their need for rest.Time
I took this photo in the afternoon around 5 pm with the sun setting in the West and eventually behind the West Maui Mountains. Many of the turtles got used to me coming to take their photo so would allow me to come in close. I love taking these kinds of shots, freezing the surf in whatever pattern it decides on. Here we see the Honu coming out of the surf but clicking at the right time gave this image the illusion the surf was surrounding her.This shot will never come again so I feel fortunate to be able to capture what I did here.Lighting
The light that day, like most days during this time was low, as the sun was setting fast and had to get shots of the Honu beaching quickly if I was to capture anything worthy.As the sun sets from behind the West Maui Mountains the North Shore is covered in all her glory of colors, rays, no rays, clouds, no one sunset is alike here.In this case it worked for me,with light coming through the surf nicely and again being in the right place & right timeEquipment
This was taken with a Sony A 7RII, no flash as only natural light was needed. Fast shutter speed was needed to capture the waves splashing around her in this pattern. I used a monopod to prevent hand shake and Blur.Inspiration
I love the Honu here! Like I have stated they have been beaching more and more in increased numbers. The Locals here are quick to protect our turtle population. I found this spot a little over a year ago, when I saw Honu's beaching. A secluded beach that sits in front of the Zen Mission and graveyard protected from traffic and onlookers by a short cliff. I would sit among the turtles in the cove at the top of the beach as not to disturb thier slumber, and they became used to me, would come closer still. I would wait for them to beach one by one, sitting and shooting as they arrive. I feel serene sitting among them, interesting creatures that would frolic in the surf then come in to sleep.Editing
I did very little post processing only enhancing what is already there pulling out the detail & color of the turtle and then soften the image. I use Photoshop & Topaz Labs Plug insIn my camera bag
I primarily use the Sony A 7RII with a SEL 18-200mm F 3.5-6.3 lens. I also carry a backup , the Canon Rebel 5 but rarely use it anymore. Although the Canon is not my favorite, one never knows when I will need those lenses or the camera. It is always wise to carry MORE. In my backpack extras of everything including car chargers, plenty of batteries and memory cards as I shoot in RAW format.I carry also the tripod and monopod with me and an umbrella.Rain tends to show up without warning and pays no attention to seasons or time of year.Feedback
Patience! Almost always as many photographers know, being in the right place, right time, right light and always having the camera in hand is essential. I love taking these kinds of surf shots and have taken hundreds, as there is no one surf spot, shore break or water crashing against the rocks that will ever be the same. Often I will pick a spot at the shore line that will produce shore breaks like this and just have fun, practice, and study how the surf comes in and leaves, the different times of day, times of year as winter here produces better and bigger surf than summer.In this particular shot the shore break was a little foamy and it makes for a better shot. Also going lower to the sand also without getting the camera wet can produce great results. Mahalo for all your support in choosing my photo!
