Four Minute Sunset
Four Minute Sunset, Tunnels, Kauai, Hawaii. 16mm. f16, 240 seconds, iso 100. LEE Big Stopper ND Filter, Lee Polarizer Filter.
I've been thinking a lot about composition recently. I was out shooting a couple of weeks ago and the light and subject were good, but as I reviewed the shots, I kept thinking that I should have done better. You ever have that feeling? Like everything was good, except you? I felt like going back to the scene and saying to the ocean, mountains, sky and sun, "It's not you. It's me. Really. You're perfect. I just need a little time." So what to do? Gotta up my game, I guess. So here I am, thinking about composition.
As you may know, I'm a self taught photographer. I've never taken a class on photography. I've never attended a photography workshop. The only art class that i have ever taken was a Modern Art class sophomore year at Ole Miss. Colors, spacial patterns and relationships have just been kinda intuitive for me. And I always feel that any "photography rule" can be broken at any time. But still sometimes when I review a session I feel that, for whatever reason, I missed it. Compositionally, I just wasn't able to communicate the experience in a pleasing manner. So here I am thinking about composition.
These thoughts led me to the ever dangerous and sometimes helpful internet. I pulled up Outdoor Photographer and found a landscape photographer by the name of Ian Plant who has written a well received book on composition called Visual Flow.
Well there you go, I thought. Time to get busy and do a little study. So I downloaded the creative bundle and soon began reading a really good ebook on compositional techniques and explanation.
I finished the book a few days ago and recommend it to anyone interested in concepts and principals of composition. What I appreciated most was the inspiration and teachings that Mr. Plant drew from various works of Art-- Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Hokusai, Turner, etc... I also enjoyed seeing the many different places where he and co-creater Geroge Stocking have photographed. Yes, it's a good book. Helpful, too, I think.
So with my head full of concepts and terminology to support what I have always left to intuition I went out to Tunnels, looking for a few things:
One, I wanted to photograph sunset.
Two, I wanted to include the curve of Makana Ridge
Three, I wanted to somehow relate the uniqueness of my visit (that particular moment) to the photograph.
Four, I wanted to find something in the foreground to mirror the shape or abstractly refer to the contours of makana ridge.
Five, I wanted to apply "atmospheric perspective" (i read it in the book!)-- basically I wanted to come away with at least one photograph where I placed the focus on the nearer object and let the sun or makana mountain appear "less distinct." (I often place focus on distant objects as I wish to lead the viewer to that point of the scene. So I was gonna try some new things!).
As I was walking the beach thinking of these things I kinda felt like Bob Dylan. You know Maggies Farm? "I got a head full of ideas that are driving me insane."
Vortex, Tunnels, Kauai, Hawaii. 16mm, f/11, 30 seconds, iso 100, LEE Big Stop Filter, LEE Polarizer Filter.
I scouted out the location like I always do, this time I was specifically looking for contours, leading lines and or triangles (triangles!? you may ask. read the book!). Low tide was to pretty much coincide with sunset so I knew that I would be able to use some portion of the exposed reef in the composition. That's what I initially planned and I thought I had all the elements here (in the photo above)-- diagonal lines for energy, repetition of triangular shapes for stability and perhaps a nice "counterpoint" to makana in the triangular shaped reef/rock in the foreground. So after this shot I was just going to wait for the sun to lower and the light to turn golden.
I was feeling pretty good about myself. Yes, sir, I studied a book, applied the principles and got a good picture. Well done, Lee. But then, as I was waiting, I began to look around. Oh, the world is a big place indeed. I always tell people that a photograph doesn't just sit around and wait, they observe. They put their time waiting to good use. And what i discovered was a second portion of reef that was before mostly submerged was beginning to show dry.
Beginning to Show Dry, Tunnels, Kauai, Hawaii. 16mm, f/6.3, 1/125 second, iso 100, LEE Polarizer Filter.
At this point I decided to leave the tripod where it stood and took the camera off for a little hand held exploring. And I just fell in love with this portion of reef. I photographed it from all kinds of different angles with makana in the background and came up the shot that opened this blog-- Four Minute Sunset. Here it is again,
The compositional elements that I was looking for are all there-- foreground interest, counterpoint, and directional cue are all in the seaweed covered reef; makana's angularity and pleasant curves are well represented; and a sense of the unique moment are revealed in the exposed reef (an occurrence that only happens during extreme low tides). I chose a long exposure shot with an ND filter to smooth out the ocean, pull light lines out and to add a little depth and energy to a somewhat empty sky. Also, I just like long exposures. :-)
Once the sun set below the thick line of clouds I changed lenses and abandoned atmospheric perspective and focused directly on the sun as it balanced itself on the blue horizon (image below).
Setting Spring Sun, Tunnels, Kauai, Hawaii, 24mm, f/13, 1/25 second, iso 100, B+W Circular Polarizer Filter.
Even though this shot is a lot tighter and the exposure time is much shorter, compositionally it is very similar to Four Minute Sunset. I kept the foreground element and counterpoint to Makana (green reef); the bumps along the green reef mirror the bumps and points of Makana, adding (I think) symmetry to the scene. Overall this one is nice, but I am most proud of the first one.
I think the curves of Makana and the glassy ocean from the long exposure soften the scene and symbolize Kauai's nurturing energy and mellow vibes. At least for me.
I'll try to write more about compositions as my study continues.
I hope you enjoyed the blog and the pics.
Aloha,
Lee
The Kohua Ridge Trail and Cloud Atlas
Cloud Atlas, Kohua Ridge Trail, Waimea Canyon, Koke'e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii
I hiked the Kohua Ridge Trail (Tuesday) and finished reading Cloud Atlas (Monday) so this blog will be a mixture of the two. Probably not any near as eloquent as David Mitchell, but bear with me.
The above photo, which I took from the end of the Kohua Trail, will serve as a visual guide to the most beautiful ideas that I found in Mitchell's masterpiece on time and transmigration.
Cloud Atlas may be the most inventive book I have ever read. True, it is not an easy read, but it is enjoyable and incredibly rewarding. I want to quote from the section set on the Big Island many years in the future, which in Cloud Atlas terminology, is many winters "after the fall." Zachary, a helper in the book, lies exhausted in the bottom of a canoe looking up at the Hawaiian sky
I watched clouds wobbly from the floor o' that kayak. Souls cross ages like clouds cross skies, an' tho' a cloud's shape nor hue nor size don't stay the same, it's still a cloud an' so is a soul. Who can say where the cloud's blowed from or who the soul'll be 'morrow?
Once I saw the clouds at the end of the trail, I knew I wanted to show them, crossing the skies; changing shapes; and generally being blown about like souls in lives.
Cloud Atlas is a beautiful book and highly recommended.
seen on a morning drive, waimea, kauai, hawaii
The Kohua Trail begins about two miles into the Na Pali-Kona Forrest Reserve off the 4x4 only Mohihi Camp Road (about 7 miles from the tarmac and Koke'e Lodge). The trail is relatively short-- 5 miles roundtrip-- but extremely varied. You'll walk through rich Koa and Lehua forests, smaller sections of Cedar and the occasional African Tulip.
lehua trees along mohihi camp road about halfway to the kohua ridge trailhead, koke'e state park, kauai, hawai
The trail crosses a stream early on, and then climbs and descends through softly padded sections of earth covered with Koa leaves, wild flowers and a variety of moss.
A typical Kohua Ridge trail scene, Koke'e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii
Koa tree leaves flank the trail, and in some places are so heavy that you must push them back with both arms as you progress along the seldom hiked trail, Kohua Ridge Trail, Koke'e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii
After about two miles or so, the trail begins to open up and you realize that you are walking on a ridge that is right in the middle of the majestic, red and green Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Clouds and Canyon-- the view from the Kohua Trail Vista (don't know if you can see him or not, but the tiny black speck on the lower left is a wild goat that was just rambling along the lower (dangerous) ridge), Kauai, Hawaii
We hung out here for nearly and hour, just watching the clouds cross the sky like souls traveling through time. All total we were out on the trail for 5 hours and didn't meet another hiker the entire time. During the way back, Naomi told me a story about one of her friend's boys who said to nature once, "Thanks for having us." Indeed, thanks for having us.
Lines on Bark, Kohua Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
Fingers Crossed, "Angel" moss on lehua tree along the Kohua Trail, Kauai, Hawaii
PS
Usually when we hike in Koke'e we plan on camping for the night. Recently we've been pitching our tent and stringing our hammock at the Kawaikoi Stream campsite. This site, and the nearby Sugi Grove campsite, both require a vehicle with four wheel drive (and preferably a little lift, too). But the campsite near the Koke'e Lodge has many tent only sites that offer privacy, tables, and water. We've spent many a pleasant night there, as well. Either way, if you do decide to camp, please purchase your permit through the Hawaii State Camping Reservation System at https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping. It's fast, easy and the nominal permit fee helps to maintain the upkeep of our state parks. Mahalo for your kokua!
Aloha,
Lee
jungle hike to hanakapi'ai falls
hanakapi'ai falls, kauai, hawaii
A couple of weeks ago Naomi and I hiked to hanakapi'ai falls. The trail is probably the most hiked trail on kauai and all of the guide books talk about it so I want do too much here other than post a few pics of what we saw during our 8 mile jungle excursion.
zen stones, hanakapi'ai beach, kauai, hawaii
Two miles in and you are at hanakapi'ai beach. The name is a little misleading because in the winter time it ain't much of a beach. More like a stone patch in front of swirling ocean.
leaning towers of the napali coast, hanakapi'ai beach, kauai, hawaii
Needless to say, in the winter time you should not swim here. And if you ask me, summer time, too. Be careful crossing the stream, too. The water was a little high the day of our hike and it took us a while to find the best place to cross. But safely across, we stopped at the stone patch took some pics; ate some nuts; and enjoyed the quiet morning, knowing that within a few hours the place would be full of people. If you want a quiet hike, you gotta start early.
jungle trail to hanakapi'ai falls, kauai, hawaii
The trail is always muddy in winter. Just expect it. Near daily winter rains in the valley don't give the trail much time to dry out. So unless you hike in the summer (and even then areas of mud are likely) just know that you will get muddy. Nothing you can do about it. Just watch your footing as much as you can. Naomi and I like hiking sticks or trekking poles. They really help out, especially coming down slick rocks with muddy shoes.
the womb, hanakapi'ai falls, kauai, hawaii
This is the end of the trail-- hanakapi'ai falls. Total feminine energy back here. It's like walking into Mother Earth or Mama Kauai. Fecund nature. The spirit of birth and renewal. Fresh and cool. It's a total trip to experience. I recommend it. From here your turn back and hike 4 miles to ke'e.
one more look, hanakapi'ai falls, kauai, hawaii
jungle light, jungle stream, hanakapi'ai valley, kauai, hawaii
favorite view, kalalau trail, kauai, hawaii
Aloha,
lee
All photos in this blog are available to purchase at light source photo gallery in kapa'a or online. Email lee at [email protected] for sizes and further information. Mahalo.
choose love
a little wild and uncontrolled (fantasy), kauai, hawaii
I am reading The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan now and am moved by it's story of love, war, horror, endurance and humanity. The juxtaposition of the narratives of a group of Australian POWs forced by the Japanese to build a ludicrous railroad line through the deep jungles of Thailand and Burma (Myanmar) and a love story compel the reader to see the utter stupidity and barbaric nature of war. While reading about the atrocities and horrific conditions of the POWs I am begging to be brought back to love. I am literally longing to turn the page on the wartime narrative to be embraced by the excitement and joy of being with one who loves.
mimicry, kauai, hawaii
I'm almost done with the book and recommend it to anyone interested in history, the War of the Pacific (the Pacific theater of WWII), Japanese history, Australian history, and just great literature. The novel won the Man Booker Prize for 2014 and appeared on numerous 2014 best of year end lists.
driftwood under moving sky, kauai, hawaii
All of the photos in this blog come from two days at an east side beach. The opening pic, a little wild and uncontrolled,is my favorite of the group. I let the exposure run a bit, and while it is actually overexposed, i like how it adds a sense of fantasy to the scene.
This next shot below was taken on day two. I wanted to go back and revisit the half buried driftwood and see how "proper" exposure would affect the mood. Of course, each day is different and day two brought a near cloudless and radiant sky.
radiant sky, kauai, hawaii
following the line, kauai, hawaii
changing light, changing life, kauai, hawaii
the surreal is the real, kauai, hawaii
choose love, kauai, hawaii
aloha,
lee
repetition, appreciation, and learning to listen
old time kauai, tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
Last week i spent three consecutive mornings at tunnels shooting long exposures with a 10 stop neutral density filter. Sometimes i find that repetition helps me better appreciate the changing light and the variable nature of a scene. Weather fronts and tides, wind and clouds will all play with the mood and conditions. It's all a reminder that I am only there to record and to communicate the energy and life force rather than force my energy, envy and desire onto mother nature.
old time kauai (3:1 ratio), tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
I am currently reading God Is Red by Vine Deloria. In this classic text on Native American spirituality Deloria presents Native American religions as a spirituality grounded in space (place) rather than time (history). It is an interesting and well supported view, and one that i find compelling. As a landscape photographer, i am constantly seeking the spiritual and transcendent in a moment that begins in a place (space).
I also found, hidden in one of the chapters of the book, a great quote by the French existentialist writer Albert Camus. In The Rebel, an essay by Camus on the individual and society, he writes "When nature ceases to be an object of contemplation and admiration, it can be nothing more than material for an action that aims at transforming it."
the little rainbow that could, tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
This I believe is a key lesson. Because when we stop trying to transform our surroundings we can begin to transform ourselves. So let us contemplate nature. Let us admire her. Let us go deep within her and learn from her teachings. Repeatedly.
the dawn of movement, tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
the dawn of movement (1:1 ratio), tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
I also found the following quote in Deloria's delightful book. This one is by Walking Buffalo, a Stoney Indian from Canada who provides insight on our unwillingness to listen:
"Did you know that trees talk? Well they do. They talk to each other, and they'll talk to you if you listen. Trouble is, white people don't listen. They never learned to listen to the Indians, so I don't suppose they'll listen to other voices in nature. But I have learned a lot from trees; sometimes about the weather, sometimes about animals, sometimes about the Great Spirit."
Let us listen to the trees. Let us learn about the Great Spirit. Let us be taught.
migration, tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
Each day is different. Each day is new. Each tree will talk to us if only we would listen.
Listen to the waves. Listen to the wind.
Going into nature helps us listen. Nature will tell us of the Great Spirit, and in learning about the Spirit we will learn peace.
Repeatedly.
doves of peace, tunnels beach, kauai, hawaii
all photos in this blog are available to purchase at light source photo gallery in kapa'a, kauai or by email at [email protected].
mahalo.
aloha,
lee