A simple photo for today, but sometimes the most potent beauty can be discovered in simplicity. This simple sunflower was in a bucket at the O’ahu Saturday Farmers’ Market at Kapiolani Community College. There wasn’t any fanfare. It’s just a simple flower, but, there is also an exquisite beauty in its form. Just look at it. No. Really look at it. How can a thing be more perfect. A sunflower in the Hawaiian sun.
On the drive back to Waikiki Beach from visiting the Pali Lookout, I saw a roadside turn off that I immediately pulled over on. I love these scenic overlook as they are most often great places to shoot landscapes from. There is a strong Japanese influence on Oahu which can plainly be seen in Honolulu Memorial Park also know as Kyoto Gardens. It is both a garden park and an adjoining cemetery for Buddhists…I didn’t get a change to visit while I was there, but I have this on my stop list for a visit next year.
Honolulu is a city of hustle and bustle. I hope to ho back and explore some more next year, but in a big city, sometimes you want to get away from all the movement. You want some peace from all the go. You drive to The Valley of the Temples and visit Byodo-In Temple. This is a replica of a Buddhist Temple in Kyoto Japan. This particular temple is non-denominational and everyone is invited to visit. I sat quietly for some time beneath the 9 foot tall wooden Buddha. People came and went. It is a lovely location.
This little Buddha statue was collecting offerings in the gardens in front of Byodo-In Temple. I almost missed him if not for another photographer lying on the ground to take his picture. Sir, I say thank you.
There is, for me, something fascinating about touring old mansions. In part it is the history of the place. Fantastic stories of visitors and deals made under a roof as powerful men and women visit a person’s home. I also love old building techniques. There is an impersonal nature to sheetrock and modern building techniques. I simply love seeing the works of master craftsmen and artists. Then a good portion I think has to do with all the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous I saw as a kid. Who doesn’t like to think of actually living in one of these palaces.
On my most recent trip to Hawaii I visited Doris Duke’s Shangri La. I was on the regular tour as sadly the person who helps with special access was away. There is little you are allowed to photograph, but I was allowed to handhold a shot in the fantastic Mugal Garden. The cypress tress are a sort of oddity for Hawaii, but they somehow seem to thrive here. If you happen to be on Oahu, definitely put this on your list. They have one of the finest Islamic Art collections in the western world! On my next trip, I hope to get to photograph inside the estate as well as bring my tripod!
I have a hard time getting up before dawn, but it almost never fails that I wake up when I should. I have this strange built in alarm clock that rarely lets me sleep in these days. I always expect jet lag to throw it off, but somehow, I always wake up about the right time. One of the great things about Hawaii is that you can stay up really late and you end up waking up REALLY early. Since I am up I usually can talk myself into a sunrise or two…after all, photography is why I travel. This was one of the many wonderful weather days I had while on Oahu and sunrise was a sight to see!
If you look up Iao Valley, you will will see one view over and over again. Its a spectacular view after all, The Needle is an amazing peak. Sadly the day we happened to visit the park, the needle was enshrouded in clouds and mist. It rained on us trying to get a photo. We fought tourists for position. While I was waiting, I noticed the clouds were AMAZING on the other side of the valley! I grabbed this shot in a location no one else was looking at.
Last week I flew to Oahu, Hawaii. One of the first things I noticed was this Banyan Tree on Waikiki Beach. Banyan trees in the states, especially in very public areas are often ravaged characters. They take abuse from the transient tourist population who tend to underestimate their significant to Asian Religion. The Buddha gained enlightenment under the shelter of one of these trees. In Hinduism Krishna is said to rest in the leaves. There is a grounded aura to these strange trees and as with all trees there is great wisdom within…patience.
Just look at it will you. Can you feel the warm, wet sand? Can you smell the sweat scent of sweat and sunscreen? Do you feel the tension leaving your body as you listen to the Hawaiian guitar playing in the distance? This week I am traveling back to Hawaii to visit my second Hawaiian Island (O‘ahu). This photo was taken on my first expedition to the islands when we visited Maui. I can’t imagine a reason anyone would not love this place. I see myself visiting often…I hope you will too!
I have had a desire to try this for some time. When Pamela and I vacationed in Maui, we went to the beach, just a few blocks from our Condo to attempt to capture a photograph of the spirit of the ocean.
She is infinite and dark, beautiful and terrible all at once. This was the best I was able to do, but it was a first attempt. I like this photo because it represents to me possibility. There is an idea here I want to explore more.
I hesitated posting this because this one of very personal to me, for a variety of reasons.
I have very much favored the work of several notable abstract expressionists, most personally Mark Rothko. His color fields speak to me on a visceral level, something older than I am, something ancient inside of me. I want this photo to feel the same, it does not.
This is also a pretty big departure from the other work I generally do. Though this fits into my travel photography, it is uniquely different.
I consider this photo a success even though it isn’t exactly my intent. Even when we fail, the results can be unexpectedly wonderful!
It has been a very nice week weather wise in the Ozarks, but never fear, we have a saying in these parts. If you don’t like the weather wait five minutes. Its not uncommon to be 75 one day and then 35 then next. That big of a swing doesn’t usually happen, but it IS happening right now. Yesterday was in the mid 70’s and tonight it is supposed to get below freezing. Winter is coming (sigh). Anyway all of this got me thinking about Maui and how wonderful the weather there happens to be. I thought a nice warm sunset, Hawaii style would be just the thing for my winter blues.
