Kaena Point - the sequel!

Remember this map?  Last time I hiked via the Southern route to the Point, yesterday I did it via the North Shore.  Little bit longer and bumpier terrain but beautiful, yes.  

Salt deposits.  We should have scooped it up, sea salt is expensive :)

Black and white is sometimes a miracle fix for that photo where you just can't get the color right.  Not so much for ocean photos.  Weird effect.

These little guys were everywhere.  Some sort of starfish but we lacked the courage to pick one up and investigate further.

No monk seal sightings this time, and the shore birds kept their distance.  Still a great hike, climb, picnic and all around lovely day.

More Homework!

Photography class was cancelled today which is good since I hadn't finished my homework (don't tell Olivia)

Gave me a free day to play around with my friends at the beach and take a few shots...

All the shots above were taken late in the day, with the sun setting and to my back.  Creates beautiful blue skies and vibrant colors.  Thankfully, that was my goal for these shots so it worked :)


The shots below were taken in full midday sun (which is not ideal) but the goal here was to capture water in motion. That part worked ok, but my images were overexposed.  Have to work on that next time

Not quite ready to open my own studio but I did learn a few tricks.  Mostly, it opened my eyes to how much I don't know.  That's what intermediate classes are for right?

Photo Shoot

It's not everyday I get my big girl to play with me and my camera!  Hey, these days it's not everyday that she and I are even speaking :)

We called a truce long enough to get her all dressed up for the end of year banquet

I must admit, she shines up nicely!

Truce over

Manual Setting!

In the interest of full disclosure, my fancy new camera has been set on AUTO since the day I opened the box.  And while I'll admit it does a pretty good job, I do a lot of editing to get my pictures to look the way I want.

Nothing to do but drag yourself and a couple of your buds to a photography class!  Turns out all those little numbers you see when you look in the viewfinder really do mean something - who knew?  Well, I suspected but it made me feel dumb so I ignored it.

I won't bore you with all my hits and misses but these were my homework shots.  I should also point out we weren't allowed to edit in any way.  No cropping, adjusting color, saturation, nada.

Flower

Water

Person

Animal (had to borrow Drew from a neighbor).  Ok, still in full disclosure mode, I never asked.  We just had a photo shoot when they weren't home one day.  

Building or statue

I was pretty happy with the unedited results.  My teacher was less impressed but really it's you folks that I'm working for :)

This one is for next week.  I wish I could edit out the stick on the right side but no cheating!  I'm really impressed with it for one reason...I took it in the bright sunlight with tons of "noise" in the background.  Somehow it ended up with a black background!  I'll have to see if I can re-create that but I might pretend it was on purpose. 

For My Nephews

"US Navy Lit Up the Sky"

Lovely headline to wake up to today on MSNBC!

Most importantly the "don't talk about this with anyone" ban has been lifted!  NOW I am free to brag, post photos and videos of the USS Lake Erie conducting a very successful and important ballistic missile test shot.  I've been promised a DVD of photos...stay tuned.

Way to go Lake Erie!  DGUTS!!

Confirmed!

Proverbs 3:6 “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you, and crown your efforts with success.” 

She did it!!  After taking classes for a year and passing her exam, Olivia is a confirmed Lutheran...yes Amy, that means she has a legal obligation to attend church before 9 am for the rest of her life ;)

Thank you for the necklace Grandma and Grandpa and thank you Emma for the dress!

Another happy day milestone for her, they are coming fast and furious lately.  

The pastor chooses a confirmation verse for each confirmand that he feels suits them.  

Hers was Jeremiah 31:3

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."

I was happy hers was such a sweet verse, another girl's was about being quiet and listening!!  To be fair Olivia said she did talk A LOT!  We Lutherans may start our days early but we maintain our humor.  

May Day, Lei Day!

If I were to tell you that one of my girls was chosen to be a princess in the May Day show, you might just assume it would be my little Em.  

 We like to keep you on your toes!  Olivia found out recently that she was chosen as the Princess to represent the island of Molokai (color green).  The island princesses roles are a coveted prize at her school as they typically choose an honor student who is highly regarded by her friends and the staff.  

  The young man behind her was her "kahili bearer."  Island royalty had a bearer to carry a kahili (usually made of feathers) behind them wherever they went to signify them as royal.  

After the show her Sensei (Japanese teacher) was there to congratulate her!  She was stationed in Japan with us and is now our neighbor here in Hawaii.  

The Royal Court!

Have no fear - little miss wasn't left out of the show!  She has been learning hula this year and finally got to perform!

She has been sick most of this week but pulled it together on Friday, the show must go on and all!

It was awesome!  No stage fright at all (shocking right?) 

As usual, I'm thrilled for these unique opportunities we are afforded by our crazy lifestyle.  It was a great show and great memories for my girls

Tomorrow is another big day for Olivia - confirmation!