Hawaii, the only state to be completely created from volcanic activity, is a very popular vacation destination. The Aloha State has surfing, snorkeling, and luaus, just to name a few exciting things to enjoy there. You can tour these volcanic islands on foot or dive into the waters to see the sea life below.
Wherever you go, however, one thing is certain: Hawaii has beautifully scenic landscapes and wildlife for you to capture on film. With your background of the tropics, you can photograph bright colored flowers and amazing sunsets. But don’t spend your vacation wondering where to point your camera. Just keep these tips in mind as you capture Hawaii.
Making the most of your camera
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to produce great photographs. A $3,000 camera isn’t necessary either. However, there are some ways to get the best shot without wondering if you immediately need a do-over.
Reading through your camera manual can show you what icon is which and how to utilize them. Macro shots, for example, help take those up close and personal pictures of butterflies resting on flowers. The panoramic option lets you take a larger picture of something like the Haleakala volcano with the sun setting at the right time.
Taking your time is a good way to ensure you don’t get a blurry shot of whatever you’re trying to capture. Carrying around a large tripod on a hike up a mountain may not be realistic but there is good news; you can bring along a foldable one or grab yourself a few mini ones in various sizes. A tripod helps keep your camera still for those nice shots. You might want to play around with the settings at home first so you are comfortable with.
Places to check out
Other things to do in Maui worthy of a snapshot is visiting Haleakala National Park. You can set up camp in the Kipahulu District which lies on the Northern coast of Maui. You may not even notice the rainy or humid air while finding the perfect angle to get one of the park’s waterfalls in view or looking for the rock-climbing goby fish.
Having a variety of lenses available can help you during those frustrating weather mishaps (you don’t want your lens fogging up). As you wait for the air to dry out, you can take the time to enjoy looking for whales or exploring some of the natural wilderness. You can rent one of the historic cabins on-site while bird watching for local seabirds flying around the cloud forests.
What to do with your photos
Vacations with the family or even alone can produce some wonderful memories. Being able to display some of your favorite moments on canvas prints may be part of the allure of venturing to places such as Hawaii. While having a good time, you can capture it all for you or as a great gift idea for a loved one.
You may want to set your alarm to rise early to get a picture of the sunrise over the ocean. You can take a tour to examine the cosmos on Maui, giving way to some fantastic pictures and experience. Some tours include warm clothes, snacks, and a telescope large enough to find that perfect shot.
If you have a waterproof camera, you can take pictures of Hawaii’s colorful sea life, such as Potter’s Angelfish, the Common Longnose Butterflyfish, or the majestic looking Hawaiian Turkeyfish. You can practice with lighting, depth, and movement in the pool a local lake so you are ready to go once you jump into the deep blue sea.
To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.