Friday Night Fireworks - 9/14/2012

This was a rough work week. But all of it was erased when I watched the Friday night fireworks at the Hilton Lagoon from a spectacular spot. I wasn't sure where the firework was going to be set off at and hoped I would be able to catch the entire burst.  It turned out to be a great spot.  I knew I had just seconds to get it right or I'd miss it entirely.  I started at 16mm to try capture everything, but I ended up having to crop out the black sky.

It was a good night for fireworks because it wasn't too windy ...I used bulb mode and I lost count how long I kept the shutter open.

I zoomed in a little since I notice I had a lot of black sky.

My friend noted the reflection on the lagoon so I zoomed out.

I wanted to get more of the lagoon so I left the shutter open longer, and then all the bursts started to go off.. although I got the little island in the lagoon, the fireworks got blown out and soon it was all over.. just like my horrible work week! Happy Weekend!

Okinawan Festival - 9/2/2012

Once again, it's the Okinawan Festival. I was able to stay most of Sunday for the entertainment and food.  Again, I was looking for great photo opportunites to enter the photo contest.  Unfortunately, I missed the shisaa performance and there was supposed to be a new addition this year. 

It was rainy in the morning and I found a bunch of these cute rain dolls (teru teru bozu).

We found a break in the entertainment and checked out the food booths.

I had to try the Champuru plate.

It was my friend's first time to the festival so she had to try the pigs feet soup.

We also had enough scripts for andagi.  I thought I had a great entry w/ this food shot of the andagi.. Great lighting that came from shooting into the white bag filled w/ andagi.. unfortunately, I checked the site, and it's already been done..

By the time I was almost finished with this huge shaved ice, I was feeling really stuffed. Since it was really hot, it melted FAST and I ended up getting some of it on my pants...soo sticky. 

Finally, Daiko performances..

The Naha Daiko group from Okinawa came to perform in the festival.

Also a singer from Okinawa performed for the first time in Hawaii.

Also this is the fourth time I've seen Mamoru Miyagi perform.  The crowd really likes him and a fan even gave him mango bread.

There was a dancer who had really expressive moves and it was facinating to watch. 

I stayed till the end of the festival when all the performers danced together.  It was a great festival.. hope I have some good shots that'll make the list for this year's photo contest.