Last 2013 Post - 12/31/2013

I figure I'd get in one last post for 2013 before it moves to 2014.  I got home early enough to check out the sunset and decided to make a greeting card. Have a Happy 2014.

Honolulu City Lights - 12/08/2013

I was able to check out the Christmas decorations at Honolulu Hale early this year. I was surprised and glad that it wasn't as crowded the day after the City's parade. I was able to take pictures of all the decorations without having to deal with crowds. I think I'll consider making this date a yearly event.

It was great weather, considering the week before it was pouring like dogs and cats.

I think this year's theme is recycling because near the entrance, there's this giant pikachu .. 

Taking a closer look, you see it's made of bottles...lots of them..

I decided to use some filter effects on my pics..

I got a few cools pics to make photo cards next year.. happy holidays!!

Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade - 12/07/2013

I haven't posted for months but there hadn't been much events for photo opportunities then finally a night parade in Waikiki. This was the memorial parade for the veterans and also the survivors of the Pearl Harbor Attack. It was dark by the time the parade got to my street and I hadn't taken night shots for a long while and had really struggled. I used my 70-200mm lens but my flash just didn't have the reach.  I had to do a lot of fixing in PSE.  

Many of the veterans of WWII walked or rode in the parade.

I learned that because my flash had a short reach, I had to time it just right to hit the subjects at the right distance.  It was a real hit or miss..then it'd be PSE fix.

My all-time favorite float.. I have no idea how they got this on the road all the way from Ford Island..It was an awesome sight.

There were these cool cars doing crazy wheelies.

The guy from Hawaii 5-0 made a guest appearance in the parade too.

My favorite pic of the night. This for me sums up how the participants and the people watching the parade felt.  I was really glad I made it to see the parade.