Shopa Le'a Fashion Show - 3/28/2010

After the Autoshow, Erick decided to shoot the fashion show at the Ala Moana Center Stage and I went along. I was totally not prepared since I only brought a 50mm and looking around at the other photogs that showed up w/ full gear, I was in equipment envy mode. The models were showing some fashions by designer Valerie Joseph. They sported some 'fierce' eye lashes of feathers and body painting..They walked by really fast and stopped at the center edge of the stage, struck a short pose, then continued on. They walked SOOO fast... I had just one chance to click. Sometimes they looked my way. Other times, they looked away. The lighting kept changing the skin tones of each model so it was too dark, then too bright. I had to do some fixing w/ PSE.
It went by so fast, and then all the models made their last "sashay"...
And then it was over. The designer, Valerie Joseph, came on stage, with the same makeup as the models. Overall, it was wild and crazy 20 minutes and was great fun and I'm glad I was able to experience my very first fashion shoot and being amongst other more professional photogs.

First Hawaiian Auto Show - 3/28/2010

I went to see the Auto show again this year and met up with Erick to see the new cars. To my surprise, there were also other photographers taking pics of the cars. First, I got to check out some hybrid and electric cars.
I thought this Yaris was so cute 'cuz it was so small.
Then, on to check out the cars of the wealthy. I'm not sure why they always keep these near the large window that makes it really difficult to get a good photo.
The Bently Logo...
Check out the major sticker shock! There's even a $3700 gas guzzler tax tacked on.
Then, Erick got the idea to do HDR on some old cars. I tried a few..it's kinda hard to hold the camera for the three shots..even when I used the 'high' speed continuous shooting mode.
Here's one of the interior of a VW Volkswagon.
Then I also tried it on this green Mazda. Somehow, for me, green cars came out the best under this lighting. I had to marvel at how some folks kept their engines immaculate! I can even see myself in the engine!

Ala Wai Harbor - 3/27/2010

Saturday, I wanted to check out the Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island, but by the time I got there it was early afternoon and it was too bright to capture anything worthwhile. I spotted these sailboats making their way back to the harbor and decided to take a few shots. I've not taken pictures there during the day and I had my 50mm lens and though I'd try to stitch together a panoramic too.
On the way out of the park, I heard this buzzing noise and found these speed boats in the pond. It was a nice walk there and also the first time testing shots in Adobe RGB. I'm not so sure about this blue tinge in my shots..

Honolulu Festival Day 2 and Parade - 3/14/2010

Here are more of the entertainment from Day 2 which also included a parade down Kalakaua Ave. in the evening. This year I used my 70-200mm for all my shots. I got a lot of exercising for my arm holding the heavy equipment. There were lots to see and lots to shoot, which is why it took me a while to go through my pics to post.
The aboriginal dancers from Australia would depict animals through their dances.
A large group of Taiko Drummers from Japan.
These are local dancers... I think I recognize them from the bon dances.
Hula Dancers.. I tried to include the banner of the festival in my pics..
The final and most entertaining performance, Momoi, a singer who voices Japanese Anime came again to the festival and was greeted w/ a lively crowd. It was so loud, my normal hearing didn't come back for a 1/2 hour.
Akebono(?) participated in the evening parade...
The aboriginal dancers also participated in the parade.
It got dark REALLY fast...and the challenge began w/ flash and trying to keep the photo sharp w/o digital noise.
These dancers actually walk on their tiptoes.
This float was on display at the convention center before being moved to be part of the parade.
The final float, the fire breathing dragon were men holding large fireworks..most of my shots came out too dark..I was only able to get this one.. I'll have to try again next year!

Honolulu Festival Day 1 - 3/13/2010

I spent two days taking photos at the Honolulu Festival. There were LOTS of entertainment and I spent most of the time watching performances from the main stage. After having spent time taking a lot of basketball shots, I learned about changing speed and aperture to get sharper action shots that it helped me in capturing these performance shots. I was able to find seats on the 2nd row so I got close to the action and even closer w/ my 70-200mm zoom lens.
There were lots of Hula performers who came from Japan. The announcer was saying there were probably more hula dancers in Japan than there are in Hawaii!
The last performance of the day was this group playing tradition Koto music.
After all the performance closed at the Convention Center, I headed over to check out the performance at Ala Moana Center Stage. I saw this energetic group called Sugaren last year and I'm glad I got to see them again.
There were also these two mime performers.
More Hula Performers from Japan.
The sun was setting and it started to get darker but I still tried to use available light. This band from Hickam jammed Hawaiian music!
The last performance of the night were these energetic cheerleaders.