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Maui 1/1/14-1/10/14

Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:00 pm
by maverick
Aloha,

Went on a trip with my wife to Maui, was originally supposed to have 3-4 days
dedicated to photography since it was what paid for the trip, but it did not happen. :\
Of all the places that were supposed to been have photographed only 2 on the
list got some attention.
One of the things at the top of my list were the Rainbow Eucalyptus on the Road to
Hana. There are two groves, one near the start of the road and the other about
half way to Hana. These trees are very unique and if you have seen them while in
Maui you know why they are so special.
The bark on this tall, slender tree begins as a chartreuse green but turns dark green,
pastel purple, rusty red, and burnt orange as it ages. According to a professor of
botany the dividing cambium cells-similar to stems cells in animals-produce a
succession of thin barks, each dozens of cells thick, on a growing rainbow eucalyptus
tree. Each bark layer has a transparent surface overlay just one cell thick, and the
tissue underneath is packed with bright green chlorophyll. Over time, the clear
surface cells become flush with the reddish brown color of tannins. These
accumulations, plus a depletion in chlorophyll in the underlying tissue, lead to the
change in color in the bark layers. When you look at the trunk, you are seeing these
multiple thin layers of bark, from the older layers peeling away to reveal younger
layers. The continual peeling discourages other plants from growing on it.
When attempting to photograph these beautiful trees one needs to seek out optimal
conditions which are cloudy skies which affords one diffused light, and rainy, wet
conditions which deeply saturate the hues in the bark.

First photo is titled "Maui Rainbows". Having the optimal conditions
which allowed the hues to pop, using my lens at 400mm to compress the distances
of the trees, and adding a sliver of jungle for balance, it created an image that
almost falls into the category of impressionistic art.
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s10/ ... 2795-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Second photo is titled "Camouflaged Tree" which is the perfect title. The colors
are not as varied as the first but still pop, and if you look closely you can see the
rain drops on the trunk. Having the sun peep through the clouds, and canopy,
that illuminated the small plant with its subtle rays was the cherry on top.
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s10/ ... 7737-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Third photo is titled "Ocean Spray". This was taken on the Keanae Peninsula on
the Road to Hana which is considered to be one of the most beautiful roads in the
world. This photo contains all the elements that makes it the essence of Hawaii, the
way it used to be before all the tourist and land development, to me. The ocean
with its beautiful shades of blue, palm trees swaying in the wind, and the deep green
and wild jungle in the background. Add in the colorful sun of the tropics kissing the
mist of a crashing waves in the middle ground makes everything sing in harmony. This
photo alone has already sold two copies, and could pay for our next Hawaiian trip. :)
http://WildernessApertures.com/img/s10/ ... 5556-6.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Maui 1/1/14-1/10/14

Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:44 pm
by LMBSGV
Fabulous photos. I love the tree ones - as you say, like abstract art. Back in 1969 on my only trip to Hawaii, we drove the Hana road, one of the most amazing drives I've ever experienced. Fortunately, I was a passenger and was able to appreciate it versus driving and negotiating the narrow twists and turns.

Re: Maui 1/1/14-1/10/14

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:07 pm
by maverick
Mahalo Lawrence. Yes, it is a windy beautiful road, with 600 curves/turns, 54 one
lane bridges, which make it slow going, dangerous, and exciting at the same time.

Re: Maui 1/1/14-1/10/14

Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 9:01 pm
by sparky
Wow amazing photos. Those trees are quite psychedelic! Sounds like you had a good time and that last shot is really out of this world! Cheers

Re: Maui 1/1/14-1/10/14

Posted: Fri Jan 17, 2014 11:09 am
by maverick
Thanks Sparky, those rainbow eucalyptus trees are really specially, and
yes, psychedelic is a good word to describe them.
When the two 24" x 36" metal prints of "Ocean Spray" were done for the
clients, it really blew me away. The rocks in the water and the palm trees
just bouce off the print, like they are in 3D, you can really feel the movement
of the waves and the swaying of the palm trees.
Happy two read that the two of you enjoyed them and took the time to give
some feedback. :)