I recently returned from a one-month trip, where I visited Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, and Samoa. I was rather lazy and never fully devoted myself to photography, but since I was gone a month I still got plenty of pics. Here's a link to some more:
The above pic is from Ofu Island in American Samoa. It's apparently still undiscovered, as I was the only one staying at the one hotel on the island and never saw another person on this beach.
BTW, for those who like photographing buildings, Upolu Island in Western Samoa has some of the most picturesque architecture I've ever seen. If I'd had more than 2 days on that island, I would have spent a lot of time photographing the buildings (and I'm not usually one to photograph buildings).
Wow, great stuff, Grant. That first shot (sunset?) and the first palm tree shot were my favorites, but the waterfalls and the slow shutter surf shots as well as the one wave shot were right up there. Which island was your favorite stop?
Great series, Grant. I love the vertical with thae tan rocks in the middle of row 1. Also the big storm and green eucalyptus bark.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on March 5, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Grant, What a very nice collection. Looks like an amazing trip. I really like all your palm tree shots. But the sunrise/sunset shots of #1 and #20 are absolutely amazing!
Posted by John De Bord on March 5, 2009 at 12:51 PM
NZ.....one day.....one day...It is HIGH on my list!
Thanks for the comments! Don, picking a fav island is tough...not Oahu since it's so crowded...Upolu Island in Western Samoa, Ofu Island in American Samoa, and Waya Island in Fiji were all really nice. Upolu was probably the best for photography because of the large variety of things to photograph. And the budget accomodations with incredible food and good snorkeling were hard to beat. Ofu Island was the best for a tropical paradise with the beaches all to yourself. And the snorkeling was incredible there. And Fiji was very scenic and has a large number of islands that are easily accessible ... plus you can meet lots of cute European girls there So you can't go wrong with any of them. I didn't have time to see enough of New Zealand and never got great light, so I may have to return there someday.
Posted by George Hager on March 5, 2009 at 4:08 PM
I hope you realize that had the temperature not been 82 degrees here yesterday, you would be taking your life in your hands showing these great images to us. Supposed to be snow storms coming in next week. You may want to be careful who you show these to during a blizzard.
A real nice break from the norm! Thanks for the inspiration. I really want to go be lazy now.
Posted by Jason Woerly on March 5, 2009 at 9:41 PM
A nice collection of images there Grant. I'm certainly jealous of your month long trip. My wife and I visited Ofu last year, it really is amazing to be on such a beautiful beach in the South Pacific without another person in sight. I certainly would have never known the place existed if it weren't for my wife and I's goal of visiting all the US National Parks. Definitely the best snorkeling I've ever experienced. I'm assuming you stayed at Vaoto Lodge?
Discussion
22 replieshttp://www.gcollier.com/nz/
The above pic is from Ofu Island in American Samoa. It's apparently still undiscovered, as I was the only one staying at the one hotel on the island and never saw another person on this beach.
BTW, for those who like photographing buildings, Upolu Island in Western Samoa has some of the most picturesque architecture I've ever seen. If I'd had more than 2 days on that island, I would have spent a lot of time photographing the buildings (and I'm not usually one to photograph buildings).
Looks like you had a great trip. Wonderful images. Hard to pick a favorite.