I rush to get my camera and find them. I was lucky enough to catch them walking out of the park. I was kneeling down on the sidewalk taking their picture, one of the bulls walked right by me while I held my breath and was motionless. I was very scared because I know they can trample, hurt or even kill humans, especially mothers with their young’s. Fortunately, I’m still alive and I took a few photos and even a video.

So all the stories are all real. They do exist! People here are fascinated by them, as I am. They are huge animals, very graceful, powerful, and usually friendly. I won’t go up to one and pet it, but you know what I mean, they usually don’t charge unless they feel threatened or provoked. I admit it wasn’t the smartest idea to get that close to 3 bulls, but I always go that extra mile to get that “shot”.

It’s not easy, but it’s my passion and it’s a feeling deep inside of me that says, “Get that shot!”. I’m NOT doing it for money, or to be famous. I’m doing it because I love it. My dream is to have my own gallery in Waikiki, and I know it’s going to be hard, but I know with every molecule in my body I will do it….

In the meantime, I’ll continue to seek out that perfect shot until my thirst is satisfied. I hope I never lose this drive and passion.

Blurry Shot

So I just got back from my vacation, which was ironically back in Hawaii. It was so nice to be with loved ones and perfect weather. The waves were really good up country, I was shooting nearly everyday with a nice swell and good conditions. I took over 1,000 shots and spent hours in the water for 7 days. I’m not happy with any shot. Can you believe that? Wave photography is like nothing in the world. There’s so many elements involved to try and get that perfect shot.

One water drop can ruin a perfectly good shot. I’ve also lost two Canon cameras (40D and a 50D) from water getting into the housing. Two lenses ruined (oh and insurance/warranty do not cover water damage). It’s so frustrating to get that ‘perfect’ shot. But it’s very rewarding when and if you do get it.

Clark Little was also shooting at the same location where I was. That guy is truly amazing, he gets right in the thick of it, 12ft waves about to crash on him and he’s right there. I truly respect that guy. Of course I was right there about 20 yards away from him shooting the same waves (When seeing another wave photographer, you always respect their space in the water).

The focus on my lens was set about .5 millimeters off, and that was enough to ruin about 300 shots (an entire 8G memory card). You’ll notice this shot had potential but it’s blurry.

Here’s a video taken on the first day, I think my girlfriend shot this of me on Nov 21st, it got really big the next day, nearly double this size. The three waves I shot in this video are all worthless. I’ve been shooting wave photos for over 2 years now, and I realize now that people enjoy seeing the wave but they like the opening of the barrel at the end, not a ‘close out’ wave, which is seen here.

I guess people don’t like to feel there’s no way out, but rather a light at the end of the tunnel, as cliche as that sounds.

Finally a page where I can be myself, express myself and not hold anything back. If you read this, I’ll be adding a collection of photos/thoughts/updates. I really should have done this before, this will give my viewers the chance to get to know who I really am.

First of all, a couple quick updates. I won’t make these entries long because I think that would defeat the purpose of it and people would probably not be interested in reading it. But to get you up to date with what’s going on in my life. Number one, I’ve chosen to move to Alaska for a few months. I did so because I know Alaska is a great opportunity for beautiful photographs. So far I’ve really enjoyed my stay here. It’s absolutely gorgeous with amazing landscape, truly a photographer’s dream! Second, I’m a very private person, but I will mention that I’m very much in love with a great woman who helps make this all possible with her love and support. I couldn’t do it without my family/friends/ and sweetheart. Thanks for all the support.

Today I drove up to Hatcher Pass, it was through Wasilla, the mountains were breathtaking. I wasn’t able to get many good photos because of the conditions (snowy+cloudy).