Photographing Big Island-Hawaii -- looking for tips

[Stargazer]

I have just started shooting pictures w/out auto mode. We're going to the Big Island late July/early August. I really want to have some memorable photos, so for you experts and those that have been to the islands before, do you have any tips for me?

I have a Kodak Zseries camera, but I don't know what my limitations are w/ filters, lenses, or even how to shoot water so I don't screw my camera up. Of course, my dream is to have really clear shots of (1) Kilauea (2) Sea turtles in the ocean and/or beaching (3) Shots while snorkeling

What would be my best bet to actually take pictures in the water & even underwater?


Thanks for any input & help you can throw my way!

 

[Duckfan]

I thought I would put you at the top again to see if you get more answers since I don't anything about taking pictures on an advanced Camera but I do love the Big Island. Great opportunities for Sunset pics on the Kona side. Do see Place of Refuge and The Painted Church. I have always gotten great pics even with my point and shoot. Much of the great stuff is outdoors, so that will make it a little easier to get great shots. See the gardens and volcano park in Hilo. Try some Hawaiian Vanilla, and do eat some Big Island Candies cookies for me. Hope someone will give you photo info!

 

[DizzyV6P]

Kodak's website gives you their options for filters.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=9/35&pq-locale=en_US

You would want a circular polarizer and if available, a neutral density filter as well. I light tripod for those sunrise, sunset shots is also critical.

As far as underwater, check out www.adorama.com or www.bhphoto.com to see if they have any underwater kits available.

CHeck the park service website to see active eruptions on the Big Island...there's usually one going on. You usually can't get close to one, but you can take nice pictures of the smoke as the lava enters the water. If you are REALLY adventurous and loaded w/ money, you can charter a helicopter to bring you closer to an active volcano and try to take pictures.

Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls. I hit every single one driving around the island Tripod, circular polarizer = some nice pictures. Want to ride horses on the open range? You can do that there too and take some nice open range shots.

Turtles...depending on where you stay, you might find some on the beach and if its within season.

Volcano National Park is also a great place to get some spetacular shots.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[YesDear]

The big Island is amazing. Just remember it is a volcano. I was amazed at all the lava. There are rain forests, you can see snow in the winter at the top, and deserts. The Valley of the Kings has black sand. The volcano park has amazing vistas.

My suggestion is to practice, practice, practice with every environment you can. If you get an underwater kit for your camera or an underwater camera, take it to the pool and practice.

BTW, we have good friends that own a chocolate factory on the island that makes pure Hawaiian chocolate. You can tour the factory and the chocolate is... you guessed it, amazing.

I agree that you will be taking more outside pictures rather than inside.