Drone Ninety Project
Not much writing or posting lately, but trying to start up again. Recently my water time has been getting cut short! I have a new obsession with the dreaded DRONE! The perspective always seems to spark my interest and keep things fresh, especially when it comes to photography. A few years ago everyone got a hold of GoPro's and the fisheye barrel shot became the new thing. Now, we all have go pros and achieving those images isn't as challenging or exciting as it once was. That is where the drone comes in. I have been shooting with the DJI Phantom series since they first came out a few years ago. Now shooting with the Phantom 3 Professional, it has changed the way I view the world below me.
Drone Ninety is a collaborative project I started to inspire other Drone OP's to share there images from this 90 degree perspective. When I say ninety degrees I'm referring to the camera facing down at the earth. I have found my best success flying early in the morning or evening to reduce glare on the water and find the smoothest texture. I am also working with Freewell Gear who produce some pretty amazing filters that snap right onto my Phantom 3. My go to filter is the circular polarizer. Here are some images I've taken over the past few months. If you like what you see, please check out www.instagram.com/droneninety where I feature fellow drone ninety lovers. Aloha!
New Year. New Gear
Test images with Sony A7rii and an Aquatech water housing.
At the end of 2015 I made a big leap over to the Sony realm and picked up a Sony A7rii. So far, the camera has delivered some amazing images with crazy dynamic range that easily surpasses my quiver of Canon Gear. I was scared to take the leap to Sony lenses so Have been using a Fotodiox adaptor with all my canon glass. The Auto focus is reminiscent of a 5Dmk2, but for most of what I shoot, thats good enough. Not all lenses work but my , Fisheye, 24mm, and 35mm all work great. I pre ordered the new Aquatech A7 Series housing and finally got it in before the holidays. The next few posts will be water shots I've been taking with the gear. It is extremely light weight in the water and the focus has hit the mark most times I need it. Would I compare this set up to a 1dx, absolutely not, but having the ability to switch from APC to full frame in the water, 42mpx with incredible dynamic range, and 4k recording. This camera can pull its weight with the big boys any day. Here are some recent water images I captured with the rig. This session was all shot on the Canon 35mm 1.4 L mk1.
Always good the throw in a solid selfie for good measure. Aloha!
Mauka Vibes
This weekend we spent time adventuring up Mauka. We went up to Koke'e State park and ended at the Kalalau Lookout. Got a chance to fly my DJI Phantom Vision 2+. And I gotta say it is super fun flying it. Also took some images of babe while up there. Its easy to forget how epic the mountains are when we surf everyday. Hope you enjoy.
April Sessions
Another evening spent in the water with good friends. All images were taken with a Canon 1dmk3, Canon 35mm 1.4, & an SPL Splash Housing. Both wearing swimwear by Seea.
Malia Manuel
This Past winter I had the privilege to shoot Kauai girl Malia Manuel. We both hail from the same island, but always crossing paths isn’t easy. So we finally linked up on the north shore of Oahu to do a quick shoot in the morning. Malia is now off on the World Tour and will hopefully bring the World Title back with her. Check out her Instagram to keep up with her travels.
