Extreme Hibiscus

by Peter Liu on March 11, 2010

Yellow Hibiscus, Maui, Hawai'i

Yellow Hibiscus, Maui, Hawai'i

My wife got her Maui Master Gardener certification recently, which resulted in a sudden interest in very, very tiny insect species. One day, she brought in a leaf from the garden and asked me to photograph the bug that was on it, to which I replied, “What bug?” I couldn’t even see it with my glasses on.

When she took out the magnifying glass and showed it to me, I knew right away that my trusty Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 wasn’t going to cut it. I set it up on a tripod and gave it the old college try, but we still had to crop it heavily to get anything, and the result was really blurry. I’d never had to shoot anything that small before, so this was a new challenge for me. Time to get extension tubes.

The new toys arrived today, and I went out to play. I think I’m going to have fun with these.

Extreme closeup of a hibiscus stamen, anther and pistil, made with 12mm, 20mm and 36mm extension tubes on a Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 lens.

Extreme closeup of a hibiscus stamen, anther and pistil, made with 12mm, 20mm and 36mm extension tubes on a Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 lens.

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Sunset Waves At Makena

March 4, 2010
Sunset Waves at Makena Cove, Maui, Hawaii

I’d totally forgotten about this shoot from a month ago until Dave Bryson, a vacationing photographer whom I’d met on the beach that day, sent this photo of me. I’ve been busy and never got around to actually looking at these shots after downloading them.
This was one of those busy sunsets where the light changed drastically every [...]

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Kihei Morning

March 3, 2010
Sunrise, Kihei, Maui, Hawai'i.

Things are back to normal after the tsunami scare we had last week. The ocean is calm and the trades are blowing. Typical sunrise in Kihei, Maui, Hawai’i, on the beach where I do my morning run.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2010
Red rose for Valentine's Day.

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Sunday South Maui Sunset

January 31, 2010
South Maui Sunset.

On my way home from the store, I noticed the clouds near the horizon starting to glow a faint red, so I thought it might be worthwhile taking the gear to the beach in case they popped. They didn’t, but it was a nice sunset anyway; the first we’ve had in a while because of [...]

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New Project: Plants Of Maui

January 30, 2010
Morning dew.

I started looking through my florals and other plant photos made in Maui and decided to start a collection. I’m not sure where I’m going with them yet—commercial, stock, fine art, books, calendars—but I’m sure something will come to me as time goes on. Looking for out-of-the-box ideas.
Any suggestions? Edible gardens, backyard florals…

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Best Nature Photo Finalist

January 20, 2010
Lionfish, Solomon Islands.

I just found out two of my photos made the finals of The Nature Conservancy’s 4th Annual Digital Photo competition. I wouldn’t mind a vote or two, if you’re so inclined. Thanks very much for your support!

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How To Shoot Fireworks

December 29, 2009
Fireworks, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, 4th of July 2009.

The year is quickly coming to a close and many of us are thinking about shooting fireworks. Here are some tips that have served me well over the years.
First, be on a tripod. You need slow shutter speeds to get the light trails, so unless you want your photographs to come out like impressionist [...]

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Happy Holidays To All

December 24, 2009
Wispy Makena Cove Sunset

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season, and a bright, prosperous new year.

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