Resting Honu

Gallery: WildlifePosted December 30, 2010307 views10 comments

Aloha, everyone! My first post here in the Fauna gallery, as I'm still finding my way around this enthralling website!

Here's an image shot a few days ago of a honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtle, basking on the black sand at Punalu'u. One of the few marine turtles that venture onshore for reasons other than nesting, these gentle creatures of the sea are threatened across the globe. Protected by the Endangered Species Act, honu have been making a solid comeback here in the Hawaiian Islands.

As for the image itself, I'd like to hear your thoughts on whether a deeper depth of field would've worked better, and also if more punch in color is required. All c&c welcome and appreciated! Mahalo!

Canon 1Ds Mark III, EF 16-35 @ f5.6 & 1 sec.

Aloha,
Bruce

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 30, 2010 at 1:42 AM

Hi Bruce. Nice seeing an image from these beautiful islands. Nice thing about turtles, you can get away with a 1 second exposure without motion blur!

The image is maybe a tad dark, but it probably does indicate that this was taken late in the afternoon or early evening. Color is ok by me. I might suggest a lower, closer POV to emphasize the turtle more and give a bit more intimacy with the subject (assuming it wouldn't disturb him of course). Welcome to the Fauna Gallery and Mahalo to you.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Reed on December 30, 2010 at 8:27 AM

I would have asked the turtle to move a yard to the right. I just like the beach sand better there.

Registered on September 19, 2009, 198 Posts, 1074 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on December 30, 2010 at 10:04 AM

Aloha, Bruce. I think this image is beautiful. It is as if I could feel this turtle's shell.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Imprevento on December 30, 2010 at 11:49 AM

Great shot Bruce...Napping on a beach is a wonderful thought after the Blizzard we had in NY.
How long were you able to stay with him?

Registered on September 11, 2010, 29 Posts, 78 Comments

Comment posted by Bruce Omori on December 30, 2010 at 4:33 PM

Thanks for the comments, all! I agree, Gary G, about the photo being a little dark, as it was a heavily overcast evening when shot. I've since done a print and lightening the shadows helped! Also appreciate the composition suggestion, and will try that on my next outing. Just hope the same willing subject is there!

Thanks, Gary R, Barbara, and Jerry for the feedback. I spent about a half an hour next to this fellow, as an approaching storm darkened the sky. He seemed so content soaking up the warmth from the sand, and was still there when I left. Nice way to spend the day, huh?

I'll be sure to think of you all in the cold when I visit the beach this weekend!!

Aloha!

Registered on December 6, 2010, 6 Posts, 175 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Sharp on December 31, 2010 at 9:53 AM

Thanks for sharing (what is for us northern dwellers) a very exotic creature to welcome in the New Year! I agree this would have been a prime candidate for a low, on-your-belly, perspective. I also agree with brightening the subject just a little, to help "lift" him from the black sand beach.

Registered on December 9, 2007, 258 Posts, 9892 Comments

Comment posted by Ajit Huilgol on January 1, 2011 at 8:36 PM

Lovely use of wide angle, but would have preferred more dof. I especially like where you have positioned the turtle in the frame.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 302 Posts, 2055 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on January 5, 2011 at 1:36 PM

Cool shot Bruce. I think you can crop a bit of the left hand side off and I would have appreciated more depth of field as the forest in background looks intriguing. A fun and unique image.

Michael

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on January 5, 2011 at 5:18 PM

I like the comp showing the black sand beach and palm trees in the background. There is good detail on your main subject but overall just a tad bit on the dark side ( I did read about the overcast skies) but overall a very nice image, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Marlise Launstein on February 21, 2012 at 10:41 PM

Aww! What a cute little turtle! This is a beautiful image. I love the sharpness of the turtle and I also like the palm trees in the back. Great shot!

Registered on August 31, 2011, 28 Posts, 175 Comments