Favorite Places Category

[steve_rasmussen]

I am going to establish a new category called "Favorite Places". We

have had a few threads similar to this in the past but I am going to

try out this new category with the hopes of having more details of the

locations.

As usual, anyone can add to this category.

 

I have a number of favorites and since I do a lot of travel work, most

of mine are overseas. I'm not going to talk about general regions,

only specific areas.

 

As I shoot color slide film, this location is a classic. There is one

island in the Cook Island group that has great potential if you are

into tropical shooting. This place is called Aitutaki. It is in the

South Pacific around latitude 17 and about an hour flight north from

the main island of Rarotonga. The currency exchange rate for US

citizens is the worst in years but if you use Euros, the place is

somewhat affordable. The Cook Islands use the NZ Dollar. What you will

find if you go there is a huge aquamarine lagoon with a mountainous

center island. The colors here are classic South Pacific with all

different hues of blue and green. It is not an easy place to shoot due

to the wind, so I recommend using a 100 speed slide film pushed one

stop. Shooting the lagoon from the center island is a challenge

because of the distances involved. Too often haze will interfer with

the saturation on film, even when using a polarizer. Big glass (300,

400)is useful for these shots. Probably the best shooting at this

location is from boats and also on the islands in the lagoon(motus).

The color of the water in this lagoon does not even seem real. Don't

hire a large tourist boat but hire from an individual. The lagoon is

prime territory for the 45mm, 55mm and 75mm lenses. Be careful not to

fully polarize shots as it will cuase too much exposure latitude

within the frame. Trees and sky will be too dark but the lagoon will

be just right. There is probably some use for a split neutral density

filter but I have not used one here. There is potential for portraits

here as well since the locals are friendly.

 

Since rain is always a problem in the tropics, it is wise to remember

that May to Sept is the driest and coolest time to go.

[paul_tobin]

A great idea! I hope it runs and as they say in group therapy "thanks for sharing."

[steve_rasmussen]

To see a picture of the place, plus to get more info, go here----

 

www.ck/aitutaki/index.htm

[george_rhodes]

Steve,

 

Where would you recommend to stay on Aitutaki? Paradise Cove and The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa look pretty nice. I suppose anything there would be very expensive, but those two places appear to be especially nice and rather scenic in themselves. Thanks for sharing Aitutaki with us.

[steve_rasmussen]

Hello George-

 

I have stayed at Paradise Cove twice and the last time was not pleasant. The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort is nice but too much money for me. If you want to make the trip more about vacation than photo business, it would be OK. I stay at the Maina Sunset. Nice rooms, fairly unknown, they have their own boat and scooters and are moderately priced. They can be reached at:

 

solomon@oyster.net.ck--

Lynn Solomon ---- FAX(682)26432------Ph. (682)25432

 

Two suggestions: 1. Wait 'til the $NZ weakens a bit before going. 1.4 $NZ to the $US is really bad. 2. Fixed focal length lenses are better than the zooms for this location.

[george_rhodes]

Thanks for the information, Steve. The great thing about going to a place like that to shoot is that you can't be sure if you're on a job, disguised as a vacation, or a vacation, disguised as a job. Either way, I'm sure it's great.

[dougmiles]

How about sharing some locations nearer the homes of the scattered members here? I live

in Central Washington state so I'll offer the Tumwater Canyon just upstream on Highway 2

from the Bavarian-theme town of Leavenworth Washington, at the confluence of the

Wentachee River and Icicle Creek. This is a favorite for landscape shots especially in late

October with the Fall colors.

 

Also I'll champion Chinook Pass on Highway 12 with incredible close views of Mt Rainier

and jewel-like Tipsoo Lake. The Cascade Crest trail crosses the highway here, and there

are some short hikes to other view spots, and the Enchantment Lakes not far away.

 

I was going to modestly say these may not be as exotic as Rarotonga, but hey, it's just as

distant at least from many places in the world! And there's a cluster of four volcanos

nearby, one currently active, so how exotic is that? :-)

[stemked]

I have traveled extensively in North and Central America and somewhat in Europe. Each place has its magic, but I would have to say the place that remains unmatched for me is Jasper Park, Alberta. So much wildlife, so clean, so pure. Wonderful landscapes-waterfalls, mountains, lakes, glaciers, alpine meadows. As a North American location I cannot say that I have seen better.

 

Where to stay? I usually camp so there are many opportunities. There are of course lodges one could stay at but that isn't my cup of tea.

[richard_laroche1]

Personnally, I've been working the same 500 foot stretch of a small pristine watercourse located about an hour's drive north of Quebec City for the last ten years. This lode of natural wonders (rocks, flowing water, trees, mountains, seasonal changes) seems inexhaustible. I think I'll spend the rest of my life trying to document as best as I can this jewel of a place. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you know.

 

Regards!

 

Richard Laroche,

CANADA

[paul_tobin]

Will "Favorite Places" category replace "Pentax 67 SLR" or be in addition to it? Since FP arrived at the scene I haven't noticed any more posts on P67SLR.