As most of you know, we are heading to Kaua’i for a much needed vacation. This will be the third time I’ll be visiting the island and althought I’ve photographed a lot of the scenic areas, I know there’s much more to see and explore. I’ve been doing some research on places I want to check out, but I need more suggestions – so, let’s play a game!

What do you want me to capture in Hawaii? It could be one of the many incredible beaches, a vista or spot from the numerous delicious hikes this island has to offer, the culture, a scene, tradition or its people. Name it, send it and I’ll try to go out, look for it and capture it. Rules? Yes, there are a couple:

a. It has to be something or someone I haven’t featured here in my blog or in my website. So no Kilauea Lighthouse, no Queen’s Bath, no Kalalau trail, no Hanalei Valley … What’s left? Oh, a TON more! Be sure to check out my website for a gallery of images I was able to photograph in my previous visits.

b. Only one entry per person. Along with your entry, send in your full name and contact info (email address or phone number so I could contact you in case you win!) to: info@portia-soderberg.com

Is there a prize to this game? Of course! How do you win? Here’s how:

I will compile all your suggestions and try (my best) to go out and capture all the people and places you suggested. A week after I come back (trip dates to follow) I will post all the pictures I was able to capture based on your suggestions. A voting period of one week will be opened so people can choose their favorite shot. The person/people who suggested the shot that garnered the highest number of votes win!

So what is the prize? The person/people who suggested the shot will get a 16*20 print of the image. Fun and simple huh?! Deadline for submission is on February 15, so hurry get those entries in! Happy February!!

Haena Beach

local Flora

Kalalau Valley

Nature’s beauty isn’t elusive, nor should it be hard to get to
You just need to appreciate it in any form it may be.

En route to Mono County, E suggested we ‘stretched out’ our legs and let our son L exercise by doing a ‘short’ hike in Yosemite. So we chose the out and back 5 mile round trip hike into the Tuolomne Grove. The path is very pretty, giving us beautiful contrasts of red, amber, orange and green this time of the year. Top that off with beautiful clear blue skies, the hike was gorgeous! On the grove, there are about two dozen mature Giant Sequoias, including a dead tree you could walk through. Two things I sorely missed though, my 60mm I sold just last week (eagerly anticipating my replacement ) – and – my son’s backpack carrier (who would’ve thought my silly son would ask mama to carry him during the hike up/out?). Here are some pictures:

I like the the contrast of light and colors here.
I hope you all are having a great weekend!

Went to Pt. Isabel this weekend to run around our little G-dog. Found this cool patch of grass to the right of the East entrance. It was sunny out so I thought I’d test out my new polarizing filter. Except for the border and logo, these shots are SOOC. I ♥ it … and needless to say, I am LOVING my 5D Mark II more and more each day!

I haven’t used my macro lens in a while, it feels neglected
I hope you had a sweet Monday!