Here's the link to my photos from Tahiti, mostly from 2003, a couple from our previous trip. Some of you have probably seen the 2003 pictures. I didn't have a digital camera in 2000, that's why there aren't more in the other gallery, but I really should scan some more photos, since I have nice pictures from the Pearl Beach Manihi hotel.

http://rancher504.smugmug.com/

Wendy

Those pictures are fantastic. You are some photographer.

Wendy - thanks for posting those! The big flowering tree in the 3rd page of your gallery is indeed frangipani or, as we call it here in Hawaii, plumeria. The misty effect that you noticed in a couple of your photos happens when you take your camera out of an air conditioned room into an intensely warm humid environment - you get condensation on your lens which causes everything to turn misty. If you wait long enough, the condensation will evaporate and the the misty look will go away ... :)

Your flower and sunset photos were beautiful!

Masaki

Thanks Masaki. Which pictures do you mean? The one on the fourth page, of the ship, from the shore, was real haze, I assure you. We had been rumbling around in a jeep for about an hour before I took this. It was *very* humid though (May is better than April!)

The thing I have learned since I got my digital camera is that it's no good for taking pictures of performances of various kinds. I took many shots of the show on the last night (which is great, by the way), and pictures of the Gauguines dancing, but few were worth saving. It's a big better in full light, but then again, still shots in low light are easier with digital. Maybe it's just my camera.

I think if I manage to go again next May, I will bring a film camera as well, to see if I can get some of those shots.

Wendy - Snugmug is down for maintenance so I can't go back and check which photos I was wondering about the haze. Digitals are problematic for taking photos of quick action because of shutter delay and the low light exposure problem, as you noticed. Film is indeed better for these situations. I'm getting tempted by a digital SLR though so I may have to change my tune at some point ... :)

Masaki

Digital SLR is out of my range right now, and frankly, however beautiful the pictures it takes, my SLR sits in a cupboard most of the time, simply because I like something I can drop in my pocket!

But I have a little Pentax compact that I like, and will bring with me if I make it back to the PG!

Wendy:

Just had a chance to see your PG photos. How beautiful - made me want to sign up for PIP - if only I could get Tom to fly to Tahiti - that long air trip from Florida is a deal killer for him! :(

You have great skill with the camera - terrific compositions.

Margo,
Tell Tom that it aint that big a deal - providing you overnight in LAX going and coming. This breaks the trip nicely. The Air Tahiti Nui stewardesses are quite nice and to listen to that Polynesian music over the headphones is captivating. We did the trip, plan to do it again, and you need to go!! (Sheik imperative)
Marty

Wendy,
What a great job you did with the photo taking.
Very, very nice! you've brought back so many beautiful memories - thank you
Marty

Oh Marty (aka Sheik) ...I WANT TO GO!

We've been luck enough to visit Tahiti 4 times and every visit I toss my lei onto the waves as we sail away - and somehow we have returned - perhaps we will again next year but I think I'm going to have to get Tom to drink a lot of wine at dinner and book the cruise immediately (I did that the first time we booked a 62 day voyage - he still calls it his Mondavi moment!)

Are you doing PIP?

Margo,
What's PIP?
Secondly, yes do anything that's required to get Tom to go along. We all need a nudge now and then.
Marty

Marty - PIP = Party in Polynesia. PG May 21 and/or 28, 2005. :)

Masaki

Masaki,
Thanks - I must have missed something about the nomenclature. When I saw PIP, I thought "Well, maybe it stands for 'Paul in Polynesia'" Just shows how dumb I am. Thanks for the clarification.
Marty

Marty - you're very welcome, your Sheikness. ;)

Masaki