The Lantern Floating Ceremony is held every Memorial Day at the Ala Moana Beach Park.
These photos are from 5/28/2007. Leslie and I were just getting into digital photography with our new Canon 20D cameras back then and were gung ho to try some night time picture taking. We got there 3 hours before the start of the ceremony and waited in the crowd and waited in the sun and waited and waited. This was a major feat for us 'cause as some of you might know, we are not the most patient people around. That's probably why as much as we'd like to, we haven't gone back again. Be sure to check out buddy Celia's photos (CD Shares on the right) from this year's event.
This was the crowd when we first got there. It got even more packed later.
We met Hugh Gentry, a professional photographer with Reuters. I admired his gear, but mostly was envious of his height which gave him a better vantage point and also helped keep his equipment away from the water. 
Where's Leslie? 
This is Les and Jasmine, a photography student from California.
13 comments:
I really like your pictures. I was not only height challenged but my group came in just in time so I missed the early events - thanks for these shots.
This is so awesome! I've always wanted to see this ceremony. However, crowds and I don't get along. :)
Celia, you are so tiny you would've had a hard time keeping your camera safe and above water.
Betty, it's a good thing me and Les went early so that we could stake a spot near the water's edge.
hmmm...so do we want to try again next year?? hahahaa!
I remember these shots. Has it been that long since we've been shooting? Nice shooting!
Les, I soooo want to try again. Wish there was an easier way.
Erick, I was thinking the same thing . . . we're not really rookies anymore, but I feel like I still got so much more to learn.
wow..so how deep into the water did you have to stand to get those lantern shots? I've seen a shot from the side panel of your blog and though it was awesome! Thx for sharing the rest of the experience w/ us...maybe one day I'll attempt it..
With my short stubby legs it was about butt deep. You know what I did that I cannot until this day believe I did? I changed lenses while standing in the water. If it had slipped out of my hands, I wouldn't been out buku bucks.
you might wanna consider using a kayak to get some shots from the water!
beautiful!
Rand, the first thing that came to my mind was me in a kayak, trying to get shots, and then flipping over . . . SPLASH . . . totally ruining the serenity of the moment in front of 40,000 people. And I'm not talking about IF. I'm talking about WHEN.
Thanks Kat!
How nice of you to reference my blog. Luckily I did not go in the water, but I got my Ecco sandals wet and sandy. I too changed my lens with some help. Whew - no catastrophe.
My pleasure Celia.
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