I have been dreaming of going back one last time to Hawaii. I don't think I can take a long flight anymore, so I thought I use some old images that I have taken on my many trips there. It is probably not my best work, but it is still work. The coast and road shots were both taken in West Maui, where we visited relatives retired from the Air Force. I sort of lost the road in the final B&W, but I included a color version too. Most were taken with a Nikon 70-200 mm lens. I composited them in PS and used Poster Edges filters for the effects. I converted it into B&W in LR. Which version looks better (not good) to you. I just added the gravestone and flag because it is our 250th Anniversary as a nation on the 4th.
If you are Canadian, I hope you had a happy Canada Day.
From my Marine Corps assignment in Kaneohe, Oahu, to my four cruises aboard the USS Enterprise CVN 65, to my six months on the USS Badger FF 1071 in Pearl Harbor, I have worked and stayed in Hawaii many times. After retiring, Dorinda and I stayed on Oahu at the Hale Koa, on a hotel on the Big Island, and with her nephew in Maui. I love everything about Hawaii, but have never been able to get a single decent image on any of the islands, including Kauai. Israel Kamakawiwo?ole (Iz) is my all time favorite singer.
10 comments posted
Angela Bonner
A very different take on an image. I think you needed the surfer otherwise it would have been an abstract image. Do wonder whether the gravestone could have been a bit larger as a bit lost and I had to look for it.
You have certainly served your country, well done!! Posted: 07/05/2026 17:27:03
Bob Wills
Thanks, Angela. Yeah. a different take for sure. I guess this 4th made me especially reflective. The gravestone was less important to me, and may get eliminated. Hawaii forever is where my heart will be.
Do you think either version is better? I should have saved that question for the end, since the image, not my service, is the whole point of DD. Posted: 07/05/2026 20:04:11
Angela Bonner
I think I prefer the coloured one out of the two.
What is lovely is the image of the road with the Autumn colours!! Posted: 07/06/2026 15:37:33
Bob Wills
Thank you, Angela. I'm going to try to fix the muddy gray areas. It is probably a masking issue. The road I took from a Hawaiian Shave Ice stand on a hill in Paia, Maui, probably Mauka. Posted: 07/06/2026 15:54:02
Sylvia Williams
Bob,
You did good work here. The poster edge filter is not one of my personal favorites so it is hard for me to judge.
I have only been to Hawaii once and really enjoyed. I went with a friend to visit his son who was in the army. We stayed at the Hale Koa for a couple of nights, the Fallen Warrior boots display was very moving.
Of the two, I prefer the color as there is more detail. I can actually see the flag. Posted: 07/07/2026 00:40:11
Bob Wills
Thank you, Sylvia. Poster Edges has many options within its filter, so when Jan uses it, she always creates something beautiful. Me. not so much. Beauty isn't something I'm good at. Tension seems to be easier for me. I'm glad you were able to visit the Hale Koa. Nothing like being able to walk out the back door to the beach a few steps away. Posted: 07/07/2026 13:13:06
Frans Gunterus
Hi Bob. What a wonderful image! The dramatic contrast between the rugged coastline and the lone surfer creates a real sense of adventure and freedom. It looks like Hawaii gave you the perfect setting to celebrate this new chapter of life-wishing you many more memorable journeys ahead! Posted: 07/08/2026 08:25:34
Bob Wills
Thank you, Frans. You are very kind. Same wish for you. Posted: 07/08/2026 14:32:45
Jan Handman
Cool image Bob. I think I like the B/W version best, mostly because it breaks the image down into basic shapes that are still recognizable - coastline, ocean, surfer. The road and gravestone are sweetly sentimental, but they do add more elements than I think you need for artistic purposes. Kudos for experimenting with PS filters. You achieved a nice outcome! Posted: 07/10/2026 22:42:28
Bob Wills
Thanks, Jan. I really appreciate your kind words. I like the edgier, simpler version too, and I'll probably come back to both versions someday. Posted: 07/10/2026 23:01:32
