In 2010, we spent three wonderful weeks in the French Polynesian Islands. Each day, I was amazed by the stunning mountains formed through volcanic activity.
We dedicated an entire week to Moorea Island. The bay is visible on the right side; our lodge was situated directly in front of the distant large boat. We canoed in both bays, and each time, I brought my camera along in the canoe, attempting to capture the breathtaking landscape. Unfortunately, I was unable to encompass the entire scene; I was simply too close.
During our stay at the lodge, I conversed with the director and inquired, “Is there a vantage point from which I can capture an extraordinary landscape?” He responded, “Sir, I recommend visiting the Opunohu Belvedere region. You will enjoy a clear view of Opunohu Bay on the left, Mont Rotui in the center, and Cook Bay on the right; all are surrounded by magnificent mountains.”
One day, I set out for the belvedere. At this vantage point, I was struck by the landscape: the beautiful, massive clouds against a blue sky, the mountains, the lush vegetation, the bays, and the azure sea.
My lens, however, was not wide enough to capture the entire scene. In portrait orientation, I adjusted the focal length to 38 mm and took 15 overlapping shots to create a panorama; Lightroom is excellent for stitching these images together.
Upon returning to the lodge, I expressed my gratitude to the director for his valuable suggestion.
Once again, this experience reaffirmed that when one is unfamiliar with a location, the locals are often eager to assist and showcase the beauty of their surroundings.
