Polo Beach, Maui

I take many photographs when I visit somewhere new. It’s not uncommon to do, especially in this day and age when it’s easier than ever to take a photograph.

It was my first day on the island of Maui and I glanced out my hotel window, only to realize the sun was setting faster than I anticipated. I immediately grabbed my camera bag, tripod, and rushed down to the beach to capture what was left of a sunset.

Normally, I like to scout out a location ahead of time and be all set up in advance of a sunset. I had visited this beach a few years prior, so I remembered its general layout.

To my surprise, the beach was empty, resulting in endless composition options. I tried a few options and realized the sun was setting quickly. I wanted to capture a great photograph of this location at sunset, so I needed to move fast.

I wasn’t sure how much time I had left before the sun disappeared, but it felt like every second counted. Instead of setting up my camera right away, I began searching for a composition that encompassed all the elements of the scene.

After a few minutes, I knew I found it. The never-ending sunset reflecting off the ocean. The silhouette of the palm trees standing still in the wind, just for a moment. The beach was ever so lightly glowing, resulting in a harsh contrast from molten rock above. And blue skies that fade into a wondrous mountain, yet to be discovered.

When I finally identified a framing I liked, I clicked the shutter and captured the photo I was hoping for.

The photo was beautiful, capturing the tranquility and diversity of the landscape.

To me, the image is a representation of Hawaii - in one photograph.

When reflecting on the image I had captured, I realized that while it may be easy to take a photograph in this day and age, the best photographs are those that are captured with care, understanding and a deeper examination of the scene.

I could have taken many photographs from numerous angles, all revealing elements in different positions. However, I likely would have missed this moment in time.

The composition that was most obvious all along; A wide angle photograph at just the right time, from just the right location.

A reminder to not overlook the obvious.