Islands in the Stream by Michael Anderson

Saturday, 9th January 2010

Islands in the Stream

by Michael Anderson

Ofu Island, The National Park of American Samoa.
Credit Hemingway for the title. I’m not sure if the old man of the sea ever made it to the South Pacific, but I’m sure he would have really enjoyed the Manua islands here in American Samoa. These are some of the most magnificent islands in the world and they are way off the radar of most travelers and photographers.
The owners of our island lodge have only seen one tourist since we left there in early October! It’s a remote and wild South Pacific paradise you can have all to yourself…

Michael Anderson

Photos

27 Comments

Arman Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 2:20 am
I’ve always enjoyed shots with an underwater perspective…the wave adds a great touch!
Branko Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 2:54 am
Speechless…
Davey Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 3:29 am
Zowie…
Anurag Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 8:11 am
Speechless is truly the word. I really like the waves that have formed in the underwater sand. The water is so amazingly and pristinely clear!! I sincerely hope that it remains off the radar of the hoards of uncaring tourists. But I wonder how is the Island Lodge able to sustain itself.
Thanks Michael for the spectacular POTD.
Giovanni Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 8:19 am
Surreal!
Photos by Nik Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 10:18 am
A technically difficult shot but worth it. The focus is balanced I think onboth the outer surface and water. Once again great potd if u have chance let us know how this was achieved.
su Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Love this under and over view, so different.

Wonderful.
Pauline Jones Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Looks Gorgeous; wish i could go there.
Wanda Krack Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Sounds like a paradise for sure, and looks even better in this great photograph!
Rajib Singha Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Your photos are always awe inspiring Michael. Congrats!
sergioluissilva Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Beautiful image!!The colors and the light are great!!Thanks for the diference!!
Sue Gagnon Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
This color is absolutely brilliant. Such clear, clean water and sand combined with the movement in the water, A very nice shot, well deserving of POTD.
Julianne Richman Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Paradise – indeed. Beautiful POTD. Congrats!!
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
The clear blue water is magnificent, looks almost artificial with the white surf veins. Lucky you, to have been there!
paul whitton Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
love the light and the focus working in both seprate areas of the shot, nice capture! very very nice!!
Renee Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
What a incredible view! congrats!
michael anderson Says:
January 9th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Thanks for all of the comments! This is one of the most magical places on earth. But it needs a slow steady amount of tourism to fund transport out to the island, and tourism has dried up since the Tsunami. So I thought I would share the place with people like you who I know will probably appreciate it. This was shot with a Canon 5D Mk II in an Aquatica underwater housing. There is no exposure blending or other photoshop work here other than removal of a couple water spots on the lens. I took hundreds of photos to get one where everything came together. It was more of case of patience than skill to achieve this. Thanks again for the comments.

-Mike
mike Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 12:30 am
Beautiful scene. I wish I was there now
planet lover Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 3:43 am
I’ve never seen a photo like this. It is magical and I will treasure it. Thanks, Michael!
Diana Lainson Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 10:42 am
If only life was like this picture, so awe inspiring and so tranquil, could this be like the image of heaven?
reza Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
it remindes me of fantasy island .
i wish i was there with my girl friend

thank you mike ,
João Ganhão Says:
January 10th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Perfect!!! One of my favorite photos ever! Congrats!!
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
January 11th, 2010 at 3:23 am
For a moment, I could smell the salt water and feel the warm wave crest over my shoulders. Thanks, Michael, for taking me away from Michigan’s stark cold, if only for a moment. You have a way of making us feel the scene as well as see it!
SPAIN Says:
January 11th, 2010 at 10:24 am
exotic
Grete Says:
January 11th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Amazing Island and enjoyable shot! Congrats and Greetings from Argentine.
Sparts Says:
January 12th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I like! Nice work
Rhonda Berry Says:
January 19th, 2010 at 12:37 am
I can FEEL that water! Awesome perspective.