Saturday, May 21, 2011

Inspiration by Duplication

Before I found Flickr I spent much of my time over another photo sharing site called PBase. I had met some great photographers there, learned from them, and was inspired by their artistry.

Inspired by James Pan’s “Rise of the Surfers,” I tried to duplicate his masterpiece with this photograph of surfer I captured at Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica.

I’m sure this was a “Pura Vida” moment for the surfer as it was for me to photograph him in action.

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Always Look, Down, Back and Up

Travel photographer Rick Sammon has a saying that you should “Always look down, always look back and always look up.” He believes that so many people miss great photo opportunities because they are in such a hurry to get to the final location that they miss what’s going on around them.

This almost happened to me on a sunset hike to the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. As one of the world’s ten most active volcanoes, I was looking forward to photographing it.

I hiked and reached the crest of a hill where I had a magnificent view of Arenal all the while the sun was beginning to set behind me. I turned around and I saw my nephew, Richard, and his wife, Cindy, admiring the sunset.

I turned my camera on them to capture this silhouette. I’m glad I did.

Thank you Mr. Sammon!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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Saturday, May 14, 2011

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Monteverde Style

If there was one thing that I had to do in Costa Rica it was to zip line through a cloud forest, besides isn’t that on everyone’s bucket list?

For my pre-trip preparation I did research on the internet and pored over my Lonely Planet guide to determine the best outfit for a canopy tour, this was more challenging than I thought.

When I arrived into Costa Rica I received additional feed back from other fellow travelers, but it wasn’t until I met Diego, who worked at Pension Santa Elena (which I stayed at and highly recommend), that I decided to go with Monteverde Extremo Canopy. He described that Extremo not only offered your normal zip line, but that they also did the Tarzan Swing and Superman zip line. I was already sold when Diego mentioned the name “Extremo.” I was ready to sign the liability waiver form right there and then!

The next day, for nearly three hours, we had a view of the cloud forest from above that was simply an amazing experience. Add in some adrenaline with the Tarzan Swing and Superman zip line and we had fun filled morning.

The Tarzan Swing was the best part of the canopy tour (see video). I noticed that guide at the edge of the platform was gently (some forcefully for others) pushing people off. When it came to my turn I asked if I could simply do a running jump off the platform.

“It’ll break,” he replied.

“What, the rope?”

“No, your back,” he clarified.

Oh, this is going to be fun I said to myself and away I went swinging through the forest like Tarzan!

The Superman zip line is just as the name suggest. Instead of the normal sitting position with your knees up, ankles crossed and using one hand to brake, you are lying prone thus having a great view of the cloud forest. The cable stretches for one kilometer allowing you to live out your Superman fantasies minus wearing the pantyhose getup.

This was the last zip line cable of the tour and it was the most scenic. If that wasn’t perfection enough we were all awarded with a panoramic view of a lovely rainbow before we “landed” at the exit station.

With the recent controversy of Superman announcing his plans to renounce his U.S. citizenship, I can understand why. He probably wants to move to Costa Rica and fly through the cloud forest all day.

Costa Rica travel tip #2: When in Costa Rica get your Tarzan on!

Happy Travels!

Text and photo copyright by ©Sam Antonio Photography

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