I just got back from my first trip ever to Hawaii. The 2 week long adventure was amazing – Hawaii has to be one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. There are so many things to photograph in a small area whether it’s gorgeous beaches, lush rain forests, delicious food, interesting people, or mountain landscapes.

No lie, it was hard to take a bad picture in Hawaii. Of course I had my Canon 5dmkII and all of the associated gear in tow to document the experience. Here is the first batch of photos from the trip (and a video!) Be on the lookout for more in the future!

Sulphur – y Fields Forever at Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island

Ferns in the rain forest on the Big Island

Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau (Place Of Refuge) on the Big Island – these were holy sites in the past

Tiki statues at Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau (Place Of Refuge)

Stand up paddle boarders on a black sand beach in Hawaii

Fishing on the pier at Ala Moana near Waikiki

Downtown Hilo Streets

The View of Honolulu and Diamond Head

USS Arizona Memorial shortly after the shootings at Ft Hood

Hawaiian Rainbow

The Royal Hawaiian AKA The Pink Hotel on Waikiki Beach

Eating Fire at a Polynesian Luau

Sea Turtle on the Beach from Peter Tsai on Vimeo.

Nita and Joe got married a month ago on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland among many family and friends. Despite some challenges with the weather, everyone managed to have a great time.

I’ve shot a lot of weddings and I can definitely say that this reception was the most fun one I have ever been to. The location and food were amazing, the live band was rocking, and the dance floor was packed for the whole night. Lets just say that this family knows how to have fun!

To see all photos from the wedding or to order prints, please visit the Photo Proofing website. To view an online slide show with select photos from the wedding, click on the image below.

The Austin City Limits Festival 2009 is notorious for great concerts, scorching hot Texas temperatures, and this year – a giant mudpit. The following is a photo essay chronicling how the brand new multi million dollar lawn at Zilker Park became one giant soupy mess in the 3 days between Oct 2 – Oct 4, 2009.

The Austin City Limits festival begins with it’s new grass on Friday at around 4pm

Blue skies and a thick, carpet-like grass in front of the Livestrong stage

Concert Goers take a break between shows on the lawn

Blue skies above the ACL wind vane sign inside the park.

Day 2 – the rains begin, and they are HEAVY

Day 2- The lawn starts to get a bit brown – but it’s still OK

Day 3 – the soil from underneath the lawn seeps up and it’s really soupy

The areas close to the stages become mosh pits full of standing water and trash

Some don’t seem to mind the conditions and take full advantage of the situation

This area is what I referred to as the Shamu Splash Zone

These shoes promptly went in the trash after the festival!

Final Note – even though the lawn looks like it was totally trashed, the officials at Zilker Park were able to salvage about 98% of it. The park reopens today, Oct 30th 2009!