Two-Years Ago (24-January-2016) — Japan

Gone to See the World. Semester at Sea Spring 2016 Voyage on the MV World Odyssey. Day 19: Arrival in Yokohama, Japan.

After a long 10 days crossing the Pacific Ocean, the MV World Odyssey arrived in Yokohama, Japan. It was a cold morning, but many students were up on deck to watch the arrival. Dawn and sunrise images were taken from the deck of the ship. After breakfast, we disembarked and proceeded through customs & immigration. We were told that everyone had to go through the process before we could return to the ship. I took a camera,  travel tripod, warm jacket and gloves. It was cold, and there were some snow flurries. I felt safe walking around the Osanbashi Pier (and in Japan in general) with a camera since there were so many locals with cameras out taking pictures. I did several 360° degree image sequences using a Mindarin Astro rotating tripod head. These were then used to create Little Planet and Mirror Ball views of Yokohama and the ship from the Osanbashi Pier.

The MV World Odyssey about to pass under the Yokohama Bay Bridge as we arrived in Yokohama, Japan. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)
The MV World Odyssey about to pass under the Yokohama Bay Bridge as we arrived in Yokohama, Japan. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)
Anticipating Japan after a Long 10 days Crossing the Pacific Ocean on the MV World Odyssey. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)
Anticipating Japan after a Long 10 days Crossing the Pacific Ocean on the MV World Odyssey. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)



Later in the afternoon I made two 360° time-lapse videos. The first of people enjoying the day at the Yamashita Park along the Yokohama harbor, and the second from a park with a view of view of the Osanbashi Pier and the MV World Odyssey. The images were taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera that was controlled by a Mindarin Astro 360° rotating head on a tripod. The time-lapse videos were then created using Photoshop CC and Premiere Pro CC.

Yamashita Park Time-Lapse Video

Osanbashi Pier Time-Lapse Video

Eleven-Years Ago (24-January-2007) — Norway

Gone to See Norway 2007 Winter Family Vacation. Day 4: Northbound Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Florø to Kristandsund).

In addition to transporting passengers, the Hurtigruten ships are working ships that carry freight, mail, automobiles, and fresh food between several ports along the Norwegian coast. Many of these stops occur during the night, and only last for short (15 minutes to 1 hour) periods of time. The schedule for the first full day of the northbound voyage stops at the following ports: Florø (04:30-04:45); Maløy (06:45-07:30); Torvik (10:20-10:45); Ålesund (12:00-15:00); Molde (17:30-18:30); Kristandsund (22:00-23:00). We spent the early afternoon walking around Ålesund including going to the restaurant Fjellstua situated on top of the town mountain Aksla. Although the restaurant was closed, it has the best view in Ålesund. I was able to take several images which were then combined into a wide panoramas of the town. We got a bit confused as to where the ship was docked, but did ultimately get back before it departed.

Ålesund Winter Panorama. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 400, 24 mm, f/11, 1/500 sec). Composite of 3 images combined with Kolor AutoPano Giga Pro. (David J Mathre)
Ålesund Winter Panorama from Mount Aksla. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 400, 24 mm, f/11, 1/500 sec). Composite of 3 images combined with Kolor AutoPano Giga Pro. (David J Mathre)