Three-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. 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.

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

Gone to See Norway 2007 Family Vacation. Day 4: Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage Traveling North.

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). There are many lighthouses and automated navigation lights along the Norwegian coast. We spent the early afternoon walking around Ålesund. It was a bright clear day so several of us climbed the 418 steps to get to the top of the town mountain Aksla, including going to the restaurant Fjellstua. 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 including the MS Kong Harald. We got a bit confused as to where the ship was docked, but did ultimately get back before the ship 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. 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)


Three-Years Ago (23-January-2016) — Pacific Ocean

Gone to See the World. Semester at Sea Spring 2016 Voyage on the MV World Odyssey. Day 18: Crossing the Pacific Ocean.

I woke up to a dreary cloudy dawn sky. This was the final day crossing the North Pacific from Hawaii to Japan. You could tell we were getting closer to land as more seabirds were flying around the ship.

Dreary Dawn Panorama from the aft deck of the MV World Odyssey. Crossing the North Pacific Ocean from Hawaii to Japan. Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)
Dreary Dawn Panorama from the aft deck of the MV World Odyssey. Crossing the North Pacific Ocean from Hawaii to Japan. Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec). (David J Mathre)


Preparing for Japan. View from the deck of the MV World Odyssey crossing the North Pacific Ocean. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 55-200 mm lens (ISO 200, 156 mm, f/4.5, 1/600 sec). (David J Mathre)
Preparing for Japan. View from the deck of the MV World Odyssey crossing the North Pacific Ocean. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 55-200 mm lens (ISO 200, 156 mm, f/4.5, 1/600 sec). (David J Mathre)

Twelve-Years Ago (23-January-2007) — Norway

Gone to See Norway 2007 Family Vacation. Day 3: Bergen and Embarkation on the Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald.

When we woke in Bergen, the sky was clear and there was new snow on the ground. The locals said that it had been raining for the last 50 days. I think many took the day off to enjoy the sun and snow. The Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald would not be departing until later that night, so we had the day to visit Bergen. As part of our travel package, we had a one day Bergen Card for transportation and various attractions. After spending some time outside around the Bergen harbor and Bergen Fish Market, we took the Fløibarnen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. We also visited the art museum to see some of Edvard Munch’s paintings. Finally, as it started to get dark we made our way to the Hurtigruten terminal. I’ve included a fisheye view of my cabin and the stateroom at the front of the ship. As we learned later in the voyage, rooms near the front (or rear) of the ship move the most in heavy seas. Since then I always request a cabin near the middle of a ship for any voyage that may experience heavy seas.

Early Morning Fish Market in Bergen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 800, 10.5 mm, f/3.5, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Fish Market in Bergen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 800, 10.5 mm, f/3.5, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Early Morning Bergen Harbor. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 800, 12 mm, f/4, 1/50 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter View of Bergen from the top of Mount Fløyen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 200, 10.5 mm, f/8, 1/250 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter View of Bergen from the top of Mount Fløyen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 200, 10.5 mm, f/8, 1/250 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter View of Bergen from the top of Mount Fløyen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 200, 10.5 mm, f/8.5, 1/320 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter View of Bergen from the top of Mount Fløyen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 200, 10.5 mm, f/8.5, 1/320 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter Troll at the top of Mount Fløyen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 35 mm f/2D fisheye lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/2, 1/1250 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter Troll at the top of Mount Fløyen. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 35 mm f/2D fisheye lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/2, 1/1250 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter Bird in Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 100, 400 mm, f/6, 1/160 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter Bird in Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 100, 400 mm, f/6, 1/160 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter Female Statue in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Winter Female Statue in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Statue of a Young Boy. Winter Art in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/5, 1/100 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Statue of a Young Boy. Winter Art in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/5, 1/100 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Bench and Phone Booth in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Bench and Phone Booth in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Lutefisk in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Lutefisk in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/4, 1/60 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Hurtigruten Waiting Area in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/10 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Hurtigruten Waiting Area in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/10 sec) (David J. Mathre)
M/S Kong Harald from the Hurtigruten Waiting Area in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/8 sec) (David J. Mathre)
M/S Kong Harald from the Hurtigruten Waiting Area in Bergen, Norway. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/8 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Fisheye View of My Cabin on the M/S Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/15 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Fisheye View of My Cabin on the M/S Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/15 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Fisheye View of Erik's Stateroom on the M/S Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/30 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Fisheye View of Erik’s Stateroom on the M/S Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/30 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Fisheye View of Erik's Stateroom on the M/S Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/10 sec) (David J. Mathre)
Fisheye View of Erik’s Stateroom on the M/S Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon Dxs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 1/10 sec) (David J. Mathre)

Three-Years Ago (22-January-2016) — Pacific Ocean

Gone to See the World. Semester at Sea Spring 2016 Voyage on the MV World Odyssey. Day 17: Crossing the Pacific Ocean.

Some kind of wonderful!!! You had to be there to take in the dawn view of the sky over the Pacific Ocean. Someday I’ll be able to make a large format print of the full panorama. The day before had been windy and some wave action. Unlike many others, I didn’t get seasick, and didn’t need to take any of the anti-nausea medications. The aft decks 6 and 7 provide some wind protection that allowed me to get out and take images  of the dawn sky and the and sunrise. It was still a couple of days before we would arrive in Yokohama.

Colorful Dawn Panorama at Sea from the Aft Deck of the MV World Odyssey While Crossing the Pacific Ocean. Composite of 6 images taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro and AutoPano Giga Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn Panorama at Sea from the Aft Deck of the MV World Odyssey While Crossing the Pacific Ocean. Composite of 6 images taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro and AutoPano Giga Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 1 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 1 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 2 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 2 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 3 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 3 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 4 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 4 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 5 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 5 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 6 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)
Colorful Dawn clouds over the Pacific Ocean from the deck of the MV World Odyssey. Image 6 of 6 taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 23 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro. (David J Mathre)