Kindergarten Rice Harvest Day in Ogawamachi, Japan – 日本、小川町での保育園の稲刈りの日
Posted on October 3, 2017
Rice in Japan is a symbol for many things. Food, life, nature, community, hard work, laughing and crying together, sunshine and rain. It is also a symbol of growing up. From childhood on, at least on Japan’s country side, kids learn the meaning of rice very quickly.
日本では米はあらゆることの象徴になっています。食料、生活、自然、地域、重労働、共に泣いたり笑ったり、太陽と雨など。米は成長の象徴でもあります。幼少期から、少なくとも日本の田舎では子供は米（ごはん）という意味をすぐに覚えます。
Here are some of photos of last week’s Ogawamachi kindergarten rice harvesting event. Explanations are not necessary since the photos talk for themselves. As for me, still a kid at heart, it was a welcome learning experience. There were so many new impressions and things to see that it was hard to put the camera down and finally get on with the harvest. Its just that I will treasure this amazing experience forever, working with tough and no-BS type people, harvesting valuable rice side-by-side together with my daughter. It really meant a lot to me.
Thank you for this day.
こちらは先週の小川町保育園の稲刈りのイベントの写真です。写真それ自体が物語っているので、説明は必要ないでしょう。私はと言えば、まだ心が子供なので、歓迎すべき勉強になる経験でした。とても多くの新しい印象や見るべきものがあって、カメラを置くのがためらわれ、結局稲刈りを続けるのが難しくなってしまいました。タフで誤魔化しなど一切ない人々と共に、娘と並んで稲刈りをしたこの素晴らしい経験をずっと大事な思い出としてとっておくことでしょう。私にとってはとてもためになる経験でした。
この日を過ごすことが出来て、感謝しています。
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Indonesian Gamelan vibes resonating through Ogawamachi, Saitama
Posted on September 28, 2017
3週間前のガムランコンサートも私たちのいつもの場所、やしきぼっこという埼玉小川町の古民家で行われました。2人の日本人のミュージシャンがガムラン、という伝統的なインドネシアの楽器をやしきぼっこの一部である古い蔵のくらぼっこで演奏しました。
This Gamelan Concert happened about 3 weeks ago at our usual place, a historic farmhouse in Ogawamachi, Saitama called Yashikibokko. Two Japanese musicians played the gangsa, a traditional Indonesian instrument, at an ancient warehouse – Kurabokko, attached to Yashikibokko.
もう少しで間に合わないところでしたが、人々はすでにこの狭くて居心地の良い空間に集まっており、私が二階に上るのにスペースを開けてくれました。間もなく、コンサートが始まりました。この古い蔵を優しく包み込む素晴らしい音楽のバイブレーションは筆舌にしがたく、まきとゆりの二人は素晴らしいインドネシアの風景を雨や太陽などとともに音で描いてくれました。とても癒されて心が落ち着きました。また小川町のくらぼっこでこの二人のアーティストの音楽を聞けたらと思います。
Almost did not make it on time, however, people already gathered in this tight, cosy space kindly made room allowing me to climb the narrow stair to the second floor. Shortly after this the concert started. At this point words would not do justice to the wonderful musical vibrations which gently engulfed this old warehouse. Maki and Yuri, the two musicians, actually painted wonderful Indonesian landscapes including rain and sunshine with their sounds. It was very healing and calming. Hopefully I would be able to hear these two artists again at Kurabokko in Ogawamachi.
素敵な夜を本当にありがとうございました。
Thank you so much for this evening.
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日本の小さな町のたてもの史
Posted on September 26, 2017
少し前に、私たちの家族は東京から60キロメートル離れた東上線の終点にある埼玉の小川町という町にやって来ました。幾つかの低山の連なる山脈の麓にあり、時には見過ごされてしまう宝物に満ちた町です。これはすでに世界的に有名なオーガニックの田畑あるいは信じられないくらいの数の野生の動植物のことを言っているのではありません。小川町産の和紙と呼ばれる丈夫で美しいことで知られる紙のことでもありません。
私がお話ししたいのは、昔の歴史的建造物のことで、時には1860年代後半の明治維新の頃まで遡るものもあります。保存状態が良いものもあります。そのような歴史的建造物を見ると、この町がいかにかつては賑わっていたかを感じる事が出来るでしょう。この町は絹の製造の中心地であっただけではありません。小川町は魅力的な過去も持っているのですが目立つことがちょっと苦手で、でも、とてもハッピーなお祭りごとが好きな町です。小川町は芸者文化の伝統でも知られていました。
今ではこの素晴らしい時代はとっくに過ぎ去ってしまいました。しかし、想像を膨らませて白昼夢に浸れば、酒の杯を合わせるカチンという音や、カラ、コロ、という下駄の音に混じって、琴の音が聞こえてくるでしょう。約束の時間に間に合うよう急ぐ着物の影、そしてもし幸運なら、美しい芸者の秘密の恥らうような微笑も見られるかもしれません。過ぎ去りし一時の夢。夢はまだ触れます、その魂は生きています。しかし、次第に図書館や書簡や写真という形で書物になって、姿を消していっています。
写真の面から言えば、建物の歴史的なシチュエーションを捉えるのに、時には何度か建物を見ないといけないこともあります。もしかしたら、何回か興味深い家を通り過ぎてしまったかもしれないことも。屋根に面白い特徴のあるものとか、玄関の影に何か隠れてたかな、とか。壁が朽ち果てて、あまりにもボロボロなので、その建物に隠された宝物に気づかなかったり。
下の写真は埼玉、小川町周辺の建造物のものです。これらの写真は保存という点でリアルな状態を示しています。その美しさだけを指摘するのは、何の助けにもなりません。これらの建造物が｢さよなら｣とこの世に別れを告げ、うなだれ、助けを求めて静かに泣いているのを誰も耳にする人が誰もいないのなら。
しかし、良い知らせもあります。建物の幾つかは状態も良く、きちんと手入れがされています。そういう建物は他の建物にどうすれば良いのかを示す例として使えます。
このようなタイプの写真、ノイズがあまり入らない低光撮影が出来るカメラの他に、私のスタンダードのレンズは15－20mmくらいのワイドアングルレンズや70－200mmくらいの中型のテレレンズです。ワイドアングルレンズは周辺とともに狭い建物や、狭い通りをカメラから近距離で対象を静止画撮影するのに必要です。テレレンズはカメラから比較的遠くにある、届かないところにある対象を撮るのに使われます。一脚は通常役に立ちます。対象を照らすのに、フラッシュよりも強い手持ちのライトをむしろ使います。フラッシュは影を明るくするのに使います。
私のページに来てくれてありがとう。コメントもご自由に、または質問があればEmailを送ってください。このブログはじっくり時間をかけて更新するかもしれません。この美しい町の目に見える変化を記録できたらと思います。
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Sleeping history in a small Japanese town
Posted on September 20, 2017
日本語
Not too long ago our family arrived in the town of Ogawamachi, Saitama (map here) located about 75 minutes away from Tokyo/Ikebukuro at the end of the Tobu Tojo line. (about 80 kilometers by car from central Tokyo). Nestled within some smaller mountain ranges it contains a number of sometimes overlooked treasures. With this I don’t mean the already world famous organic rice fields, vegetable gardens, or, unbelievable amount of wildlife. I am also not thinking about the Ogawamachi produced paper, called washi in Japanese, known for its toughness and beauty.
What I would like to describe is the large number of ancient, and, historic buildings occasionally dating back to a time around the Meiji Restoration in the late 1860s. Some of them are well preserved. Looking at them you can almost feel how lively this town once must have been. It was not only a center of silk production. Ogawamachi also has a charming past, somewhat shy, however very happy and full of celebrations. It was a town known for its traditions around geisha culture.
Now, this wonderful time is long gone. However, allowing for a little daydreaming and imagination, maybe the sound of a koto mixed with the clanking of sake cups and clack-clacks of wooden geta sandals can still be heard. Shadows of kimono rushing by ready for an appointment, and, if lucky enough, maybe there is even a secret, embarrassed smile of a beautiful artist geisha. A dream of a time long gone. A dream still touchable, its soul alive, however, slowly disappearing into libraries and books in form of letters and pictures.
From a photography perspective capturing an architectural historic situation sometimes takes looking at building several times. I might have walk passed interesting houses several times not realizing an interesting feature on a roof, or, something hidden in the shade of an entrance. Maybe a falling apart building with rotten walls stands out so much that some hidden treasures behind it are ignored.
Below is a collection of photos of buildings and structures in and around Ogawamachi in Saitama. They portrait their real status in terms of preservation. It does not help pointing out only their beauty if, on the other hand, nobody really hears these buildings silently weep waiting for help while gradually bowing out from this World saying: “Sayonara…”
The good news, however, is that some buildings are in great shape and well taken care off. They should function as an example to others what could be done.
For this type of photography, besides a camera which is capable of low light photography without two much noise my standard lenses are a wide angle lens around 15-20 mm and a mid-range tele lens around 70 – 200 mm. The wide angle lens is necessary for tight buildings, or, narrow streets to still capture an object very near to the camera together with its surrounding. The tele lens is used for objects relatively distant from the camera and unreachable. A monopod is usually helpful. I’d rather use a strong hand held light than a flash to illuminate objects. A flash is used to brighten up shadows.
Thank you for visiting my page. Please feel free to comment, or, send me an email if you should have any questions. I might update this blog over time, hopefully documenting visible changes to the appearance of this beautiful town.
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蝴蝶、電車、桜 ー Butterflies, Trains and Cherry Blossoms –
Posted on April 10, 2017
小川町埼玉 ー八高線 Watching Train of JR Hachiko-line make it through Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan – It goes from Hachioji to Kuragano over a distance of 93 Kilometers. ©Hans Nagl
Here are some of photos of a cherry blossom viewing filled weekend. It included, sake tasting, and plenty of photo opportunities around Ogawamachi’s surrounding nature. The town is located in Saitama, little more than aone hour away from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro via Tobu Tojo Line.
Please feel free to send me your comments at the end of this blog. I am always happy about feedback.
Thank you very much,
Hans
小川町埼玉- 槻川 – 蝴蝶 – Small Butterfly, about the size of a finger nail is making its way through flowers along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – 蝴蝶 – These two small fingernail size butterflies are dancing in the sunlight between flowers along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – 蝴蝶 – Small butterfly enjoying a nice, warm spring day along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – きじ ー Pheasant spotted along the Tsuki River running through Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – Beautiful Tsuki River running through Ogawamachi, Saitama offers many scenes like this one. The water is very clear home to many species of water animals – ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング – everything is blooming this spring along a hiking path towards Mount Sengen in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 槻川 – 桜 - Cherry Blossoms along the Tsuki River in Ogawamachi, Saitama ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 ー八高線 Watching Train of JR Hachiko-line make it through Ogawamachi, Saitama, Japan – ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング – Mountain view seen from Mount Sengen in Ogawamachi, Saitama towards Chichibu. The weather could not decide if it should be sunny or rainy. ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング - Observation Tower on Mount Sengen offers beautiful views ofOgawamachi, Saitama. This time it was better to make its way back the mountain because weather was unpredictable. ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 仙元山ハイキング - Wonderful patchwork of pinks, greens and whites with Ogawamachi, Saitama in the background. ©Hans Nagl
小川町埼玉 – 酒 – Sake tasting event in Ogawamachi Saitama. This sake is based on locally grown, organic ingredients. Sake master is watching his customers’ reactions to this year’s sake. The one I tasted was crisp, clear and perfect. ©Hans Nagl
Strasburg Railroad – Coal, Steam and Timeless Engines
Posted on January 2, 2015
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Writing, and, mostly showing photos about Lancaster County’s Strasburg Railroad, was always on my mind. Many times I had the opportunity to ride these beautifully restored and maintained steam locomotives. Fascinated by the mighty metal parts moving gigantic wheels, the smoke and steam, the sound of the whistle and the surrounding history I always took a number of photos. These remind me about the days when friends, family and I embarked on a one hour or so train ride at pretty much any season.
It is exciting when one hears the whistle of the approaching train. After this, train not visible yet, black smoke can be seen above the train mechanic shop and a little while later there she finally appears. I am sure that there will be many more photos, mostly thanks to the well organized team of engineers maintaining this railroad.
Please enjoy these photos about the Strasburg Railroad and its surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
The last train of the day. Here comes Santa – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
The last Santa train of the day. – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Riding the Santa Train – a great and unforgettable experience. –
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Taking a break after a long, busy winter day – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Moving the SL into its garage after ice and rain in mid-December 2014. Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
Not easy to maneuver the amish way through the very busy streets around Lancaster and its many shopping areas. – Photos throughout the year from Strasburg railroad and surrounding area in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – USA
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From my father’s viewpoint
Posted on October 23, 2014
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For a long time, I wanted to share three photos that my father, Hans Nagl Sr., took as a photographer during a business trip from Vienna, Austria, to the United States. This was his first trip to this country, despite having worked for many years for USIS as a professional photographer. Many of his photos represent a viewpoint of excitement when seeing a country for the first time. At this time, my father took most of his photos with his Leica M2. This was his go-to camera for various purposes, especially for many black-and-white images. The three photos I am posting here have been stuck in my mind for a long time, ever since I first saw them as a child in Austria. They feature the famous Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan, probably shortly after their completion in 1973. Back home again, I believe my father must have viewed them so many times and showed them to any visitor of our home whenever possible. Escape was impossible. It was clear that he was more than impressed, and so these towers became a summary representation of his excitement and pride around his profession and the people he worked with.
While on a business trip in the 70s my father visited the Empire State Building in New York City and waited for the sunset. – Leika M2 – Photo reproduced from a slide not viewed in almost 40 years.
©Hans Nagl – Credits: Hans Nagl, Sr.
Captured by this amazing late-night view taken from the Empire State Building in New York. ©Hans Nagl – All Rights Reserved
The photos were stored and forgotten for a long time in a place that was not very conducive to their survival. Somehow, the slides survived, and with some minor fixes, such as the removal of dust marks, they came back to light. After 9/11, they shine even brighter in my mind, and it seems that I have lost sight of all their imperfections.
While on a business trip in the 70s, my father visited the Empire State Building in New York City and waited for the sunset. He was so impressed by what he saw – Leika M2 – Photo reproduced from a slide not viewed in almost 40 years.
©Hans Nagl – Credits: Hans Nagl, Sr.
A place without equals, inspiring, silent from a distance, never standing still – Manhattan, New York – ©Hans Nagl – All Rights Reserved
While on a business trip in the 70s, my father visited New York City as part of a business trip related to photography. – Leika M2 – Photo reproduced from a slide not viewed in almost 40 years.
©Hans Nagl – Credits: Hans Nagl, Sr.
I also always thought that it must be really exciting to show my photos of Manhattan together with my father’s. One thing, however, is clear. The skill it took to operate a 35 mm camera was tremendous, and I deeply admire anyone with this knowledge. By this I do not mean that these photographers had the ability to very quickly turn some knobs to achieve great photos. These people could read the light without tools in a fraction of a heartbeat and make almost intuitive adjustments. No thinking, just complete focus on the subject matter. Many times, without a second chance to retake a photo, the results were very astonishing. This generation of photographers literally lived around and inside their cameras. I am a long way from this.
Photo taken from the Empire State Building, Manhattan, New York, with Times Square on the left.
This sax player was a very welcome surprise adding to the capturing view of Manhattan’s city lights. ©Hans Nagl – All Rights Reserved
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Autumn, Seagulls, Sand and Stars
Posted on October 4, 2014
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Summer came and went so quickly. Now, and I still really can’t believe it, fall arrived. To adequately welcome this season with all its colors and changes in weather, I decided to take my camera and spend an afternoon in Onset, Massachusetts, near Cape Cod. The place I usually visit is the perfect spot to forget the day, enjoying the events the shore has to offer. This could be rain, fog, wind, or the mellow, warm glow of the setting autumn sun. Seagulls and other shorebirds seemed to be having a good time watching a guy with a tripod and a camera, mesmerized by the early autumn spectacle performed by the many shorebirds. Not with words, however, with this entire scenery, the owner of this season clearly made a statement. Fall is surely here.
As usual, without too many words, here are some of my photos. Hopefully, you will enjoy these.
Where did these birds learn how to fly? Nobody got hurt, and everybody kept on flying. – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Seagulls decorating the sky, moving together and very quickly – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Staying together, flying high – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
The first couple of cold days still made this afternoon’s visit near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding experience. Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Beach Flowers – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Just beyond the Horizon, this light tower and houses can be seen. – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
This was a fortunate photo of this Long-billed Curlew preparing for landing – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Watching all kinds of birds enjoy these fall days – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
The first couple of cold days still made this afternoon’s visit near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding experience. Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
I dream while watching these seagulls playing in the sky. It – Onset Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Long-billed Curlew – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
The first couple of cold days still made this afternoon’s visit near Onset in Massachusetts a rewarding experience. Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Wondering if this could be Jonathan Livingston Seagull – Onset Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Silently flying together, listening to the wind and the sea – Onset, Massachusetts – ©HansNagl.com
Wind, Sand and Stars. A reminder of what one of my favorite authors, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, enjoyed and frequently wrote about. The Little Prince also does not seem to be too far away. Evenings are becoming cooler. ©HansNagl.com
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Faces of our Garden
Posted on July 16, 2014
When I finally acquired a decent macro lens I did not expect that this would actually provide a gateway to a completely different world. In the past, insects and other animals living in our garden were just there, not exactly worthy of a closer look, so I thought. Mostly, they all look the same anyway from an overall perspective.
This Calico Pennant Dragonfly is trying to hypnotize anything in reach.
How surprised was I when I looked at some insects really closely? They were literally dressed in colors that made them unbelievably beautiful. Greens, reds, and blues, not visible without magnification, changed my entire perception of this world. A world of tiny creatures living alongside our daily routines. Suddenly, our garden came alive because of my heightened awareness of all the things happening in it. Flies, snakes, cats, and even we humans share this space, going about our business. Every one of these inhabitants is beautiful and plays a role. I also noticed that certain insects always sit on the same branch. “Good morning, Robber Fly!”, “Hello, Frog!” There is a party going on in our Garden. And it’s actually a lot of fun, now that I’m aware of it.
Here are the faces of the folks living in our garden. I will add more over time. This, at least, is a beginning.
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Garden Intruders – Gipsy Moth Larvae closely observed
Posted on June 22, 2014
As usual, camera in reach, I discovered two Gipsy Moth Larvae while doing some gardening work. Even though very beautiful, these creatures cause extensive damage in United States Forests. Originally from Europe, they can destroy entire forests by eating their leaves. Gipsy Moth Larvae can appear in massive quantities. Fortunately, there are a few ways available to eradicate them. Read more about it here:
If you encounter any creature like this, please record it and report it to local authorities.
Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.
Garden Rose impacted by Gipsy Moths, visible on right bottom
Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.
Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.
Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.
Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.
Gipsy Moth is one of the most destructive forest pests in the United States destroying large amounts of forests.
Dragon Fly on our fence – A good garden friend
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Photographing Red Clover Mites
Posted on June 21, 2014
A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to watch red clover mites, less than a millimeter large spider like creatures. They appeared as tiny red dots restlessly moving on top of a concrete wall close to our vegetable garden. Needless to say they immediately became targets for a photo session.
Every time I look at the results of recently taken macro type photos on a larger screen it feels like being transported into a different world. Creatures very small and many times not noticeable become giants on a computer screen, a window into a world far removed from our usual areas of attention. As much as it is exciting to see large animals in their natural habitats it is very interesting, at least to me, to visit this tiny world occasionally and watch these amazing creatures for a while. Thank you for visiting my blog.
Comparing the size of an ant to the tiny clover mites
Clover Mites in action.
Clover Mites in action.
Beetle found a new friend to follow…it seems. Following a clover mite.
This beetle is looking concerned about the outcome of my photo. Looking really good!
Clover Mites in action.
Clover Mites in action.
Clover Mites in action.
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Beautiful, Silent, Inviting, Deadly
Posted on June 19, 2014
On my last trip to Pennsylvania I visited a place close to Lancaster with large bolders and thick forest. Of course I had my camera with me and soon discovered a fascinating target. Soon I discovered what I was looking for.
Welcome to the world of glittering and ingenious deceptions produced by a pair of orb weaver spiders to lure flies and other tiny creatures into a place of no escape.
On a hike close to an area called Windcave. A great area of a variety of wildlife to be discovered, observed and photographed
On a hike close to an area called Windcave. A great area of a variety of wildlife to be discovered, observed and photographed.
Beautiful, deadly deception. Don’t follow the glitter.
Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Captured! One fly less in Pennsylvania
Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania.
Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Tangled up in blues with no way to escape
Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Time to wait for the next fly.
Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Always weaving a net with every possible leg.
Observing Orb Weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania. Always weaving.
Beautiful, deadly deception. Don’t follow the glitter!
Everything is of interest…
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Cambridge River Festival — Running into Japan
Posted on June 13, 2014
On Saturday, June 7, 2014 the Cambridge River Festival was held. It was a hot day with many people streaming past booths representing cultural aspects of Japan. Crafts, vintage kimonos, charitable activities and more were represented there. Many of these Japanese organizations are related to JREX, the Japanese Resource Exchange.
Tewassa (related story), (Tewassa Website), an organization raising money towards aiding earthquake and tsunami victims in Tohoku sold almost all of their goods consisting of kimono and other craft items.
Without too many words please take a look at these photos to find out about this great day in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Japanese businesses related to food also found an amazingly strong interest.
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My most favorite time of the day
Posted on June 12, 2014
Franklin, located in Massachusetts, is a place close to many lakes, forests and incredible wildlife. This allows me to occasionally take my camera and go for a walk in search of something great, unexpected and photogenic. On one of my most recent strolls through the neighboring forests late one afternoon in May I became aware that I was leaving the world of regulated and coordinated life to join a different rhythm.
When the day slowly comes to an end and gives way to night colors change by the minute, animals and insects, some invisible during the entire day, show up to grab a bite and disappear again into the foggy twilight of the lake. Every minute something else grabs my attention.
What is moving there? Is it really moving? At the same time clinging to my camera mounted on a tripod thoughts arise. Right lens? ISO settings OK? Shutter speed long or short? I really hope to become better in adjusting camera settings quickly to capture something which might be gone seconds later.
On my way home, when the world turned dark, at the sounds of bullfrogs and occasionally something plunging into the lake escaping my steps, I feel completely overwhelmed by this performance. The beaver who swam close to me to check out why I was sitting there, fish jumping, water snakes swimming through the black pollen covered lake, turtles sticking their heads out of the water, small, and, of sizes I never experienced before. Not one minute passes without something interesting happening, something unpredictable, fast and amazing.
Sitting and watching I usually forget that it grew dark. There is still something left to be seen, something to be extracted out of the last remnant of daylight and preserved inside my camera. One more minute and then I will go home for sure. One more minute,,, One more minute is never enough.
What a show…
Need to watch again
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Bumblebee Pilot Training
Posted on May 28, 2014
Memorial Day offered a chance to visit the beautiful Heritage Museum and Gardens located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. This Cape Cod place, besides some very interesting indoor museums, features many colorful flowers attracting not only insects such as bumblebees but also a wide variety of photographers such as me.
Many flowers can be found at the Heritage Museum in Sandwich, Cape Cod – HansNagl.com
Sticking my nose and camera deep into all kinds of bushes I was able to take some colorful photographs.
Please click on a photo to view in carousel format.
In the middle of all the exciting photographing I was even able to join a bumblebee on her trip. Later, looking at the photos I sometimes thought to really fly behind Miss Bumblebee learning something new about plants, pollens and proper flower landing procedures. Here are some bumblebee photos.
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Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival in Brookline, Massachusetts
Posted on May 19, 2014
Not too long ago I had the chance to visit a Japanese style cherry blossom festival in Brookline, near Boston. It was held at the local high school. What really stood out was that the audience, as well as the performers were all participating. It was a dancing, drumming, very happy matsuri community. I also would like to point out that Tewassa, an organization raising money towards helping Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims was also represented. Please visit Tewassa’s web site here and an earlier post about their activities here. Every Saturday this very engaged group meets in Cambridge for about 2 hours to show their dedication to this noble cause by producing a quilt.
Please enjoy a few photos from this event.
Quilt produced on an ongoing basis by Tewassa
Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Quilt produced by Tewassa volunteers meeting every Saturday in Cambridge for two hours – HansNagl.com
The very cheerful Tewassa Team
Brookline Sakura Matsuri 2014 – Cheerful Tewassa volunteers raising funds for Japanese Tohoku earthquake and tsunami victims.
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Watching a Dragon Come to Life
Posted on May 2, 2014
Imagine a theater stage where, at the beginning, all you see is large sheet of paper spanning from one side to the other with only a few cherry blossom pedals painted here and there. Then and artist, dressed in a beautiful kimono performs a magic show just with a few brush strokes. I never saw a modern Japanese calligraphy show except on TV and knew that I would be in for something new and powerful. Surely enough I was not disappointed. Syoka Kana drew everybody into her world of dragons, cherry blossoms and calligraphy. It is a silent art which became alive under Kana’s brush. It seemed like her characters started to sing and dance.
This shodo demonstration was organized by the Boston Japan Resource Exchange (JREX) and took place at International Community Church (ICC) in Boston.
I just heard that the final artwork will be on permanent display at the International Community Church in Boston (Please click on the link below for more information).
Syoka Kana’s Blog (In Japanese)
International Community Church (ICC) in Boston
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
Everybody should have such a dragon…
Syoka Kana – Shodo Performance – Boston – April 2014 – Allowing photos to tell the story
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Philadelphia’s Sakura Sunday – Hello Spring !!!
Posted on April 20, 2014
Philadelphia’s Cherry Blossom Festival, better known as Sakura Sunday, was recently held at Fairmount Park on April 13, 2014. It was organized by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP). Beautiful spring weather and an outstanding program featuring a variety of artists from Japan and the United States contributed to the success of this event.
Without too many words the following photos will hopefully communicate the spirit of Sakura Sunday. Below are four gallery sections featuring Doshinkan Aikido, Tamagawa University Taiko Drum and Dance, La Siana, and, finally a couple of random photos from around the venue.
Doshinkan Aikido (AANA)
Members of the Aikido Association of North America (AANA), founded by Yukio Utada Sensei, delivered a beautiful and breathtaking demonstration. All age groups were represented. Many of the students make a lifetime commitment to the practice and refinement of this art involving a very dynamic life philosophy. Sometimes they live far away from the training hall or dojo, and, for the most part, training then takes on a different dimension keeping the positive spirit and energy alive. For me, who lives far from the main dojo located in Philadelphia it is always great to know that Utada Sensei and these dedicated students keep the dojo lights on for anybody far away or close by. For more information please visit the website of the AANA.
(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)
Next are some images of the Tamagawa University Taiko Drum and Dance Performance
A powerful and spirited way of communicating Japanese traditional arts of Taiko drums and dance. Watching the students of Tamagawa University perform was a very energizing experience. Harmonizing, happy, smiling performers drew the audience very close into their rhythm. Even now, after the festival, looking at the photos I can hear the Taiko drums and feel the spirit of their show.
(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)
Here are some photos of La Siana
These five ladies showed a very vibrant, high energy program without speed limit. Moving, dancing and singing while staying synchronized almost without effort was worth seeing. It was hard to get close to the stage because of the attention La Siana received from the Philadelphia audience.
(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)
Finally here are some random images from beautiful Sakura Sunday
I took these images without thinking too much about composition or other aspects of photography. They happened in a very spontaneous way. The entire event was a microcosm of small experiences happening not only on stage but also among the audience. It seemed as if the entire Sakura Sunday was a performance where everybody played a role. Via the camera I was able to freeze situations showing the beautiful spontaneity of moments involving wonderful people.
(Please click on an image to view in carousel format)
Thank you to the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, all the participants, whether on or off stage for making this Philadelphia Sakura Sunday such a beautiful memorable event.
City Hall in Philadelphia
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Spring Photo Gallery
Posted on April 2, 2014
This is an ongoing collection of various photos taken mostly around Massachusetts throughout spring 2014. I will add more as soon as I get more chances to enjoy spring with my camera. There are just a few photos shown here as spring is just about to begin. More will be added continuously. Thank you very much for visiting.
Click on an image to view gallery
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Around the Cape – Inspirations and Photos
Posted on March 27, 2014
Please click on an image to view photos in slideshow format.
For many children growing up in Austria, surrounded by mountains, a future life close to the sea is mostly a far-fetched exotic idea. The thunder of waves, the changing colors of the oceans, the sounds of fishing boats’ diesel engines, seagulls sailing high in blue skies, the taste of saltwater, witnessing four seasons are impressions belonging to the world of dreamers or people far away already living there. During my Austrian childhood I was very interested in movies produced by Jacques Cousteau, the famous French diver, and the adventures of the Calypso submarine, as well as Vienna born Hans Hass, who courageously researched shark behavior. These stories about the sea introduced a foreign world to me, mysterious, yet touchable, possible to reach, somewhere, sometimes in the future.
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- Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts
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- Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts – leaving Nantucket
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- Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts
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- Nantucket (Summer) – Massachusetts
I now live very close to the sea near Cape Cod and with great interest enjoy all the curiosities mother nature has to offer probably inspired by my childhood experiences. Photos are my pocket moments of great impressions. Here are a couple which I found in my archives. Sometimes I took almost identical photos at different times during the year. I tried to place those side-by-side sometimes creating a very strong contrast between, for example, situations in the summer vs. in winter.
I will attempt to add more photos in the future including other places and seasons around the Cape. (If you would like to have a copy of a photo shown here, then please send me an email via the form at the end of this photo gallery. Thank you very much. )
The impossible missions are the only ones which succeed.
– Jacques Cousteau
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Cafe Gute Katze & GoodTimes English 