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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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