Cleaning Time

With a day basically off today and with some important shoots coming, I decided to have three of my lenses cleaned, as well as some maintenance on my camera: they cleaned the sensor, replaced the rubber gripped that were coming undone, and unbent my hot shoe that made inserting and removing a flash difficult. All of this for less than ¥5000. And this was not done by some amateur shop or something, it was done by Nikon at their service counter in Osaka. It's fantastic to have one in the city, as their work is always guaranteed and usually pretty quick.

After dropping off my stuff, I met Tsuyoshi, a photographer friend who was coming in for basically the same reason. I then stopped by Yodobashi Camera to check light stands, but they didn't have anything interesting. I guess I'll need to order from the net, which is fine with me since it's cheaper. After lunch (excellent mabo-dofu) and getting IQ84, I picked up my stuff and went home. There, I repaired the net of a door, then picked up my son at the day-care center.

Once home, he played in the baby bath outside to cool off, while I took some snaps with my DC 135mm F/2. It truly is a wonderful portrait lens. After dinner, we went for a small ride, and couldn't resist getting this shot. Enjoy!

Body Art: Capoeira Opening Party @ L&L

Last Friday was the opening party of the second exhibition of my Body Art: Capoeira series. Sadly, due to some issues, I didn't get the chance to produce more shots in time for the exhibition. But along with the new space comes new faces.

The party was great thanks to the efforts of many people. First and foremost, David Byrne, organiser of the TGIF night, bringing together DJs, artists and punters. Second, the people at L&L for the great spot.  Third to the DJs, Young Bran, Sachi, Yannic and Byrne for providing some funky beats throughout the night. Next, Naomi Takaki & Charles-Éric Billard for the live drawing. And last but not least, all the people who braved the Osaka summer heats to come to the party.

I had a wonderful time, and I feel blessed to have shared it with so many wonderful people. Here a shot of Naomi and Toku (my capoeira teacher), who already knew each other (Osaka is a 'small' city, and we like it like that) and a smartphone time lapse video using King Camera app.

Body Art: Capoeira, 2nd Exhibition

My Body Art: Capoeira photo series will get a second showing starting next week Friday at L&L in Ame-Mura, Osaka. The exhibition is part of TGIF's 2nd anniversary, a monthly party organised by fellow Canuck David Byrne, featuring local DJs mixing some deep soulful funky beats. The party will also feature live painting by fellow Québécois Charles-Eric Billard & partner-in-crime Naomi Takaki. While my pictures will probably be the same as at Ands Tartines (although there could be some surprises), the opening party on July 27 will be nothing like. If you have the chance, come on by to try some of the excellent Mediterranean food, have a puff of three of sheesha, drink a refreshing glass of sangria, and listen to some cool beats, perfect to alleviate the summer heats!

It Was a Beautiful Day

Tasaka from Lagoa do Abaete organised a BBQ today, and it was great. The weather was pretty outstanding too, the mercury notwithstanding. Quite a number of people showed up, including Yuma, Kamei & Hinachan, Yasuchan, Kanakochan, Chika & Tommy (bottom shot), as well as Kazuo. On my way back, I took a minute or so to get this shot. My ND Grad filter would have been great, but oh well. Enjoy!

Pao's Pregnancy

Sorry if I don't update this more often. I do have shots that should get on here, but sometimes, I get lazy with the blog, and once laziness settles in, it's hard to throw off its shackles.

Luckily a recent photoshoot with a capoerista friend, Pao, helped me. We took the shots at her place, and there are many winners. But sometimes, simple is best. This is basically the last shot of the day, no artificial lighting, no gimmick except for textured background added in post. Sometimes we have to remember to K.I.S.S. it...