New Year's Eve in Kyoto

I had to go to Kyoto on New Year's eve on business, which turned out to be great. First I had an interview set up by an acquaintance of the Osaka European Film Fest. After, I went to Arashiyama for a photo shoot with Mark Rasmus, a kung fu and tai chi instructor on whom I'm preparing an article for the Kansai Scene. It turned out awesome as it was snowing heavily in Kyoto yesterday. Here is a shot of Mark, and the others I took after on my own. Thank gods my equipment is weatherproof!

The snow really created a grand mood

Humm, sake...

Cute, aren't they? Especially the small one on the right

My grad filter would have been nice here; had to burn the trees behind quite a bit

My fall leaf series continues!

Hankyu Arashiyama station is very beautiful, with or without snow

Day 2 for Kazuma Alexis

I promise, I won't pictures of my kid every day, but please give a 2-day old dad a break!

Yesterday the in-laws came to see him again. This time they had to look across a window, as kids have weak immune systems.

After they left, I got some personal time with my boy. Apparently he's crying a fair bit, usually quieting when he's fed. He must be hungry! While I held him he mostly stopped crying but after mom was gone for too long, even my best songs and rocking wouldn't satisfy him. I guess, not unlike his parents, his new life will take some time to really sink in.

As I had to leave at 8pm, hospital policy obliging, I had organized an impromptu celebration with my friends at the Blarney Stone, Shinsaibashi (Facehook is useful at times). On the way there, I took some shots of the Midosuji Illumination, here are 3 of the shots.

Then, this afternoon with some time on my hands, I used this last one and layered it with a picture of Kaz on day 1. The result isn't perfect, but it's fun to do. Enjoy!

I present you Kazuma Alexis

Born on December 28th, 2010 at 16:50 in Osaka, Japan. Boy  3,024kg 50cm 10 fingers and toes (phew!)

Labor went relatively well and once active labor started (took a long time to get there) he was out in under an hour, screaming on his own really quickly. I saw him come out, and it was an amazing experience to witness. For better and for worse, men don't get to experience directly the gestation and birth, but at least I could see him come out.

Anyways, I know most of you aren't here for my blah blah, so with further ado, I present you Kaz.

Shot about 5min after birth

In the blue corner, weighing at 3,024 kg (he was on the scale then)

I love his little frown on this one

XMAS Roda

On Christmas night Lagoa do Abaete Japao, with whom I play capoeira, had a roda followed by a party. Pino with his wife and 7-month old daughter, and Kame & Yuma, who's baby is about to pop, were some of the 'surprise' guest of the evening. My abs are killing me today, but it was a fun evening. I leave with some shots of the evening.

Hummm, beeeer

Hummm, foooood

Rudolf #1

Rudolf #2

He's the contra mestre, he can do it

Nice hat!

Got his own present in the exchange!

Preparing the after-birth

Axe!

Shota and his bedroom eyes

Final roda

Learning to fly

Akio-kun at the back

Take this!

It's a bird, it's a plane; no it's Kame!

Nice handstand

 

End of Autmn part 3

The series continues, with a few more outtakes.

I like the out of focus background on this one

One of many shots of this leaf

A lot of CA on this one so I had to correct in post

Persimmons are ubiquitous at the end of fall in Japan

Study on shape 1

Study on shape 2

Background is a factory wall

Best Wishes for 2011

Thank you for your support this year and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

End of Autumn Continued

Some more shots from my current series. Very little or no post-production in most of them as usual. I set up my white balance, exposure, saturation and contrast in camera. I hope you enjoy them.

OK, so all the shots aren't last leaves; sue me! 

There was color in the sky for a few minutes

Reminds me of a Tim Burton image for some reason

Same leave as left.

Angle 1

Angle 2

Angle 3

Funky background