Night Photography

Night photography is a different beast than it's daytime counterpart. Tones, colors and atmosphere (to name these few) are different, opening new opportunities for creative minds. My mood itself is quite different too when I go making pictures at night, perhaps because the locales are much quieter. Here are some shots from the past few days, minus my favorite one which I'll upload on Good Friday.

Temple near my place

Tree near my place

Road near my place

Park near my place

Cherry blossom tree near my place

Not many people out for the cherry trees on Saturday

Futuristic

On my way back from the KMFH3

The Day in Pictures

When I shot Osaka Castle the other evening, I had my 70-300mm on my camera, and it hasn't left it since. Here are some shots taken with it today.

The temple near my home

Titled 'Friends', a message to my Dutch friend Edith

"Johnny take a walk, with your sister the Moon..."

Jigsaw Falling Into Place

Osaka Castle Cherry Blossoms

I went out tonight hoping to get a shot I didn't manage to create last year. Reflecting on last year's attempt, I thought I hadn't positioned my strobes correctly to catch my camera's wireless signal. I sadly learned tonight that they were simply out of range. A little disappointing, but I still managed this shot; can you spot Batman's shadow on the castle? Not what I was exactly going for, but maybe next year I can try again.

Montbell Charity Event: Super D in Action

Diane Orrett is an awesome woman. So much so that from now on I shall refer to her as Super D. There just isn't a better way to describe her. In case you didn't know, she spent 5 days in Tohoku, the tsunami-afflicted area, helping out volunteer crews to load, unload and distribute necessities (such as hand lotion, honestly), as well as entertaining locals, young and old, with her balloon antics.

Today and tomorrow Montbell is hosting it's Friends' Fair, with this year's proceeds going to relief efforts. Super D was on hand to entertain the crowds and collect some donations. I met the president of the company, Mr. Tatsuno. I took the opportunity to thank him personally, as his company sponsored my Trailwalker team when we joined in 2007 and 2008 (I'd like to join again, but it ain't that easy to find 3 other like-minded individuals and find the time and energy to train for it: go for it, do it at least once, it is worth it; I hope to join again in a few years). Along the big cheese, I did meet many interesting people, and if you read this in time, please drop by; besides the stands and outlet section, there are many activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some shots from today.

Transporting the wall of friendship

Yes you can!

Yes we can!

Yes I could

Yes I can (with a little help from my friend)

This is the way you do it

Spirit Sisters

Serious as ever

Who's the fairest one of all?

Super D and I wished we were still (recognized as) kids

New Look

I'm not done yet, but what do you think so far?

Spring is Here pt.2

I had fun today again, especially as I had quite a bit of bicycle commuting. Although I was never much into flower photography, a macro lens opens doors into abstraction, which attracts me more to be honest. All shots are not of flowers, but...

The shapes attracted me

My wife says I look like Winnie the Pooh; well, I do
like honey, and thus, bees too.

Regular cherry blossom

Shallow DOF

Backlit yellow

Backlit orange

This sign has seen more than one spring

Don't ask me the name of this flower

Tulip

End of the day

Spring is Here

Well, as far as I can tell, the Osaka Spring (a.k.a. Montreal Summer) has arrived. Of course, most of the time my macro lens is on when I go out. Here are some shots of the past week.

Don't know the names of these big ones

The first blossoms

Shot with my 20-35mm

A very pink variety of cherry blossoms

Fotografika Reception Party

Last night was the reception party for the Fotografika exhibition I joined. I feel humble to be amongst so many talented photographers and artists. This year, as I mentioned, the theme is midnight and the pictures represented the theme quite well, with every photographers' interpretations. The party was lively, and it was great to talk shop with many of the people present. The daughter of one of the artist of course stole the show, and my model, Diane, also showed up. Thank SoHo Gallery for a great evening and exhibition.

Things were still civil then

Mireiyu and her daughter: where's Duckie?

Don't worry, she was drinking softies

Canon people: you're excused

Nikon people, with at least 2 missing on the shot

I'll show you the strength of my Kung Fu

On the right the mother who didn't worry a bit

Celio, one of the gallery owners

My model on the left

Fun times for all

My Contribution

I stopped by Costco today to buy some stuff that is actually needed by the towns hit by the terrible earthquake and tsunami earlier this month. My friend Nick is driving up to the affected area for the third time this weekend to bring supplies donated by Kansai residents, according to the lists of wanted items compiled by the affected municipalities. He is hoping it will be his last trip, that from now on Japanese NGOs will have the go ahead to 'officially' go into the devastated areas and bring relief to the people in need. While my contribution might seem small, all the items have been requested by local organizations; I wish I could have bought more, but there is much one can give. But if we all give as much, it DOES make a difference. Go for it, Nick and Ben.

Fotografika: Mar 29 to Apr 3

The Fotografika exhibition starts in about 12 hours and I'll be there for most of the afternoon of the 29th to welcome guests. If you have the chance, please drop by. I'll also be there on the evening of the 2nd. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's shots. With a theme like Midnight, there's bound to be many fantastic images. Don't miss it.