Just a little over a week ago, I was in Tohoku, Japan as part of a media team for a non-profit organization, Churches Helping Churches. A detailed post of my time up north is on its way. I’m still reflecting on the tragedy that has come upon northern Japan and the rebuilding that must take place in the cities and in people’s lives.
One of the things brought home to me as I was taking pictures of the destruction before me is that for all man’s creativity and ingenuity, we build things that won’t last. We might know this in our heads but on a daily basis, we lead lives that come perilously close to delusional. Why? Because we think our lives are somehow invincible. We take so much comfort from our possessions. We work hard on things that truly aren’t meaningful. The tragedy in northern Japan has taught me that life is beautiful but it is short and fragile. I should correct myself to say that life CAN be beautiful if we live it in a way that give value to others rather than hopelessly trying to attain meaning from possessions.
The blooming of flowers during springtime are a gentle reminder to me of this reflection: we have an incredibly short amount of time in which we can display the beauty that God has intended for our lives. We need to take a hard look at our lives. Are we living it for others or for things?
It was a rainy day but I managed to get the family to explore an area in southern Kokura City called Sugao. The area is beautiful. We are definitely coming back to explore more of this place especially when the weather is sunny.
Exploring with the Lensbaby Composer lens. My vision for this shot was an eagle’s eye view. What do you think?
Mr. Worm got in on some of the action!
And now for the family shots!
Yes, they are silly like their Daddy and Mommy!!
Our family will be in the U.S. for the months of August and September. We will be in Virginia most of the time but also doing a 3-week tour of the Midwest. Let us know if you would like to meet during our stay. We would love to hang out and catch up with dear friends and families. Photog buddies, let me know if you want to hang out as well! Shoot us a message (facebook, twitter or email) or comment on this post. Hope to see you soon!
I first met Makiko through her mom. Her mom used to be my oldest daughter’s daycare teacher. I was excited when Makiko and her fiancee, Takatoshi, asked me to document their wedding day, both here in Japan and in Guam. They are a wonderful couple and I can’t wait to shoot their wedding this weekend. In keeping with the traditional Shinto custom, the poses you will see here are on the conservative side. I hope to balance this with more fashionable poses when they do part two of their wedding in Guam next month. Congratulations, Takatoshi and Makiko!
There is a slide show at the end of this post and there is the option to view it in high-resolution (HQ). Enjoy!!!
This is one long overdue engagement session of my colleague, Roger, and his wife (fiancee then), Yukiko. Their engagement session was so much fun. Like me, Roger is a big goofball which made for some great candids below. Yukiko has a great laugh and smile which made me want to laugh and smile. Did I mention that Roger is an avid photographer himself? The guy was taking landscape shots during their session! “Ummm…Roger, can we get back to taking your engagement pics?!? Put your camera down.” LOL! Wedding pics coming soon. In the meantime, enjoy these images.
Here’s Roger at play with his camera. It’s hard not to when you have such beautiful landscape and textures.
I was privileged to capture Ikue and Hiroki’s wedding day. And now I am doubly blessed to witness and capture the birth of their daughter, Mikoto. I have witnessed the birth of my own three daughters but it truly never gets old. It is miraculous to see the birth of a life! Ikue and Hiroki, I am so happy for you both. Mikoto is blessed to have you as Mommy and Daddy. Congratulations!!
Okay, I couldn’t wait. 2 blog posts in one day: woo hoo!! Below are some of the pages from this awesome couple’s album. Ikue and Hiroki, thank you for allowing me to capture your special day! Enjoy!
