Meet Hector, a graphic designer from Puerto Rico. Thank you Hector for being a part of the project.
Hector - Project 1001 Faces.
Kelli - Artist
Meet Kelli, a graphic artist from Portland, Oregon. Thanks Kelli for being a part of the project.
Anthony - U.S. Marine
After a long hiatus I finally got back to my long term project 1001 Faces. Meet Anthony, a U.S. Marine from Virginia. Thanks Anthony for being part of the project.
The Spirit of Kendo
The latest issue of Okinawa Living is out with a feature on Kendo, and for the first time I not only shot all the photos, but wrote the feature as well. I'm far from being the next Hemmingway, but I'm still proud of it. Thank you Rie-san for translating, Lisa Kit Ming and Mike Daley for editing my gibberish, and to Hector Nieves for making my photos look great with layout and design. Click here to download the issue and feel free to leave comments below if you like. TA.
Hina Matsuri, Girls' Day.
Monday was Hina Matsuri, Girls' Day in Japan. Many families displayed Hina Ningjo, a traditional doll display, in their homes to bring good luck and happiness for their daughters. The dolls represent the Emperor, Empress, and attendants in traditional court clothing from the Heian period. Displayed starting in February, the display is usually taken down on or soon after March 4th, as leaving the dolls on display long after this date would result in a late marriage, according to superstition.
Hina Ningjo, Dolls displayed on Hina Matsuri, Girls' Day in Japan.
Many local shops also join in on the celebration. Baskin Robbins celebrates the day with a variety of specialty ice-cream creations such as the one below which mimics the doll display.
Cherry Blossoms are back.
It's that time of year again here in Japan when the Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) bloom. Pink and white blossoms started sprouting as early as two weeks ago in some areas of Okinawa. I'm sure traffic will be higher than normal this weekend as many people venture out to view the seasonal flowers before they begin to fall off and disappear.
Lanterns in the night.
Lanterns are one of my favorites things about living in Japan and I photograph them often. This shot is in Naha near Kokusai Street.