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In response to the request of an alert reader and good friend, here's the photo of the young lady the wild and wooly cameraman below was shooting and an explanation, of sorts, as to the camera details and why I had to act like a nut to capture the shot this way.Most of the people performing in period costumes, whether they're marching or dancing as part of the reenactment ceremonies for the Ryukyu King and Queen's Coronation, are forbidden to smile. In fact, many of the Okinawan Dances I shoot, have the same rules; they're very formal affairs with hours of rigorous training and rehersals behind them.
What I was attempting to do here was capture one of these beauties, with blue sky and skyscrapers in the background. Actually, I threw away half a dozen other photos from this same series where the young ladies were staring at me as if their eyes were cold-steel, piercing my lens. I figured, maybe, if I acted like a nut or paparazzi (same), I might get someone to crack a smile. And it worked ! Sometimes ya gotta break the rules; all of them.
Photo taken with a Pentax K10D, Camera Flash, Spotmetered, f/11 1/180 ISO 100 Pentax 18-250 mm lens at 48mm . 1NOV2009 12:38PM Brilliant sun and harsh shadows made it a difficult shot so, flash was used to soften the shadows. Flash set to Compulsory Red Eye Reduction.
Sumitran, my alert reader-friend, thanks for the inspiration !
To see my Blog where almost flawless English is mandatory and I even get paid for it (Don't tell the IRS) please visit and comment HERE
Cheers,
Mike
Wow Mike, I'm so awed and honoured :-) !!
ReplyDeleteWith this snap, I am now able to imagine the scene in its totality !!
And, needless to add, it's yet another great shot from you.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Sumitran
From Sabina
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you gave the background of that shot. I never knew when the Japanese are in period costumes they're supposed to be at all times somber. Kudos to you for getting her to smile like that!
Lovely girl! Lovely photo!
ReplyDeleteSophie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to visit and comment. If I ever get the chance, I'll come visit and snap a few of your lovely girls!
Cheers,
Mike
Lovely shot! She looks totally natural.
ReplyDeleteLadyE,
ReplyDeleteWhy Thank You! I run across you frequently over on the Stumble Channel. I'll make sure to take the time and comment on your blog as well. I get so carried away Thumbing/Tweeting and Pinging, I forget to comment most of the time!
Cheers,
Mike