Reflections Along the Okukubi River

Nature Therapy for the Soul

Lately I've been taking early morning hikes with the dog, trying to get him in shape.

Way before sunup, I'm out navigating Okinawa's east coast in Kin Town.

By the time the sun rises above surrounding hills and trees I'm walking along the river.

These birds, known as Black-winged Stilts entertained me, circling above the water.

It was 6:39 AM on April 8th, when this image was captured.

Can you remember what you were doing at the time?

Moving along the east bank of the river, I keep looking for interesting reflections to shoot.

Some of my Okinawa friends, who have moved off the island, will enjoy these photos.

They bring back memories of hours, spent on the river, enjoying nature photography.

Not actually planning on bird photography, I was using wide angle lenses.

It would be 7:15 AM by the time I reached this Kin Bypass bridge.

The dog and I, would continue our leisurely stroll all the way to the Kin Dam.

There, we would rest in the shade and take a refreshing water break.

If there's a river or lake near you, checkout the early morning light.

You might be surprised, what the scenery does for your spirits!

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Wordless Wednesday: Time to Reflect

Reflections of a School Sports Day in Okinawa

An Undokai is a Big Family Event

The annual Sports Day at a middle school is sort of a family picnic. 

Normally, tents are pitched to shelter everyone from the blazing hot Okinawa sun.

This year things were a little different. The tents served as umbrellas. It rained.

Once it stopped pouring buckets of water from the sky, children hit the athletic field.

It looked almost as if they were standing on a mirror.

This character is a Chondara, sort of a clown in the Eisa group.

Normally, dust would be flying as the Eisa dancing takes place on the dirt field.

Today, I didn't mind slipping and sliding around in my flip-flops. No dust on my lens!

This Chondara, you might say, was outstanding in his field.

Several photos were taken, trying to get compositions, where he was separated from the group.

Once a Chodara gets in with the rest of the dancers, they're difficult to catch with a camera.

For a few minutes, a bit of blue sky poked through the clouds but, it wouldn't last.

A couple of hundred students romping around would drain some of the mud off the field.

Here's a GIF to show some of the unusual relay races the students execute.

It seemed as if the rain might hold off for the rest of the day but, it didn't.

Shortly after the relays were finished and, before lunchtime, the event was canceled.

More stormy weather was on the way so, I left quickly.

On the way home, I grabbed a takeout steak dinner.

Not a bad days work!

Along the Okukubi River -- A Few Images

Reflections at the End of the Day

There weren't any outstanding Osprey photos taken today but, that happens sometimes.

About ten hours was spent, walking both sides of the river with the Pentax K1.

It was equipped with 420MM of lens and, mounted on a tripod.

My feathered friends, made a few pass overs, at great distances from the camera.

This one, was so high in the sky, I should have laid down on my back, to take the shot.

In order, to straighten out the crick in my neck, I started looking down at the scenery.

This was the first time, I ever used all that lens, for reflection photography.

Normally, a photo like this, would be taken with a wide angle lens.

Photographers, just don't use, 420MM of glass, to shoot this kind of scenery.

It makes me think, "Which planet do, you live on, when not visiting earth?"

Carrying all that weight, I decided, more bird shots, should be taken on the way home.

This Grey Heron, wasn't very large and, way across the river from me.

Several shots were taken, in continuous shooting mode, to create this animation.

The birds, didn't exactly, make my day but, a few reflections made it all worthwhile.

There's a good chance, I'll travel that route, again tomorrow.

Pacific Golden Plovers: Photo Reflections of the Day

In a bit of a rush so, I'm just posting these two bird photos.

The birds are Pacific Golden Plovers and they were photographed today.

Location: Kin Village, Okinawa, Japan

Equipment Used: Pentax K5 and Sigma 50-500mm lens

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Fun with a Camera at Night Outside Castle Walls

Last night Map It Okinawa Dude and I got to Shuri Castle late.

We decided to shoot some photos from down below.

That's because, when they shut the gates, they lock them all.

But, there are plenty of places you can still go to outside castle walls.

We hiked around the pond and had fun shooting reflections.

Outside the castle there is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Named Sonohyan-Utaki, it is the stone gate to a sacred site, kings used to pray at.

The moon even peeked through the clouds for a few minutes and, I nabbed it in this photo.

After 10PM we figured it would be best to start going back down the hill and around the pond.

I was thinking, we'd be in a real jam, if the lights went out.

Along the way we stopped and took a few more reflection photos.

Now, today, I'm wondering what the rush was all about.  I checked the castle website.

And, here's what I just found out.

They keep the lights on outside until midnight !

Travel Photo: Reflections on the Okukubi River in Okinawa

Sometimes, out looking for wildlife, I end up taking photos with wood in them instead.

This observation deck and stairs going into the mangroves on the Okukubi River

in Kin Cho Okinawa, were man-made.

But, the dude who makes the sun go up and down gave me the reflections !

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Photography Tip: Get Your Reflection Out Of The Picture

Once in awhile in your travels you may come across a scene like this.

Something important inscribed on a highly reflective metal surface.

It was hotter than blazes on a July afternoon when Doc Graff and I located this spot.

This plaque describing the burial site of two Frenchmen is on Yagaji Island in Okinawa, Japan.

There was nothing available to shield the chrome plated sign from the sun.

Standing in front of the sign and taking a photo was not such a great idea.

What I wanted was, to be able to read the words and not look at someone's beer belly.

All you have to do to get your reflection out of the picture is move to one side of the metal object.

Have a look at all of my PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

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Photo of the Week: Reflections at the Track

The day started with blue skies and sunshine over Okinawa, Japan.

Then the weather had to get involved.  This was what the track looked like at 11AM.

There was a slight delay but, nothing stops a village Undokai (Sports Day) and I have about 485 more photos to prove it.  It will be midweek before all the developing is done but, I decided this photo deserves the  honor of being my Photo of the Week.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: AMAZING RACE: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SENIORS

People Reflections at Naha Dragonboat Festival 2011 (Photos)

There are still hundreds of Dragonboat photos in the development stage and I'll be posting them shortly.  Meanwhile, here are some shots I took between the races.  Things to do on a rainy day in Okinawa.

When the rain slacks off for a few minutes, the light is just right and no wind or movement disturb the water it can be the same as standing on a mirror.

Children in bright yellow raincoats make terrific subjects, if they'll to stay motionless for a second.

            Adults are easier to capture when you can find them standing in the lighting you want.

           Every now and again, even a teenager will hold still to have a cell phone conversation.

                                For larger crowds you have to back off and go wide angle.

    Where there's enough room to move left, right, up and down it's easier to get the best reflections.

           This couple was very cooperative but, the little Bulldog didn't want to get his feet wet.

Turn a little tyke loose in a puddle at a festival and it's better than watching entertainment on the stage.

        If you think I was miserable at the Dragonboat races, getting rained all day, you're wrong. 

It was so much fun wandering around looking at people reflections I almost missed the boat races!

There will be plenty more photos of the Naha Okinawa Dragonboat races and the teams that were there posted here and in my wesbite gallery as they get processed.  Please be patient and if you happen to know someone who enjoys writing about these events, making no money at it (like I do), have them contact me through my website.  I'll give them all the free photos they can eat !

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