Tokyo Schoolgirls

Sometimes you get lucky and a shot just works.

I came across this scene when walking through a park on the outskirts of Tokyo.

A twist on the typical "group portrait", this image was chosen by Rodney Smith out of 2800 submissions to be 1 of 50 images showcased in the Center for Fine Art Photography's, Portraits, Exhibition (www.c4fap.org).

The image was also recently chosen as the Category Winner (Portrait) of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, Members Show. (www.fmopa.org).

I wish ALL my shots were this lucky!

Well, as much as this belongs in my "Photoon" blog, it really is a companion piece to the photo below.

A bit of cropping and a little twist on the "Evil Twin" theme gave me something that suits my own twisted sense of humor.

A Lesser Walker Evans

Subway photography is a delicate art at any time and subway photography in Japan/Tokyo is a case in point. The Japanese are typically overly polite, obsessed with "the rules" and seldom will partake in any activity that would upset the peace and order of another. It always amazes me how they can stand nose to nose on a crowded subway, yet somehow manage to NOT invade each others space. Foreigners "gaijin", can get away with a certain amount of boorish behavior because it is expected of us, but, I always try and respect the culture and blend in, however impossible that may be.

I was compelled to take a risk when this photo presented itself. Maybe not the best compositionally and certainly, way out of park where headroom and portraiture is concerned, seeing these two men sitting beside each other made me click off the frame. They were a study in opposites. The worker and the businessman, siamese like in their proximity, brought together by fate and timing to form this unusual bond.

The Official Weigh In

One of the quirks my father in-law has, is that he is a measurer! He loves to know the distances between all points and for some reason, he has an obsession with weight. Particularly, it seems, mine! I assume he is concerned for the health and welfare of his daughters spouse, but I also assume there is some sense of pride regarding the relatively fit and trim Japanese society vs, the in most cases, lesser so, North American. To this end, shortly after we arrived we had the official "weigh in", whereby we established the baseline from which we would be judged at trips end. I think the odds are stacking against me though, because it seems to be every mother in-laws creed to over feed and such is the case here, where breakfast is a seven or eight course meal that typically consists of soup, rice, fish, pickles, vegetables, fruit, eggs and a few other, (typically unidentifiable) items thrown in for good measure. All washed down with copius amounts of green tea.

Room Without a View

When in Japan and visiting Tokyo, I stay with my in-laws. They live in the Nakano district, not far from Shinjuku by subway.

Several years ago my father in- law tore down his traditional Japanese house and built a modern Japanese structure. The main living room now has couches and chairs instead of traditional tatami and while many concessions have been made for modern conveniences, the essence of the Japanese home remains. It is spare and tasteful and highly efficient.

One sad concession to modern times and the premium that is put on space in crowded Tokyo, is a house that was built in the former parking lot behind my in-laws home. The guest room, located on the third floor, used to have sweeping views of the striking Shinjuku skyline. This is our view today.

Two Weeks in Tokyo

Should be interesting. The plan is to visit several galleries and museums and of course take lots of pictures. Stay tuned.

Las Vegas Sign

Probably one of the most iconic images in America, is the Las Vegas Sign. Hundreds of people a day are drawn here to cement the record of their stay in the City That Never Sleeps.

What Happens In Vegas

For the last few years I have had to go to Las Vegas on business. Last year I put together this image which encapsulated a little bit of the "What Happens Here Stays Here" theme.

This year I am going to take a slightly different approach.

For most of us, the new year brings a time of contemplation and assessment. For me, this also happened at a time where I was completely reassessing my subject matter, style and intent. I have been off on a real Photoshop creative odyssey lately and felt it was time to reign back in and just take some pictures.

I got the spark of an idea when I was in Las Vegas last year, but didn't really have time to see it completely through. There is a hint of it in the picture above. Stayed tuned , I will post the results when I get back in just over a week.

Pool Demon

There's more than sharks in the water!

5 Minutes of Fame at MOCA North Miami

I think that MOCA in North Miami has one of the best artist outreach programs in the country. Each month they run 5 Minutes of Fame where local artists get exactly ten minutes to showcase a body of their work for MOCA staff and the general public.

This past January 6th MOCA held a special edition of 5 Minutes, where Bonnie Clearwater, MOCA's Executive Director and Chief Curator was the host of the evening and graciously and expertly gave critiques on each artists work.

I probably don't have to tell you what a great opportunity this is, when trying to get a gallerist of even a postage sized space to look at your work is akin to winning Survivor.

The other wonderful thing about these evenings, is that you get to see a wide range of work and expression and if you happen to be presenting as I did that evening, you get to meet other artists and hear the rationale for the work they create.

The bottom line here is exposure and this is where MOCA and 5 Minutes of Fame really excel for the artists.

If you are in Miami or happen to be there when one of these events is on, I strongly encourage you to go. It is entertaining, educational and most of all it supports both the artists and the Museum. I am only sorry that you can only participate once a year if you are an artist. I would be in there ever month if they would let me.

L.A.