Who are the Japanese?

In an effort to develop my style, I am taking portraits.

Before now I have been too scared to take photos of strangers. Something about asking someone I did not know if I could take their photo frightened me. I now realize that if they say "no," I can just move on and take the next person's photo. It's still a little scary, but I'm getting over it. One of my goals for this trip is to capture Japan through its people.

Today at the park I took some fantastic portraits of the people. There whole park was filled with Japanese people. There were lots of races and marathons being run at the stadium, but many people were just there to enjoy their day. It made me realize how much personality and warmth the Japanese have. Everyone I talked to was friendly towards me.

I took photos of people buying plants, street musicians, children, parents, old men, old women, and anyone else I could find. It was a good day. It taught me quite a bit about the Japanese. They are some of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever met.

Osaka

Osaka is amazing. This city is the largest most chaotic metropolis I have ever seen. Yet with all the chaos, there is a peacefulness about it. The streets are small and the tiny cars are very quiet. It's so quiet, I feel like I am in the suburbs.

It is impossible to understand Osaka. The sprawling unnamed streets are teeming with little stores and restaurants. I spent half a day in just a four block area of Osaka. Just within that area there were enough little streets and stores to keep one busy for weeks. Then I find a random staircase and realize there is an entire underground world. This underworld is like a giant mall beneath the city. I just cannot get over how large Osaka is!

The program is going really well. I am really thinking about my concepts and what sort of work I want to produce. The other people on the trip are very passionate and are great to discuss ideas with. I am having so much fun!

Osaka Preparations

In just 5 days 5 hours 42 minutes and 36 seconds I will be getting on a plane eventually headed to Osaka, Japan. I am going to Osaka to study photography with the Japan Institute of Photography and Film. I am going with about 15 other people from IU. The classes are in studio, but there will be lectures about the culture and language as well. The program starts of May 24th and ends on June 27th.

I've been getting prepared for the trip and it is getting me very excited. I just purchased a hard drive to backup all my photos before I leave. I've purchased books on Japan and have subscribed to a few Japanese related podcasts. Unfortunately I don't know any Japanese, and either does most people going on the program. It should be very interesting.

Knowing what to bring for a trip like this is very difficult. Bring lots of clothes or buy clothes there? Get a new tripod or hope I won't need one? Film or digital or both? So many questions! I just hope I can get it all worked out before I leave.

Along with excitement, I also feel very nervous. The feeling not only comes from the fact that I don't know any Japanese, it's also because I am taking a different flight from everyone else. Every single other person on the trip is going through a group flight, so they will be all together the whole way. I saved a bunch of money by booking my flight out of Chicago. I made sure that we were taking most of the same flights, so I shouldn't be apart from them for too long, but, there is still a large chance for error. Hope it all goes well.

I'm listening fellow IU student Esther Kim play Bazzini's "La Ronde des lutins." I actually heard it for the first time at a recital she performed at IU.