chatan

Photo of the Day - Close Quarters

Photo of the Day - Close Quarters

Okinawa is a small island, only about 70 miles long, and so space is always at a premium. I'm always impressed with how space, no matter how small is used to it's maximum potential. I took this photo this weekend, on one of the rare nice days we've had recently. It's hard to tell from the photo, but the small road to the right is only about 8-10 feet wide and ascends to what feels like an almost 90 degree angle upwards until it meets with the road pictured on the left. In the mindle are several houses, a 10 story apartment building, and a park with a walking path, a pond and a climbing/ play area for children. All of this in an area smaller the size of an American football field.

Nightfall in Chatan

Nightfall in Chatan

We finally got some decent weather yesterday after a week of rain, clouds and cold. I decided to head over to Chatan and walk around with my iPhone 6 and my Fuji x100s. Just for a change I've had the TCLx100 on for a couple weeks now. I love the 35 equivalent I get from my x100s, but sometimes it's just nice to shoot with a 50mm focal length. I never grow tired of how even the most mundane can look interesting in late afternoon light. I shot the next two images from my car. I see so many photos from my car, but usually can't stop or get to my camera in time.

Breakfast at Hale Noa Cafe

Breakfast at Hale Noa Cafe

This weekend my family and I tried the new Hale Noa Cafe in Chatan. The cafe is located near the entrance to Araha Beach, and next door to the Okinawan chain restaurant Chirugwa. My wife had driven by a couple days earlier, noticed Salted Caramel French Toast on their weekly special board outside, and we had to try it out. I'm so glad we did too as it turned out to be a great little breakfast spot, something that is in short supply here in Okinawa. 

Okinawa, Haze - Fuji x100s/TCL-x100

Okinawa, Haze - Fuji x100s/TCL-x100

Okinawa's sky is hazy lately from the dust and pollution passing through from China, and it reminded me of this image I shot a couple weeks ago. I was walking along the seawall in Chatan, and I saw this couple trying to soak up what little sun was making it's way through the haze/clouds that day. Times like this when the little bit of extra reach from the teleconverter pays off. Any closer and they would have noticed me and changed the moment. At almost 3:00 pm in the afternoon I was shooting slightly into the sun, pulling some contrast from the shot, but I still like it.

Everyday Beauty and the Fuji X-Pro1

Everyday Beauty and the Fuji X-Pro1

We should all take time to stop and enjoy moments like these. All too often we take for granted the beauty around us. They say "the best things in life are free". Scenes such as this must surely be one of them.

Japan Photo of the Day - Mihama, Okinawa

An old man eating ice cream in American Village, Chatan Okinawa.

Japan Photo of the Day

American Village in Chatan

American Village in Chatan Okinawa.