Happy Birthday Kevin! Well, his birthday isn't until next week, but since we will be in Italy next week, we had a small family party today. We'll celebrate it again in Italy, perhaps with his new Italian girlfriends.
Kevin wanted to go bowling, so we bowled a couple of games at the Dublin Bowl. I'm not much of a bowler, but I had my secret weapon today....Pyramid beer!
I finished my roll of Kodak BW400CN film today at the bowling alley and got it developed and scanned at Wolf Camera while we were in Dublin. Here are a few more pictures from the roll.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Happy Birthday Kevin
Friday, June 10, 2011
Reflections of a Volunteer Sports Photographer
I read an interesting article by Peter West Carey, titled “Photograph For Yourself Then Ask For Specific Advice.” In this article, the author addresses two key points.
1.Shoot for yourself.
2.Seek constructive and actionable feedback.
In March 2010, I initiated a 365 photography project. I joined a Flickr group, created to support members pursuing a 365 project. Back then, it was a bit intimidating posting my photos online, putting myself “out there” for critique. I, however, felt the feedback was a critical part of my development as a photographer. I sought constructive and actionable feedback so I could improve my skills. However, upon receiving feedback, I felt obligated to implement the changes to my photos. Many times, one person’s feedback conflicted with another person’s feedback. For example, one person would love the saturated colors, while another thought it was over-saturated. One thought a horizontal frame would work better, while another felt the vertical frame was stronger. Over the course of time, I came to appreciate something my dad used to say, “Opinions are like buttholes…everyone has one.” As it applies to photography, art is subjective and everyone has their own likes and dislikes, and there isn’t necessarily a “right” answer.
I came to trust my own vision and became less concerned with making my photographs look the way others thought it should look. One could say I began to shoot for myself. Don’t get me wrong, I still welcomed constructive feedback and many times the changes strengthened the final image dramatically. However, I didn’t feel like I “had to” make the changes. At the end of the day, I made absolutely sure I was happy with “my” image.
Now that I am done with my 365 project, I feel like I have broadened my horizons a bit. I still go hiking and backpacking, and shoot the landscapes I so love. I still shoot the family candids at birthdays and holidays. But, I now shoot black and white “day in the life” images with an old film camera. I don’t shoot these images to impress anyone. I don’t shoot them to hang on the wall. I just shoot them for the fun of it…for pure, simple, photographic pleasure.
I’ve also ventured into sports photography, shooting my son’s high school basketball games and my daughter’s softball games. As the volunteer team photographer, my “job” is to capture the season in photos. But, the beautiful thing about being a volunteer is I feel no pressure to impress or please anyone (unlike a paid professional). I feel entirely free to shoot what I want and how I want it. I’ll shoot the typical action shots one moment….then an artsy, creative shot the next. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. Personally, I find great pleasure capturing a slice of my children’s lives in photos. I also enjoy sharing my work with the other parents. They are extremely appreciative of the time I spent shooting all of the games and they cherish the photos of their children.
One of my goals for 2011 was to be more active in the community as a volunteer. Being a volunteer photographer this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my adult life. Having parents and players come to me after the games to tell me how much they loved the photos is priceless. I have come to realize I will never become a professional photographer, for the pressure and expectations would ruin the experience…..and the pay is much less rewarding.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Champions
The Thunder played the Giants on Tuesday in the championship game. The Giants started out fast, with a three run lead. The Thunder came back with five runs. However, the Giants quickly tied the game with two more runs. In the sixth inning, the Thunder retook the lead with four more runs and then held the Giants scoreless in the seventh inning to secure the win.
The level of competition in the PGSL Teal Minor Division was tough this year, but the Thunder emerged as the champions.
Congratulations Thunder!
Kami had an incredible season this year. She was a starting pitcher, shortstop, and lead-off batter. She really developed into a wonderful player this year, especially her rock solid defense.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Championship Part 1
The Thunder played the Giants today. A win would have earned them the championship. Since this is a double elimination tournament, a loss would force a rematch for the championship.
The girls started out a little flat on defense, but fought back in the final innings. They came up a little short, losing 6-4. Tomorrow's game will be for the championship.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Headed to the Championship Game
The Thunder beat a good Orioles team on Wednesday, with incredible defense and hitting. The Thunder scored nine runs, while the pitching and defense held the opponent to two runs.
The girls are off to the championship game on Saturday morning. Good luck Thunder!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Uncle Hiroshi
I started this blog in January 2010 and the very first of my relatives to be featured was Auntie Pearl. I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I don't think I've featured another relative since.
Well, I'm writing here to honor Uncle Hiroshi, who's funeral was on 28 May 2011. Governor Neil Abercrombie ordered all Hawai’i flags at State offices be be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2011.
Hiroshi Kato was a "nisei" (second generation Japanese-American) and served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team during World War II. After the war, he earned a degree from the University of Hawaii-Manoa and used the GI Bill to go to law school at the University of Minnesota. He was first elected to the State House of Representatives in 1959 and served for seven terms. He retired from the State Legislature in 1974 and was appointed by Governor John Burns to the Circuit Court bench where he served as judge for eight years. More about his life in this newspaper article.
I never knew he was a member of the 442nd RCT. He was very soft-spoken and never talked about it. The unit became the most highly decorated regiment in the history of the United States armed forces.
Now for the rest of the relatives, I hope I'm not writing about you any time soon!
Monday, May 30, 2011
All Gave Some, Some Gave All
Thank you to the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Without your service, we would not enjoy the freedoms we have today.
On this Memorial Day, let's remember our military members across the country and those deployed overseas, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Starting off Strong
Due to a league miscalculation, the Thunder were the number two seed in the playoffs instead of the top seed. Nonetheless, the girls know it doesn't matter...all they need to do is win games in the playoffs and they will be the champions.
The Thunder played a strong Giant's team and pulled out a win, 4-1. Today's win came down to great pitching and tough defense.
Kami started the game at pitcher and threw two scoreless innings. She finished the game at shortstop and caught a nice line drive.
Game two is next week. Good luck Thunder!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Playoffs
The Thunder are going to the playoffs! They are the number one seed in the Teal Minor Division.
Their first playoff game is tomorrow. A win puts them in the championship game, next week Wednesday.
Good luck, team! Tomorrow's weather forecast calls for some THUNDER!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
First Place
The Thunder were tied for first place in the PGSL Teal Minor Division and needed a win today to take sole possession of the lead.
The girls played an incredible game! Defensively, they were solid and held the other team scoreless. Kami started the game at pitcher and threw a wonderful game. She also played flawless defense at shortstop, catching everything that came her way and throwing perfect strikes to first base.
The other team played tough defense, but the Thunder scraped up five runs over five innings, through aggressive base running and timely base hits.
Great game, Thunder! Saturday is the last game of the season, then the Thunder will head into the playoffs.
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