TRAVEL 67 : Chris Willson Photography

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Hidden Gems

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Still organizing my images from India. Trying to get everything sorted, starred and keyworded before I head off on my next overseas trip.

Some photographs have immediate impact, usually the close up portraits with eye contact. Other more subtle images may fall through the cracks the first time I look through the thumbnails in Lightroom particularly if they don’t fit my usual style of shots.

Indian Couple – Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Just came across this image, a snapshot I took while wandering along the street during my final day in Jaipur. I happened to look down an alleyway, saw this couple, and took a pic. It’s very different to my other photographs (it looks like something one of my photographer friends Alfie Goodrich or Matt Brandon would have shot) which perhaps is why I missed it the first time, and love it now.

Stars over Cape Zanpa, Okinawa

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Stars over Cape Zanpa, Okinawa

Out at Cape Zampa last night to try and get some pics of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Saw a few meteors fly by but I don’t think you can spot any in this shot. Plenty of stars though!

Morijio, or mori-shio (盛塩)

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Morijio, or mori-shio (盛塩) purifying bowls of salt

Morijio, or mori-shio (盛塩) is a little mound of salt found outside some homes and businesses. Salt is a traditional spiritual purifier in Japan, which is why you see sumo wrestlers throwing it into the ring before bouts. These pics were from my visit to Kyoto last fall.

Morijio, or mori-shio (盛塩) purifying bowls of salt

July 30, 1978

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Memorial at the 730 Crossing Ishigaki, Okinawa, Japan,

In 1972, Okinawa rejoined Japan. Six years later, on 30th July 1978 traffic rules reverted, so that once again cars drove on the left. A small memorial beside the 730 Crossing on Ishigaki island, serves as a reminder.

Diving with Hiroshi

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Underwater with Hiroshi

I’m not diving this weekend but was able to sort out a few more shots from recent dives. Here’s Hiroshi my dive buddy of many years with his camera rig. ( Note the correct use of buoyancy control so that he hovers in the water rather than clambers over the coral. )

Underwater with Hiroshi

And here’s another shot of the fantastic ball of Silver-stripe round herrings that gathered at Cape Maeda the last couple of weeks.

Silver-stripe round herring shoal / bait ball at Cape Maeda, Okinawa.

On the Web – Condé Nast Traveler

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Fuji and Gotemba Peace Park – Conde Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler used one of my Fuji pics in their series of Stunning Asian Stupas. Brings back great memories of an unusually clear night and changing medium format film in the dark. The foreground is the Gotemba Stupa in the Peace Memorial Park.

Lab Report – Studio Edition

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Lab Report – Studio Edition

Photographer’s Top Tip: When working in the studio, remember to close the door so that your chocolate labrador does not wander in.

Lab Report – Studio Edition

Bear lumbered straight into the shoot, and greeted the model by slobbering all over her.

Lab Report – Studio Edition

In the future, along with a model release, I may have to get everyone to sign a liability waiver, with specific reference to acts of Dog.

Lab Report – Studio Edition

Haisai Oji-san

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Okinawan man at Yoshino Beach – Miyako Island, Okinawa, Japan

A very friendly oji-san I met on Miyako. He spends his days at Yoshino beach trying to keep Okinawa beautiful so it can be enjoyed by everyone.

Clash of the Titans

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China v America Toy Soldiers

Came across this man selling toys on the street in central Shanghai. On the local news, the threat from the American military was widely publicized.

The very real dangers of American fast food, seemed to be less of a concern.

Advertising at McDonalds Store in Shanghai, China

10,000 Person Eisa – Kokusai Street, Naha, Okinawa

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10,000 Person Eisa – Kokusai Street, Naha, Okinawa

I went down to Naha on Sunday to check out the 10,000 person eisa dance. Surprisingly, the festival begins around 1pm, which unsurprisingly means it was oppressively hot and humid. Parents and leaders of the various groups were trying to keep all the little kids cool with wet towels and drinks but most were looking pretty weary.

10,000 Person Eisa – Kokusai Street, Naha, Okinawa

I pottered around for an hour, met up with some friends, then slunk off to find somewhere cool. This particular Englishman (and his mad dog) have learned to stay out of the midday sun.