All posts filed under: Pentax 645D

Ceramic Knives

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My younger sister used to work in Sheffield’s steel industry, which makes the following comment almost heresy. I just bought a ceramic knife. Although they’re both usually white, a ceramic knife is very different from the dull plastic utensil you’re given on planes or at picnics. Constructed from zirconium dioxide the blade is hard and it’s edge is very, very sharp. On Okinawa where you live in a mix of humidity, rain and salt spray, steel doesn’t stand much of a chance. Knives, cars, lawnmowers, and bicycles are quickly reduced to junk. (Prizes to those who spotted the pun in the last sentence.) Although the knife is more brittle than a metal blade, (you’ll break the tip if you try to lever the lid off a can of paint) it’s still an impressive piece of engineering. Until recently, I’d always associated high-tech ceramics with the Space Shuttle, but now it is companies like Kyocera who are at the cutting edge of technology.

Okinawan Orchids

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The first thing you notice when you arrive in Okinawa are the orchids. They greet you at the airport, then in the hotel lobby, and if you’re staying somewhere nice, in your room. They are also a common gift, when you might otherwise give a bunch of flowers. When people start a new business, move house, or even hold an exhibition it’s quite common to see an impressive display of orchids. If you want to see a large variety of orchids on Okinawa, check out Bios Botanical Gardens in Uruma City or the Tropical Dream Center located in Expo park a short walk from the Churaumi Aquarium.

Fun in the Sun

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Great Photography 101 workshop last weekend. Saturday was all about the fundamentals, looking at how we can better control aperture, exposure and composition, then on Sunday we explored the Yomitan peninsular to practice our techniques. Shirley got this great shot of a couple posing at Cape Maeda. I like the way she’s positioned the couple away from the center of the frame for better composition, and captured the decisive moment as they both smile for their own photograph. And here’s a shot of me demonstrating that you sometimes have to get down to the same level as your subjects. As one of Japan’s most famous diving and snorkeling spots it was not surprising that on a gorgeous day in August there were plenty of people enjoying the water. I took at quick photograph of the scene, and when looking at the image on the computer it reminded of the Where’s Wally books. (Where’s Waldo in the U.S.) I put the full size image up on Flickr, scroll around the screen to check out everyone having …

The Contender in the Canon Corner

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When I started studio photography I was fascinated with the catchlights in the eyes of models. I’d have my face pressed up against posters in department stores working out whether the photographer used a beauty dish, a parabolic, or clamshell lighting. Recently I’ve been looking at rim lighting, which is why I was standing staring at the Harry Potter posters as I left the cinema. Rim lighting can be used to accentuate form, which is why it really worked with the shots of Michael.

Dojo Bar, Naha

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This weekend was the official opening of Dojo a new bar in Naha aimed at the karate fraternity on the island. Brit, black belt, and all round nice guy, James Pankiewicz set up the bar with the hope that it can be a meeting point for karateka of all styles and nationalities. On Saturday’s opening night half a dozen karate masters were sitting around one of the tables drinking together. It was the equivalent of setting up a soccer themed bar, glancing over and seeing Pele ordering beers for Maradona, Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Charlton. Dojo bar is located a couple of hundred meters from the Makishi monorail station (north end of Kokusai street). Open 18.00 to 00.00, closed Tuesdays. See more of images of James training in the Arakaki dojo and on the beach.