4 fun friday: Southeast Botanical Garden in Chibana, Okinawa City, Okinawa

Just 4 fun fridays is about having fun and growing as a photographer. Some post will be about adventures to Okinawa locations or mastering a new technique. Either way I'm giving myself the freedom to grow and risk as I experiment with the camera. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I appreciate your company =)


I was actually concerned that this 4 fun friday was going to be canceled on the count of rain. Fortunately luck was with us this morning. The rain held off and we ventured over to the Southeast Botanical Garden. I can't believe that it took this long for me to discover this little bit of Eden. I love flowers and there were flowers and colors bursting everywhere. There are koi ponds, a small children's play area, snack/drink vendor and the Botanika Garden Restaurant located on the property.  The Botanika Garden Restaurant serves a lunch Buffet from 11 am to 14:30. Due to the children's early release from school today I was limited on time but I did have fun taking the photographs found here. I plan on going back when I'm not limited in time to capture the images of the beauty and tranquility of the Southeast Botanical Gardens.  


Go visit the Southeast Botanical Gardens this June to view the Lotus Festival Friday. There will be approximately 1,000 blooms. Not only are they beautiful but you will enjoy their sweet fragrance.


Interested in learning more about Southeast Botanical Garden's flowers and insects? Read their blog written by the curator Shoichi Higa. 


After visiting the garden take a moment to see Kurashiki Dam. Which is located down the street. 


Southeast Botanical Garden:
open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.


Admission to the park
10,000Y  Adults: High School or older
300Y for children: 3 yrs old to Junior High School.


Directions to Southeast Botanical Gardens:


The map on the website is the best for directions. 


From Kadena, go straight out Gate 3. 


Pass Chibana housing (on right) and Camp Shields (on left) 


Follow the signs and you will be there within 10 minutes. 



Tropical Water Lilly: introduced last July to the garden
Mr Martin E · Randig Nymphaea 'Mr.MERandig'
Nymphaeaceae garden variety

Trendy Tuesday : Okinawa photographer

Trendy Tuesday is about finding unique items to provide inspiration for your photography session. There's really no need for "introduction" for the following website but just in case we are excited to introduce ETSY. 


Etsy follows in the tradition of open craft fairs, giving the sellers personal storefronts focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and crafts supplies. There are so many beautiful, unique items to look at that it would take you over a year to look at everything. You can literally find something for you, him, children, or that person who has everything. 


Today's Trendy Tuesday post is showcasing a couple of etsy sellers who sell products for children. 


Free Range Baby
is a Wellington (NZ) based clothing label creating quirky, cute and original gears for little folk. Free Range Baby makes gorgeous garments and accessories from predominantly vintage, recycled and reclaimed fabrics. Every item is a shiny, colourful limited edition, infused with playfulness and retro-cool. Free Range Baby is an alternative to mainstream infant wear. Stay tuned for the release of the very limited edition "Kawaii" collection inspired by Japan.

FunkyHooker
specializes in crocheting cute and funky baby accessories. FunkyHooker uses fun, color textured yarns to create one of a kind boutique pieces for you to cherish and enjoy. What a great heirloom to pass down from generation to generation.

Dolce Vita Mia

create one of a kind Frilly Fabric Flower Onesie Sets and matching hair accessories 

veryKIKI's

veryKIKI's makes adorable, unique and cool clothes for babies.

 

Sunshine Friends

are unique handmade sock monkeys and friend toys. They are great for children of all ages.

Who is your favorite Etsy seller?!

Inspiration: Your walls

Sometimes it's hard to envision what your photographs will look like displayed on a wall. Here are a few examples that will get your wheels turning. Now go grab your photographs, hammer and nails and go get inspired!

go BIG or go home:

Canvas look great as large wall art. Hang one as a focal point or group them, such as 3 16x20 side by side or 9 smaller 10x10s in 3 rows of 3 or 4.

canvas display from the Savvy Photographer

where to find inspiration: 

Look at your favorite magazines or online decorating websites. They will provide plenty of eye candy for your muse to get inspired, then go and mimic it to fit your own style and space.

Some great sites to get you started

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Kids

PBteen

Land of Nod

Anthropologie

Martha Stewart

Savvy Photographer

The following are samples from the above mentioned sites.

Displaying frames in grouping, see they don't have to be matchy also add some memorabilia items to the grouping to add to your story  ;)

wardrobe 101

coordinating but not MATCHY
There's so much more to you than a white t-shirt and jeans!


STYLE:
Two sets of outfits, one dressy and one casual coordinated for everyone. There's no such thing as too much clothes! For newborns sessions, it's easiest to pick something Mom can wear and coordinate everyone around her.  


LAYERS: 
Even in the summer, layers add interest and we can change a look quickly by adding/removing an item. Think belts, hats, scarves, jewelry, layered shirts


TEXTURE/PATTERN: 
use as few solids and as many textures as possible. You CAN mix patterns, colors and textures


COLORS: 
I LOVE colors! The more the better. Children should be dressed in vibrant colors. One thing to try is pick a color and then weave it thru each of the outfits. ie baby in a red onesie, dad in a red tie, mom in red heels


INTEREST: 
Once you have the outfits picked out, add at least one item that reflects your personalities. This can be a babies lovie, cool shoes or a fun t-shirt. Mom ALWAYS stands out in a dress/skirt or fashionable jeans with heels.


WHITE done RIGHT: 
White or black would NOT be my first choice for your main outfit. White does work well on a onesie or tee for a baby or as a dress for a little girl or mom. White is also simple, classic choice for family newborn sessions


Book a photography session TODAY for your BEAUTIFUL family =)

4 fun fridays: the meeting

4 Fun Fridays is about being spontaneous with the camera. Todays 4 Fun Friday is about our two, Italian Grey Hound, fur babies. Earlier today I heard Shisa barking and talking. Curious about all the ruckus, I looked out the window. That's when I saw what Shisa was having a fit about. View more pictures of Shisa and Mako meeting Yamori here =)

4 fun fridays: macro

4 fun fridays is about having fun & sharing it with you. i won't guarantee perfection but i will say i'm gonna have fun capturing the moment =) take a look at some more 4 fun friday: macro adventure here 

Okinawa Baby Photographer: Tagging Along

What a great morning/afternoon! I had a blast with Anya on one of her newborn photography sessions. She is a talented newborn photographer here on Okinawa so it was a great experience! Thank you Anya!

Here's a photograph of the beautiful baby girl that I took.



I love taking photographs of memories that are beautiful today! Cherished ALWAYS!