Sendai Aoba Matsuri: In Form

The Aoba Matsuri is held every May in downtown Sendai. Different companies and groups have "teams" that dance, sing, and play music while walking down the streets.

Mt Daito and Mt Taihaku

The first time I saw this scene last November, it looked a lot different in my head. The two mountains looked much bigger in relation to each other.

The sun was also right behind the mountains when it set. I did not stay for the whole sunset this time.

Jozenji Torii

I wish they would keep this up forever.

Miyagi Prefecture Office

Here's a parking tip - the prefecture office (宮城県庁) has parking for 100 yen an hour.

Setting Sun

Setting sun.

Lady of Jozenji

Normally I would pull some detail out of the shadows, but I think this makes her look more mysterious.

Parade Set Up

There was no way to get across Higashi Nibancho Street on the day of Hanyu's parade. Even the subways were blocked off.

I should have parked by Nishi Park.

The Set Up

It's the season for music making on the boardwalk of Jozenji Street.

The Woman and the Crow

I with there was better background contrast and the crow was facing me.

Want it Now

This is under the pedestrian bridge by Nishi Park.

De Stijl Koffie

The coolest coffee house I have never been to. I want to paint my house like this.

The Odd Sakura

I am not very fond of the shape of this type of sakura.

Front Bokeh

One technique you can use when shooting is to use objects in the foreground for frontal bokeh. Here I used the daisies in the front to add an extra dimension which I am not sure works here.

Perspective

I was trying to get a sense of perspective when I shot this.

A Sad State of Affairs

There was a lot of chalk graffiti on the sidewalk. This basically says "die". I hope this person gets some help.

Across the Sea

Somewhere across there is California.

Distant Star

Well, it is far enough so that light takes eight minutes to come to us. But it is the closest star to us.

Daito

Some days Mt. Daito looks like it is at a lower elevation than Nakayama.

Beads of Light

As I walk to work there are some places where the grass has dew, but not many right now.

Soft

This picture makes me feel calm.