As I mentioned yesterday, I went to Osaka to visit some friends. We met at Osaka Castle Park (a lovely place that I'll write about another time) and enjoyed the afternoon together.
I had my camera with me, of course, and took the opportunity to try my hand at some impromptu family portraits.....
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 — 1/640 sec, f/1.4, ISO 400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Yoko and Kevin
and Kana (10) and Nao (8)
I've known Kevin for the better part of 20 years, and he attended my wedding 10 years ago. We don't get to meet very often because he lives up toward Tokyo, so I was happy that a business trip brought him down my way.
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 — 1/800 sec, f/1.4, ISO 400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Mari and Alex
and Naomi (6) and Emi (2)
I apparently met Alex once at an outing in Tokyo about 15 years ago, but to my shame I didn't remember. (Did I visit Tokyo 15 years ago? Must... regenerate... brain... cells.)
So, it was my distinct pleasure to re-meet him and his family. It turns out that he lives in Kobe (within a couple hours by train), so hopefully we'll be able to get together again soon.
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR @ 200mm — 1/180 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Nao
Almost Nine Years Old
There was just something about Nao that the camera loved. I don't know how to explain it because I don't really understand it myself, except to say that he had amazing “presence.” Maybe it's what they call the “it facter”? The picture above was just a random snapshot I made with my walk-around 18-200mm lens while he was playing, yet his gaze just commands the image. (The others shown here were taken with a pro-level 85mm f/1.4 lens.)
Back to the family portraits, I also tried some full-length versions....
Not too bad, I think. I'll have to try some similar shots with Fumie and Anthony for our Christmas cards....
Wow, great focus job on the portraits, especially the first couple. I have never been able to get that exact balance with the background being a perfect non-distracting colorful blur and the subjects crisp and well lit. Was it a bright, overcast sky? The lighting looks pretty good – did you also use a fill flash? Hmmm. I may try your settings.
Oh, and I agree about Nao – great eyes!
So this Nao is about 3.5 years older than mine.