Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 190 mm — ¹/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 3200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Sister Yukari Saikawa
ordained a Catholic Nun today in Kyoto

My friend Britto's friend, Saikawa-san, was ordained a Catholic nun today, and I was invited to photograph the event. I always feel a bit iffy about using a camera during Mass, but I've done it a few times when it's been specifically allowed, such as when Anthony served mass for the first time, and when a friend's baby was baptized. Today went beyond “allowed” to “requested”, so I approached it with (an appropriately reserved) gusto.

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — ¹/160 sec, f/4, ISO 2200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Bishop Prepares to Enter

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 125 mm — ¹/160 sec, f/3.5, ISO 800 — map & image data — nearby photos
Mass Starts

Just after the vows, she got a hug from a French-speaking lady that I assumed to be her mentor. I was unprepared for it and the best I could do was this 1/40th second shot (thank God for the VR lens)...

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 120 mm — ¹/40 sec, f/3.2, ISO 3200 — map & image data — nearby photos

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — ¹/250 sec, f/4.5, ISO 3200 — map & image data — nearby photos
Making it Official

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — ¹/200 sec, f/4, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Blessing from the Bishop

Later, just before Mass ended, a final blessing...

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 140 mm — ¹/250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 70 mm — ¹/250 sec, f/3.2, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Post-Mass Photo Op

By the way, I know that “ordination” probably isn't the right word to use here, but I'm not sure what the word is when someone becomes a nun. In any case, you know what I mean when I use it, so I do.

Britto's wife and son, Antony, were there. Antony turned one year old on Friday, and looked absolutely adorable in his traditional Indian little-boy outfit. (I suspect that he would have looked equally adorable in anything... he was so cute I almost exploded.)

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 135 mm — ¹/250 sec, f/3.2, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Antony Solomon Britto
1 year 2 days old

Nikon D700 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 200 mm — ¹/160 sec, f/3.2, ISO 6400 — map & image data — nearby photos
Antony and Mommy