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In the previous post I wrote about starting 4 hydrangea cuttings. So far we have most certainly lost one, if not two. One looks quite healthy but that's the only one I have any confidence about. Only time will tell. I will keep you posted. (Update: Sadly, not a single cutting survived...) Soon after the last posting, a good friend sent me a link to a website with all the names of the hydrangea varieties that can be seen at a city park in Kobe. (See the link below.) To my delight I discovered the name of hydrangea variety that I like so much. It's called "uzu-ajisai" and is also sold in flower shops as "otafuku-ajisai". Apparently "uzu" refers to a whirlpool and the unique shape of the petals are thought to mirror the swirling of the water. ("Ajisai" means "hydrangea".) The photo below is also "uzu-ajisai" but is a little pinker than the one in the previous post. It grows in front of an elementary school I pass every time I visit my mother-in-law's house. It was the first "uzu-ajisai" I had ever seen and I have made a point to seek it out every time hydrangea season comes around. I'm so pleased I can now identify this variety. Only how many more to learn? (^.~) (Take a look at the link to get an idea! The hydrangea are divided into 5 main types and then further subdivided. There must be over 100 different names. <http://hottime.sakura.ne.jp/ajisai.htm>) 
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I have a few friends who are serious about photography. (Hello, Bob and Alan!) However, most people I know consider themselves beginners. They often tell me they want to improve their photography skills but they don't really know where to start. It's all a bit overwhelming. I get it. The learning curve can be very steep. I think I cussed at my camera for 6 months straight before it started making sense to me. However, the important thing is that you have to start. That's all you have to do. You don't have to be good at it. You don't have to be skilled or graceful or confident . You. just. have. to. start. So, where to start? Of course, if you have friends that can give you advice, great! However, if not, there many resources available on the internet. This is where I began since I had few opportunities to talk "photography" with anyone. One website I often referred to was Digital Photography School. It's a great resource for tips and tutorials for improving photography skills. and one whole section is dedicated to helping beginners. It's as good a place to start as any! So, off you go! That learning curve has to start somewhere! (^.~)/ P.S. You might want to start with 11 Tips for Beginner Photographers. It's short and sweet but will get you headed in the right direction.  A Maple Leaf, My Garden, Osaka
Don't get me wrong. I love my camera! However, since it lacks many of the bells and whistles that newer cameras have, it's easy to blame my camera when I'm stuck in a rut. However, at the same time, I know this to be true - your choice of camera and it's gear matters far less than you think it does! This week I was reminded of this yet again when an online article popped up in my newsfeed. Great timing! If you are feeling stuck or are frustrated with your camera and think a new one or better gear will help, then I highly recommend reading "Why Your Camera Gear Doesn't Matter" from Digital Photography School. It's a great reminder that what the photographer does makes the greatest difference. "It isn’t about the gear. It has never been about the gear and as soon as you realize that, you will be free to create and shoot in a new and exciting way." "What does matter is that you are out there, with whatever gear you have, and are using it." I hope you find the article as encouraging as I did. Now to get out there and start shooting! (^.^)/ (The image below is from the article.)  After my previous blog post, I was feeling a bit discouraged. Then, by chance, a piece written by David duChemin, an amazing photographer based in Victoria, BC, Canada, showed up in my inbox. I subscribe to his newsletter and this particular piece couldn't have been more timely. Here are a few quotes: " We do not give our gift - whatever it is - into the world - to validate us, to tell the world how good, how bright, talented, or relevant, we are. We give it as a gift. And, as is so often the case with a gift, we do not know how the recipient will receive it. " "There is no surer way to stagnate as an artist than to do it for the reward, or to hold back from putting it out there for fear of never getting one." "'But who am I to put my art into the world?' I have no idea. Yet. And neither do you. It's only in the making of that art, whatever it is, and putting it out there, that you and I will find out." I will be re-reading this on a regular basis. Such wise, wise words. Thank you, David!
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I'm a photographer based in Osaka, Japan. I love to take photographs. I like to share.
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