The Take #1: Plum Blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu Temple, Kyoto

TITLE
Plum Blossoms at Kitano Tenmangu Temple, Kyoto

STORY
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto holds a monthly temple sale on the 25th of each month. I had wanted to visit for many years and finally everything aligned so we could go. On the drive there my husband told me that the shrine was famous for plum blossoms and that we would probably be able to see some. I didn't believe him. It was the end of February, after all, and my Canadian brain could not conceive of anything blooming that time of year. Well, as you can see, I was mistaken. The plum blossoms were spectacular! I was still struggling with my camera at that time and so I fumbled with the settings and muttered under my breath as I tried my best. To my great surprise, once I got home and looked at the images on my computer, I discovered I had some that were worth keeping. I'm very happy with the photos from this day but I always see them as a bit of a fluke.

WHAT I WAS THINKING

• Plum blossoms already?! I had no idea they bloomed so early!
  
• Gosh, they are so beautiful! Look at that dark pink!
  
• Let's see if I can get the whole lantern in there...
• I haven't got a clue what I should be doing with this camera. X%&2&#"!!
• Man, it's cold...

CAMERA DETAILS

• ISO 1600
• 30mm
• 0 ev
• f/5.6
• 1/2000
  

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