To Stand Out, You Need to Stand High - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

I don’t remember since when i started enjoying observing wild lives. For example, it seems reasonable that one way to stand out from the crowd is to look different. However, look is so skin-deep nowadays, “different” can be uniform all of sudden.

In the natural world of animals, they have a thing or two to teach us. This red-crowned crane utilized its physical features to the fullest, and more. I mean, having long legs help, especially when they can jump.

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On a different occasion, when I was marveled by the beautiful and cold Hokkaido sunrise, I met such a character. So, I guess, when you can’t grow anymore, grow a little inside, like a personality would help. :-)

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What are the behaviors that you’ve observed of the animal world lately that has stayed in your mind?

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Snow Birds Bring Good Luck - Los Angeles Fine Art Photographer

Out of all the possible dates/seasons, we headed into Yellowstone National Park when the biggest snow storm of decades descended in the area. For such reason, nothing ordinary remains that way anymore. To us, it means much more room on the canvas to flex our creative muscles.

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While at Canary Spring, my favorite elements were there for me to play with - the snow, the geothermal features, and… And, it must be our lucky day. On the day when the temperatures plummeted deep down in the negative zone, complicated by heavy snow fall which allows close to zero visibility, we met a small bird. This encounter reminds me of a time almost one year ago in Japan, when birds and snow brought me such joy and, consequently, much luck in an international photography contest. I now understand why yuki* (Japanese for snow 雪 ) has a special place in Japanese people’s hearts.

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As to the bird’s name? My first impression when I heard was that it’s such a serious name. And for me, serious and creative do not co-exist very well. By the time I was done creating, I forgot the name. Now, I feel lucky, but guilty. :P

* Yuki (幸) also has the meaning of happiness.

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It's fire, It's Good Fire at Setsubun in Japan - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Don’t panic, this is not what you think and I can explain.

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Remember the last time I shared an experience where praying, burning and bean throwing is involved in Japan? Well, I thought I’d come back to finish what I started, the burning part.

As Setsubun signifies the beginning of a year (end of winter and beginning of spring), it’s customary for people to drive away the evils and wish for good luck for the coming year. Here at the UNESCO heritage site of Shimogamo-Jinja (下鴨神社), offerings and amulets are sent, along with the flames, to the great power above, in the chanting of priests.

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What other cultures/civilizations does fire have a significant role in rituals/ceremonies? Share in the Facebook box below so we can all learn.

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