Kimono in Japan

While we were in Japan this summer, Amalie and Luther celebrated their 3rd and 7th year.  (Although Luther won't turn 3 years old until next year.) It's called 'Shichi-Go-San'.

七五三ですね。我が家では日本にいた七月の初めにお祝いしてしまいました。着物をきているアマリちゃん、暑かったと思います。

Most people usually go to a hair salon, and they hire a professional kimono expert, then they shoot photos in a studio.  However, I wanted to try taking photos by myself in a natural setting.  No posing, but with natural lighting, a real background, and a true child's smile.  The only, and biggest problem, is that I don't have nice camera.  I thought about renting one, but I don't even know how to use them.  I wish I took my photo classes more seriously in college.

せっかく日本にいるのだから、どうしても自然の中で撮りたくて、毎朝のジョギング中にバックグランドを探しておきました。本当は優れたカメラもレンタルしたかったんですけど、使い方も分からないし時間もなくて、結局いつものコンパクトカメラ。大学の必修のフォトグラフィー、真剣に取っておけば良かったな。今頃後悔おそし。

Here is a documentary of a few hours of preparation.

Her hair needed to be up.  It's called MOMO-WA-RE.  I just looked at some pictures, and I sort of made it.

最初に髪の毛。桃割れにしたいんですけどプロでもないし、小道具も持ってないし、ハーフの子の髪の毛でふにゃふにゃだし、桃割れ"風"で、ま、いいか。

それなりにまとまったかな？

Then, my mom dressed her up.  This kimono was mine when I was seven.  My grandma made it from scratch, with her own fabric, and my aunt embroidered everything.  I wish they were here.  Oh, and Luther's suit was sewn together by my mom.  He loved it, and he didn't want to take it off all day.

着付けてくれているのは母。私はできません。着物は私が7歳の七五三で来たもの。祖母が反物を染めに出して、チクチク仕立てて、叔母が壮大な刺繍を施してくれた宝物です。そしてルーサーのジャケットとパンツは母のお手製。そのジャケットが気に入って、暑いのに午後中着てましたよ。祖母と叔母にも見てほしかったなぁ。

Let's go.

I found this spot during my morning run.  It's the side of a temple's main building.  Less people pass through here, and it is in the shade with a nice breeze.  However, there is no way to take good pictures with two crazy kids. 

改まって子供の写真を撮るのって至難の業。御堂の中で始まった祈祷を覗くは、おやつに集中だわ…。ぐでぐでですが、

This is it.

Do you think we should retake it at a professional photo studio?  Or did my compact digital camera work?

最後に撮れたー。ルーサー、折り紙持ってますけどね。この景色で撮りたかったのです。でも、やっぱり、スタジオで撮り直してもらった方がいいのかな？