What 2014 will bring

2013 was a crazy, whirlwind of a year for me, my family, and my photography. I ended on a really high note in June, when I left the paradise island of Oahu. Then, it was a LOT of traveling and seeing family and enjoying our summer vacation. I photographed a family wedding, did a ton of personal work, and had the chance to reflect on what photography really means to me. I decided that I would take this temporary (6 month) move to take a break from the business side of photography and to figure out where I was going to go with it.

We are looking forward to a lot of changes in the year 2014. In less than two months, we are taking a huge leap of faith and moving here v v (images below) v v with our kids and passports in tow. I would be lying if I didn't say that I was nervous and scared (to death) about the idea, but I am also SO excited for this fresh new beginning for our little family and also for my photography biz. My kids will learn my native language and experience the wonderful culture of Japan while they are still young, as I did when I was a child. How can I not be thrilled about that? My photography will experience the culture shock and artistic gap that is bound to exist between such different cultures and traditions. I am sure of one thing: I will remain true to myself and to my artistic style. And I am definitely looking forward to the learning/growing opportunities that awaits me in this new chapter of our lives. 

Bring on the new year 2014

Photo Credit: Images all taken on film by Husband on his last visit to Miyazaki.

Film LOVE.

With its beautiful colors and authentic feel, it's no surprise that film is making its comeback into the modern photography world. I have always loved the film-look but I haven't really known where to start (since I started a 100% digital from the very beginning...well minus the disposable cameras I owned as a kid) Every time I see the film medium being used, I just fall more and more in love with it. The look, the feel, and how breathtakingly beautiful it is, not to mention the mastering of skills needed to achieve such results...it's all so appealing to me. My ultimate goal is to be a hybrid photographer, who has mastered both skill sets and can produce equally beautiful work in both digital and film mediums. (Like HER, HIM, and HER)

Husband took a photography class during high school, so he owned a few 35mm cameras from way back...We decided together that this is something that we both wanted to start up together - and learn and grow together in. It was such a fun experience not only shooting in film, but the added process of getting the film developed and waiting to see the results from our scans. It's kind of exciting :) -- so here they are -->The results of our very first roll from our film experience.

Mine:

Husband's: (yeah, he's waaay better!)

Can't wait for our roll of B&W film to get developed!
This is a start of something new for Megumi Maris Photography.