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Why wouldn't there be breweries in Okinawa? Something I didn't even consider coming here. Not too far from my residence is the Chatan Harbor Brewery right along the Chatan Harbor. I felt underdressed walking in there until I passed a couple of men walking out in board shorts and tank tops. The menu and setting feels upscale/business casual but considering the local consumers there is no dress code. I was not impressed with the food. I ordered a cajun chicken and spinach penne

Random wooden fence posts and a fun-sized human. Sunshine and a cool breeze. I had to take advantage of the leading line here. A great way to filter some of that sunlight is to find the shade, and here it was kinda perfect because the sun was coming through the slats of this fence. While some may see just an ordinary ugly fence, I see opportunity to create something beautiful. Just another example of working with what you have. (ISO 320 75mm f/4 1/1250sec edited only using cu

I thought this was a tropical island - what the heck are pine trees doing here? I'm not a dendrologist so I don't know if their native here, but it doesn't seem right. Anyways, I saw this moment of the sun coming through the trees and the green around, and I was blown away by the beauty. I love forests and I feel at home any time I'm near one. This small one just as much so. You can find these trees near the Zakimi Castle ruins if you want a tranquil walk it's the perfect pla

Back to Cape Zanpa Lighthouse. This time with a photo of my sweet boy. I am in love with the way the wind was blowing through his hair and the way the light was hitting him. I really should start bringing my reflector out, but lugging gear around doesn't make fun for impromptu trips. The photo possibilities at this location are endless. (settings ISO 320 48mm f/3.5 1/8000sec only edited using curves in PS - I could have lowered my ISO and shutter speed ha!) #project365 #locat

Today's adventure was the Zakimi Castle Ruins. The stonework is incredible and the breathtaking 360 degree view provides lush greens, cityscapes, and ocean scenic views. The castle is centrally located on the island and was built 1416 and completed in 1422. It was a clear vantage point to enemies coming from the north. It was a gun site for the Japanese during WWII and afterwards it was used as a radar center by US Forces. Now it is a historical landmark with free entry. #pro

Some exploring of the island led me to a lighthouse on the edge of a cliff. Cape Zanpa lighthouse is centrally located on the western coast of the island, but its views do not disappoint. The cliffs are high and made of volcanic rock, which makes sense because there are a lot of volcanoes on and around the islands. The lighthouse itself is about 100 feet tall. It's a fairly new lighthouse only having been built in 1974, but if you want the history of it, you have to check out

The suburban/urban landscape of Okinawa is completely different than anywhere I've ever traveled. Homes are made of concrete to withstand the typhoons and there's bars on the windows of many properties, but these bars are not for security, they are for debris from the typhoons. I was present for a typhoon back in October, just a month after I was in Florida for Hurricane Irma. Irma was an incredibly strong hurricane, and Typhoon Lan was considered a super typhoon maxing out a

Today I'm posting about this amazing slide. we do not have slides like this in America. This thing seemed to go on forever through twists and turns, and the best part is, it's on rollers. You need cardboard or a special plastic saucer designed specifically for these slides to use it, but they are so fast. The slide in particular is 83M long about 273 feet long, just to give you a perspective. You have to climb a ton of stairs to get to the top, but for any kid (including my h

When I'm out I always take notice of my surroundings, but in my mind I'm not noticing things for what they are, but rather what they could be. I have myself trained to think like a photographer. My husband gets annoyed because I say things like, "This would be perfect to put a baby in," or, "This is a great spot, the lighting is perfect and it would work well for a family shoot." He just rolls his eyes and keeps walking. Don't get me wrong he supports my passion very much, bu