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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A Visit from Painted Lady Butterflies - Los Angeles Fine Art Photographer

Ahhh… Spring can definitely be smelt in the air. A little bird whispered in my ear:”Painted lady butterflies are making their way through California, migrating from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest”.

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Yet, stubborn like me, I was determined to share with you what we just experienced in record snow fall and bone-chilling temperatures.

But, nature has its own plans. As if the whisper was not loud enough, these ladies made their appearance right in front of my eyes, making me forget my insistence.

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Well, there you are, ladies and gentlemen, the painted ladies in a painterly setting. Hot off the press, fresh off the camera. Nature is breath-taking. I have no choice but to oblige.

Oregon, you are next. Are you ready for these fine ladies and their babies?

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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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