ukai toriyama, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

I couldn't describe it better than this.

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long lens, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

Cameras and lenses:
Most of the pictures on this blog are taken with a second hand Nikon D40 DSLR paired with a very new (in fact just released when I bought it) "Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 G" lens. In 35mm film format that's equivalent to a focal length of close to 50mm. The lens in the photo is the "Nikkor AF 135mm f/2 D DC", as I previously mentioned , lent to me by Lan. On the D40 it is equivalent to around 200mm and has only manual focus. Hence my crossed brows in the photo. It is certainly an interesting experiment, and a beautiful lens, but I think it is rather long for shooting Japan, a place where long views are rare, the lanes are full of twists and turns and everything, including people, are so close together.

Yesterday's photo was taken with another of Lan's lenses, "Nikkor AF 24mm f/2.8D". On the D40 that's just a bit wide-angle, around 35mm.

[This pic is taken by James with his Panasonic LX3.]

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Koumyouji, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

Our house in Kamakura.

Oh, OK.... it isn't... But it is one of the free to visit temples, and includes the best Zen dry garden I have found in Kamakura.

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galcon, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

James' imaginary universe.

[spying from the other side of the room with an awfully long lens lent to me by our very generous buddy, Lan Smith].

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"Kamakura Alps", originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

mountain-side or beach-side?

[photograph taken with my iphone on the way to work this morning]

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sushi, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

At least 50% of the enjoyment of Japanese food is in the presentation. The fact that it might taste better grilled with a little butter and garlic is entirely beside the point, James. This is why you should decide which restaurant to go to based on the wax models or photographs found at the entrance, while ignoring any delicious smells coming from nearby restaurants with less expensive models or photographs.

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sunset Kamakura beach, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

Are you beach-side or mountain-side?

[It's what people ask when you say you are from Kamakura.]

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Which one is the intertube?, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

Given the extent to which otherwise photogenic scenes are ruined by cables, I'm surprised the Japanese camera companies don't lobby the government to get all this stuff put underground.

(photo taken in an otherwise twee bit of Kamakura)
Also see this, also Kamakura, just arrived on flickr!

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Daiyuzan Saijo-ji Temple, Kanagawa, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

An enormous temple, with enormous trees, this is just a small front gate. After 100-200m of climbing, the temple buildings finally cease and a path up the mountain starts. Over the other side of the mountain were hazy views of Fuji-san capped in snow, and down the other side, a refreshing onsen. This all happened on Tuesday this week, the holiday we earned through attending the PAGES workshop last month.

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Viennese pelicans, originally uploaded by julesberry2001.

Yesterday we dined with Naruhito, the Crowned Prince of Japan. At least he was but a profiterole's throw from were we were seated, and we nicked some of his special (it had extra sherry!) trifle. I bet none of you can make the connection to pelicans (although of anyone William C. perhaps has the best chance).

(photo taken at Vienna Zoo, which is in the grounds of the Schönbrunn)

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