documentary photography
Low-crime and a cash-based society could be why vending machines are prolific across the island country of Japan. The rainbow of machines offer colorful goods: sake, toiler paper, rice, ties, toys, costumes and paper fortunes.
(photograph taken in Kyoto, Japan)
This temple was situated in the center of a flea market hidden among pottery stands and tables strewn with a kaleidoscope of vintage kimonos. Onlookers would stop to peek and locals would stop to pray while the monk silently went about his prayer rituals.
(photographs taken in Kyoto, Japan)
These students were lining up to take a photo near the Hiroshima Museum. What struck me was not just the calm order in which this was occurring, but also that the children were silent as they moved into their positions.
(photograph taken in Hiroshima, Japan)
(photograph taken in Ollantaytambo, Peru)
(photograph taken in Ollantaytambo, Peru)
He just whizzed by, chic and determined.
(photograph taken in Paris, France)
These pups were nestled into each other on the pavement of the banks of the river Siene while their owner sold newspapers and discarded magazines to tourists. Passerbyes glanced at the furry duo and remarked in whispers to each other as they strolled on, averting direct contact with the owner.
(photograph taken in Paris, France)
I came across these locals who stopped to pray on the steps of a monk temple, while the monk prayed in the face of fire. The temple was situated deep in the arteries of the local flea market.
(photograph taken in Paris France)
(photograph taken in Ollantaytambo, Peru)
This young couple tried several times to peel away from each other, each time springing back like a rubber band and hooking onto each other with looks, limbs and lips. Electricity brimmed.
(photographs taken in Paris, France)
Like many of the locals, the glowing, flickering lights tugged at my curiosity like an arcade lulls an 80s girl with a roll of quarters in the front pocket of her Levi’s. In Japan, people spend upwards of $200 billion a year playing their luck on the upright pinball game, Pachinko. These smoky parlors punctuate most city blocks. Cigarettes. Headphones. Smartphones. Each helps pass the time while navigating the neon flashes in cartoon shapes — some are suggestive animations — that dance across the screens to electronic clinks. Windfalls stream into plastic buckets in the form of small steel balls that can be exchanged for yen.
(photographs taken in Osaka, Japan at Pachinko Parlors)
The first stop in Peru, Ollantaytambo is a small town nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Flanked by snow-dolloped mountains and perched along the Urubamba River, the town is about 9,000 feet above sea level and is home to nearly 10,000 inhabitants. It’s known for its vast Inca fortress and large stone terraces that cascade down the hillside.
We had peeked out of a tiny pizza shop when we heard trumpets and drums and immediately spotted these women and young children parading as part of a Pentecost celebration.
(photographs taken in Ollantaytambo, Peru)
I was walking across the bridge with my family when I came across this chic couple, likely tourists on a city stroll.
(photograph taken in Paris, France)
The word kimono often conjures up an image of the draping, cinched-at-the-waist attire, often with patterns of delicate blossoms, that Japanese women might wear. Kimono is a Japanese word which translates to “thing to wear”: ki meaning “wear” and mono meaning “thing.” These women are cloaked in yukatas, a summer, lighter version of the traditional kimono.
I was struck by the juxtaposition of the modern — technology — with the traditional — yukatas — in this scene. The ladies were hypnotized by their mobile phones at a street intersection, loosely anticipating the traffic light signaling them to cross..
(photograph taken in Kyoto, Japan near the Sagano Bamboo Forest)
These images were taken two days after the Notre Dame Cathedral Fire. Locals and tourists flocked to behold the magnificent structure that once beamed with life, now cavernous and lacerated by flames.. In the image above, the Statue of Saint (Pope) Jean-Paul II appeared to be pleading with the firefighters for help.
(photographs taken in Paris, France)
I took this photo of a boat on the Seine River without honing in on anyone in particular. Once I opened the image, I noticed what appeared to be a father and son (in center) sharing an endearing moment.
(photograph taken in Paris, France)
Japanese students flocked in neat lines and formal uniforms to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, likely as part of a field trip. The students were incredibly well behaved — remaining quiet and alert— as the teacher or tour leader spoke with them. This particular student kept looking back at me, an American in Hiroshima.
(photograph taken at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Hiroshima, Japan)
This dapper fella was perched on a stool selling tourist paintings near the Sacre Coeur (The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris)). He seemed as enthused about his outfit as he was interacting with tourists. Perhaps it was a slow day.
(photograph taken in Paris, France)
Draped in a kimono and heavy makeup, this young woman traveled with a clutch of men who lugged clunky camera equipment. She and her entourage parked themselves along the banks of the river. Like a fan in a city apartment, she oscillated from one side to the other as the men snapped photos and suggested poses.
(photograph taken in Arashiyama district of western Kyoto, Japan)