Julie Ann Photography

365 | Day 34

2012-01-29T23:56:00.001-08:00

This picture, although simple, makes me smile. Abe had Sunday off (a rarity) and we spent the whole day in the city enjoying a slow lunch, shopping, sipping coffee. We walked past this view and it was freezing but he put his arm around me and it made me smile. I loved that very moment and took it all in.

365 | Day 33

2012-01-29T05:12:00.001-08:00

Went for a drive this afternoon and it was dark by the time we retuned home. Love driving past Tokyo Tower in the evening. She always looks so stunning.

365 | Day 32

2012-01-27T20:14:00.001-08:00

Got through another week at work. This obviously means I deserve a Krispy Kreme donut. Obviously.

365 | Day 31

2012-01-26T02:07:00.001-08:00

I keep looking at pictures on my phone from this week's snowfall. {sigh}

365 | Day 30

2012-01-24T05:42:00.001-08:00

Today Tokyo received her first snow and it was glorious! I woke up a bit earlier today so I could take a quick walk through my favorite park and grabbed a snapshot on my iPhone. Days like today make me fall in love with Japan all over again.

365 | Day 29

2012-01-22T23:53:00.001-08:00

Among the many interesting things I'm going to miss about Japan when I eventually leave is the unique flavoring and twists within the food and beverages (Tuna Doritos, Green Tea Kit Kat, Yuzu yogurt...the list goes on).

Yesterday I tried something not as bold, but different for me: pink sparkling ginger. Basically berry ginger ale; zero calories and refreshing!

365 | Day 28

2012-01-22T07:11:00.001-08:00

Lovely find at a local flea market...for about three bucks.

365 | Day 27

2012-01-21T12:22:00.001-08:00

Persian restaurant, complete with hookah.

365 | Day 26

2012-01-20T06:47:00.001-08:00

I love ramen. There's no way around it. I get late night cravings for it that won't go away

Last night Abe took me to a great new spot. Best ramen I've ever had. It had kimchee and was so perfect.

365 | Day 25

2012-01-18T23:58:00.001-08:00

For today's cooking class we made mochi (rice cake) served with kinako (soy flour) and a red bean topping. The kids asked for extra helpings, they loved it so much. I really enjoy this aspect of my job.

365 | Day 24

2012-01-18T06:31:00.001-08:00

I took a detour on my way home from work recently. No filters or editing. Just awesome Japan scenery.

365 | Day 23

2012-01-17T05:30:00.001-08:00

Every time I walk Miso around our neighborhood in Tokyo I'm impressed at how clean (and un-stinky) trash days are. Garbage is organized neatly and meticulously. I'll admit I'm not 100% accurate when separating my trash, but I try my best!

Here are bottles that are properly disposed of on recyclables day: caps removed, labels off, rinsed clean.

365 | Day 22

2012-01-16T13:53:00.001-08:00

Here is some bright and shiny artwork my class did today

365 | Day 21

2012-01-15T05:42:00.001-08:00

Abe and I had a wonderful relaxing weekend. I got lots of much needed rest and so did Miso and Ninja, who seem to be getting along much better these days...

365 | Day 20

2012-01-14T08:11:00.001-08:00

Went on an awesome hike today with Miso in a gorgeous area. She loved running through all of the foliage and I was happy to get some fresh air. It was freezing but I was so happy to see this beauty growing with all her might...

365 | Day 19

2012-01-13T10:13:00.001-08:00

I survived my first week back at school and am exhausted but happy to be back. One of my favorite things to do during the day is take the children to the park and take in the fresh air...even though it's been freezing.

I found what appears to be the rest of the autumn leaves in Tokyo...

365 | Day 18

2012-01-12T05:25:00.001-08:00

Back to school means more fun bentos made by the parents of my students.

365 | Day 17

2012-01-11T08:10:00.001-08:00

A boy and some cheerleaders ;)

365 | Day 16

2012-01-10T06:01:00.000-08:00

Monday was "Coming of Age Day" in Japan. This is a day that acknowledges those who are about to reach the age of 20 which is considered adulthood in Japan. It's a big deal and I was fortunate enough to pass through a group of girls outside the huge hall in our city. Colors galore!!!

365 | Day 15

2012-01-09T05:18:00.001-08:00

Yay! Abe and his team are champs of the 2012 All-Japan tournament.

Here's a picture of a picture I took of the team receiving recognition.

365 | Day 14

2012-01-08T06:15:00.001-08:00

Eeek! Abe and his team have made it to the finals of the All-Japan tournament. We are excited!

For those who can't read Japanese, the paper above says that Toyota (Abe's team) and Aisin will be playing each other in the finals on January 9th.

Tokyo

2012-01-08T05:56:00.001-08:00

As the last remaining days of my vacation are dwindling down, I am mentally preparing to start waking up early, shoving myself into an over-crowded train, and whiz through the city on my way to work all over again. The monotony of it all can get to anybody...

But I saw this video today, (reposted by a friend on Facebook) and it made me fall in love with Tokyo all over again. Some of the images in the short film are the stations that I transfer through to get to work everyday, other locations are where I meet my friends. I wanted to hug my computer screen when I watched it. So I watched it again.

And now I want to share it. Share it with my friends who live in or are from Japan, and with those who have always wondered what it's like.

Here is Tokyo in all of her beauty (created by a photographer named Mark Bramley):

Lost in Tokyo from Mark Bramley on Vimeo.

365 | Day 13

2012-01-07T06:24:00.001-08:00

Laundry!

365 | Day 12

2012-01-06T06:46:00.001-08:00

Harajuku on a Friday night. Today was Game 2 of Toyota playing in the Emperor's Cup. They have advanced to the semi-finals scheduled for tomorrow.

365 | Day 11

2012-01-05T03:32:00.001-08:00

This time of year, I crave fresh fruit. But I cringe when I think about spending five bucks on two apples. Lovely to look at though...

365 | Day 10

2012-01-04T04:35:00.001-08:00

Went to Harajuku today and I'm never disappointed when I roam the streets and shops.

365 | Day 9

2012-01-03T01:38:00.001-08:00

All that's left of the leaves

365 | Day 8

2012-01-02T01:32:00.001-08:00

The knots and tangles of electric wires in Tokyo always amaze me.

365 | Day 7

2012-01-01T06:14:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! I've been seeing these all over Japan during the past few days. It's a tradition to post one in the entrance of your home to keep away bad spirits.

365 | Day 6

2011-12-31T20:30:00.001-08:00

Last meal of 2011

Happy New Year, friends!

Reflections of 2011

2011-12-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, less than nine hours until 2011 is no more. It was definitely filled with surprises, emotions, tears, fears and smiles.

Let's see, in 2011 we...

-Moved 4 times
-Survived a major earthquake
-Evacuated an area due to its proximity to a potential nuclear disaster
-Changed jobs
-Moved into our very first home
-Returned to Tokyo
-Were reminded of how thankful we are for the lives we have and the people in them

I was organizing and archiving pictures from the various sessions I did over the year and was so overwhelmed with how many people trusted me to do their engagement/maternity/family sessions. Here is a handful of some goodies from 2011:

Friends, family, clients: Thank you so much for a successful year. I had fun getting catching up with many old friends and getting to know some new ones. As I continue to improve my craft, I am always thankful for those who have helped me get this far and have trusted me to photograph them, whatever the occasion. {THANK YOU!} I hope I am fortunate enough to do more sessions in 2012!

Happy New Year Everyone!

xoxo,
juldog

365 | Day 5

2011-12-30T02:22:00.001-08:00

This is not just any herb. It's coriander, and it makes a *world* of difference in regards to cooking. I've paid up to $4 for a small bunch of it out here, but today Abe found some at a home center. We plan to grow it. And eat it. Everyday.

Tokyo, Japan: Baby Loves Music

2011-12-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

I recently had the pleasure of being asked to take photos for a school that teaches English through music. The home was gorgeous, the mommies were sweet, the children were adorable, and it turned out to be a wonderful time!

Here are some of the shots that I got from that day...

Baby Loves Music: Thank you again for inviting me and having me take pictures. You have a wonderful program and the children looked as though they were truly enjoying themselves!

If you are a mommy (or daddy) living in or near the Hachioji area, feel free to check out the school by clicking here!

365 | Day 4

2011-12-29T01:17:00.001-08:00

Miso before bath time.

365 | Day 3

2011-12-27T23:49:00.001-08:00

A little Japanese old man...can you see it?!

365 | Day 2

2011-12-27T17:28:00.001-08:00

An awesome chandelier at a restaurant we found.

Test

2011-12-26T01:48:00.001-08:00

Checking my Blogger App to see if it works

365 | Day 1

2011-12-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, friends, family, blog readers. I hope your bellies are filled with delicious treats, and your hearts are happy after celebrating the holiday season with loved ones.

Abe and I decided to stay in Japan this Christmas and, although it was difficult being away from family and friends back home, we ended up having a great time doing local activities and enjoying being in Tokyo.

As this calendar year winds down, I have been thinking of doing something that will help to inspire me to continue to develop my photography skills. I have considered for a while now starting a 365-day photo project as many skilled photographers I admire have done.

And with the addition of a new lens to my collection (an awesome and unexpected present from Abe), I have more motivation than ever to commence the project. So yes, for the next 365 consecutive days, I plan to take and post at least one picture on my blog. It might be something that catches my eye on my walk home, something delicious I eat, or something really "Japanese" that I think looks interesting. {Plan on seeing lots of Miso-Ninja pictures!}

Why not start on January 1st? It's too "official" to me. Too much focus on the first day of the year. So the day after Christmas sounds about right :)

So to start off this project, I found it fitting for my first picture to be of my new baby, the lens I've been dreaming about for years...

Aint she sexy?!

Happy Holidays!

Vroom Vroom!

2011-12-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

Went to the Tokyo Motor Show last week with Abe and some of his teammates. It was so much fun running around trying to see as many cool and unaffordable cars that we could. Would love to do it again next year!

Here are some of the highlights:

Kuma's reaction to the car seat that carries you into the car: Hilarious...

The Tokyo Motor Show did not disappoint. I wish we had more time to spend because it probably takes several hours to look through each area. I guess we'll have to go back next year!

Almost There!

2011-12-06T06:50:00.001-08:00

These past few months have flown by. The new job, Abe's basketball games, lesson plans...

I love all of these things but I am looking forward to having a little break from work so I can do more photography and take more photographs of the lovely area I'm living in.

One more week!

For now, I'm enjoying the gorgeous weather before it gets too cold for me to appreciate it!

Tokyo Family Photo Session: Welcome to Japan!

2011-11-17T05:53:00.001-08:00

Awww, looking at these pictures make me smile. Sharon, Alan and Chase recently moved to Tokyo and were looking to get some pictures taken in their new area of residence. We emailed back and forth about ideas and, right away, I knew this would be a great family to spend the morning with.

You NEVER would've known that Chase was a shy boy when I first arrived at our photo session. Actually, he was not shy with me...just with my camera ;) It took a few tries but once he got warmed up, he was completely comfortable in front of the lens :)

Alan had an awesome idea of getting a cool shot of the family in front of Tokyo Tower while standing in the street. Unfortunately the street was pretty busy that morning so we worked with what we had. I love when clients have wonderful ideas!

Yes, this was a family session, but all couples need at least a couple of good photos together...

I think he approves!

Sharon, Alan, and Chase: Thank you so much for letting me spend the morning with you all. I had a wonderful time getting to know you and getting some gorgeous smiles out of Chase. It was fun talking about Japan and travel in general. I really hope you love the photos and more importantly, love Japan! I'm prettty sure I'll see you around very soon ;)

xoxo,
julie

Tokyo Family Session | Family of Four

2011-10-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

Give me a beautiful, relaxed family and a cozy home on a rainy day, and I am a happy photographer!

I was fortunate enough to be asked to go into the home of a very sweet family last weekend. What I loved about this session was that there was no formality about it. They wanted photos of them just being a family, as they naturally are. I love when clients have something specific that fits them in mind. And I loved going through the many fun images in this session.

This pretty little lady was so much fun!

A couple shots of the beautiful mommy and daddy, because every couple needs some pictures in their own home :)

These two were so cute. They were so laid-back and looked so in love...

Family photos like these melt my heart:

A little coaxing to get a smile out of little sister...

Flying like an airplane....

I love.love.love this next photo. Few things compare to the bond of a daddy and his little princess:

Rancitelli Family: Thank you so much for inviting me into your beautiful home and letting me be a part of your weekend together. You have a gorgeous family and such a great dynamic together. I hope you enjoy these photos as a great memory of your time here in Japan, and hopefully there will be more to come!

xoxo,
Julie