In haiku, the seasonal phrase "the wind breeze lightly" is for May when cool southern wind breeze through the fresh green in Japan. And now, it's the very season in Seattle. The long cold winter has passed and finally all trees and grass began to get prepared for the summer bearing leaves. By going the slope down to the south for about 5 minutes, I can reach to Elliot Bay providing a port for ferries connecting islands nearby and welcoming seagulls as well. The faint scent brought by the warm breeze lightens my steps and the beauty of Korean spindle tree makes me forget passage of time.
This corner is a part of an old town that has brick buildings from the late 19th century. I call this street "Platanus Street" at my own discretion, but officially it's called "Occidental Avenue." The platanus roadside trees on both sides of the avenue make a green tunnel in spring, and wear gorgeous yellow clothes in autumn. I'm happy that I have my favorite place that makes me relax just by being there.
This area has many stylish galleries and cafes, and they play a role to contribute to the nice environment of the entire town. It's so much fun wondering around while having a look at the shops. The passersby don't walk fast. They walk leisurely with dogs, children, and friends. There're some people I see more often, but we don't get to know each other. Instead, we greet lightly by nodding when our eyes meet and I like it. Nevertheless, when I don't see them, I wonder how they are doing. So, maybe, I have a sense of unity with the people around here. Still, it's our unspoken agreement that we don't interfere each other and this should be one aspect of an urban solitude. Although I'm alone, I feel somehow relieved because we watch over each other.
(All 3 photos were shot with the LEICA M8 , Thambar 2.2/9)
I felt someone's glance in front of this gallery and I found one woman gazing at me from behind. I felt like I met my old friend, or a movie story overlapped. Anyway, I was a bit confused by this mysterious air and we looked at each other for a while. And, I tried to calm down and aimed my camera at her.
I was carrying my M8 on a Manfrotto automatic monopod on my shoulder, but I don't think I looked special but natural in this location. Perhaps, this is because people here have their own sets of values and we respect them. And, this may be another reason why this place feels casual.
And, today again, the Platanus are preparing for summer to make big and wide shade under the trees. The Korean spindle tree is also preparing the season in the sides. Looking up in the blue sky, I stretched my body and took a deep breath to appreciate this season.
Scott Tsumura
Lives in Bellevue, Washington, USA
Executive Producer of Tozai Inc.
>> Mr. Scott's blog " shot & shot "
>> Tozai Inc. Official Website
>> Tozai Games Official Website
The monopod he mentioned is the Manfrotto 334B automatic monopod. With a grip of the trigger handle, you can expand and contract. And, you can lock it by releasing the trigger. This means you can take the full control just by one hand. How sweet! Operation is much faster than the ones with lever-lock or dial-lock mechanism. He uses it with a ballhead and a quick release when he switches to vertical shooting. Highly recommended!
