In our latest trip to Hawaii, we visited the stunning Byodo-In Temple nestled among trees and a mist-enshrouded mountain. We arrived with the grounds to ourselves and were truly delighted by the beauty of the surrounding scenery. 
"I had to think a little bit about why this is so stirring. This is not a technical achievement, nor an endeavor that requires an inaccessible skill set. This is one thing, done once a day. Something so spare and ordinary, just taken to extraordinary lengths. A simple thing: whatever struck his fancy on a given day - just capture one thing on film. Simple.
"I know a lot of people try to do this on Flickr, but this is strikingly different in many respects. This isn't a collection of forced poses or composed shots or juxtapositions, he isn't looking for something funny, weird, or ironic. I find myself thinking I should try this, but give up within days because I'd try to wait until something interesting happened. That's me not appreciating the ordinary, or trying to force it, and not having the discipline to just do something on principle. These photos are as simple as memories. They don't always make sense, they don't always fit into some grand theme or design. Here is a memory. Here is another. All you need to know is: this was then, on this date. This happened, I was there. Do you remember?
"Nothing seems framed here. You don't feel as if he is trying to sell you anything about himself. I like to think that the people in his life probably questioned this hobby or wondered what purpose it could ever serve - especially in those days before such a scheme could bring you internet glory. There was no market for this kind of thing. Who would care? Why keep at it? No one will see it. That camera isn't even portable. The resolution is terrible. Why bother?
"I think we react to this because it is so rare. A refreshingly simple thing, devoid of polish or fanfare, suddenly set in front of us by chance. It doesn't ask anything of you. You take what you will."
Derek & Angie enjoying the awesome VW Surf Bus given to them by friends and family. The bus was signed, decorated, and filled with wacky stuff in remembrance of their special day.
It was really edifying to watch the wedding photographer and her assistant throughout the day as they captured every moment. The technique of wedding photographers varies across the board and I'm highly interested in seeing how well they blend into the ceremony and interact with the couple to get the best shot. I've seen some pretty bad wedding technique, but on this occasion the photographer was quite good. She was laid-back & out of the way, but always working and offering guidance when needed.
Friends and family watching Derek & Angie open their "wedding night gifts."
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