I met Anna via email initially, but finally met her in person at a barbecue get-together on Torii Beach. Anna is a civilian contractor here, as is her husband. She has two adorable daughters, L & E - and she is also Okinawan. She has lived here for 10 years, and this is a great thing since her family is here. As we spoke that first time, she explained how she’d like to have some photographs done of the three generations of Okinawan women in her family. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance!
I’m so thrilled Anna contacted me to do this shoot - it was delightful meeting her aunts and her cousins, and enjoying their incredibly beautiful home (which has been in the family for 35 years!). (I’m not sure that spider in the previous post hasn’t been living in their garden for about that long too…. shudder.)
I pulled up to the extraordinary shiisa out at the front gate and knew this would be an extra special day. Here are a few details from the amazing garden. That little dog was quite protective.
As Anna’s cousin showed us inside, he grabbed iced tea for Shannan and I and we marveled at the details inside the house. (In the photos here you can see his business card with his photo that he made himself. The photo on the lower left is Anna’s uncle accepting an award.)
We were led upstairs to catch the final moments of Anna and her aunts putting the kimono on E & L. Adorable! (It was HOT - no surprise for Okinawa in July - but next time I can’t wait to see all the gorgeous women in their kimono!)
More from the day… Anna’s cousin with gorgeous L.
I think blue is E’s color, don’t you? Her smile lit up the whole garden!
Here are all the ladies - Sadly, Anna lost her mom eight years ago, but the relationship between Anna, her daughters, and the great aunts is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen. Anna - your mom was smiling at you all on this day! And E & L are so lucky to have their family and your rich culture here.
Anna’s Aunts are so beautiful. Look at their lovely smiles. The language barrier didn’t stop me from enjoying their company thoroughly!
Anna is a runner. All the friends we have in common, refer to her as “Anna the Runner”. Well look at this woman! It shows. Some of the genetics from this family were passed down, and I think I’d call her Anna the Stunner.
The love for these smart and friendly little girls just oozed all over the place. By the end of the shoot I was covered in sweat but I didn’t even notice or care.
From Anna: Thank you for a wonderful session. My Okinawan family had NEVER experienced anything like that before. They only know the Japanese way of going to a studio and getting the 3 canned poses. A million times thank you for this family treasure. My daughters will look back someday and see the Okinawan women who loved them from day one.
It was an incredible experience to photograph your family. I do really hope we can do it again when it’s a bit cooler, I’d love to spend some more time around the family! Thank YOU, everyone.
K was born last September and his 2 older brothers happen to be my daughter’s boyfriends. He’s baby #4 for my neighbors who are soon to PCS. (SNIFF) Anyway, he’s MY boyfriend. He’s delicious and adorable. As you can see. Look what a difference (almost) a year makes!
