Today's Photo Shoot

Today, it was perfect picture-taking weather for the photo-shoot of model Miki and the setting couldn't have been any better.

The shoot was for a new batch of promotional photos for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. They were taken at the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys. Miki said the gardens made her homesick for her hometown of Kyoto, Japan.

Here's a couple from today:





Following the shoot, we migrated over to Crazy Tokyo Sushi in Tarzana for a "wrap" lunch:

Above, the "wrap" lunch at Crazy Tokyo Sushi in Tarzana.

Thanks to model Miki for a job well done!

The Photo-Shoot

Above, Yuu Asakura at Lake Balboa with "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan."

The photo-shoot was completed. Although, it didn't go exactly the way I planned.

I had planned on using The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys, but due to the rains over the past 24 hours, the Garden was essentially turned into a "mudhole," according to the guards there. They said this happens all the time when it rains.

So, since my model, Yuu Asakura, was en route, I had to come up with an alternate site. Luckily, Lake Balboa was nearby.

As soon as Yuu arrived, I explained the situation to her and we headed over to Lake Balboa for the shoot.

It turned out pretty well. It was nice and clear out and the storm was a cold one causing the snow level to be lower than usual on the nearby mountains. It made for a nice background.

I would have preferred using The Japanese Garden instead, but one must adapt to changing situations.

Photo-Shoot For "The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan"

Today has been spent working on getting a model for some advertising photos for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. I also attempted to scout the location for the shoot, but it was closed today. At least the guard gave me a nice 2010 calendar to take with me for ideas.

I plan to do the photo-shoot at The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys, California (Kyoto and Tokyo are just too far and it is only a couple of miles from home). (This picture was taken at home.) I am somewhat limited to when I can use The Japanese Garden as it has certain days and hours when it's open to the public. But it is a nice place with guided and self-guided tours. And it has a gift shop where visitors may buy Japanese gifts.

From The Japanese Garden's website:

Hours and Admission Fees:

We offer docent-led walking tours, by advance reservation only, on Monday through Thursday mornings. Each tour lasts approximately 1-¼ hours and includes an overview of the water reclamation process. (Evening tours are offered during the Summer.)

The Garden is also available for self-guided tours Monday through Thursday from 12:00PM until 4:00PM, and Sunday from 10:00AM until 4:00PM (the last gate entry each day is at 3:15PM). Please call on the day you wish to visit to make sure the Garden is open.

Admission to the Garden for docent-led or self-guided tours is $3.00 per person, $2.00 for Seniors 62+ and Children under 10. (Special Event admission fees are generally higher.)

On the model, I have a couple of "feelers" out. She'll be Asian, naturally! This all should be finalized by tonight, I expect.

UPDATE: Got the model! Here's a clue, she was in Don Glut's The Mummy's Kiss: Second Dynasty.