Kimono photos in Kyoto

kmphua

I took these shots of my wife dressed in a Japanese kimono during a recent trip to Kyoto. In addition to practising my portrait skills, I thought it would be a good opportunity to test out my new EF 70-200/F4L IS.

Your honest comments and criticisms are greatly appreciated!

schmoo

You have some excellent bokeh in some of these. I wish I could see more of the kimono, however, especially since you tempted me into your thread by calling it "Kimono Photos"

kmphua

Well Schmoo...
here's more Kimono photos like you asked for
Hope you enjoy them

Elaine

I like 1 and 3 of your first set and 2 and 3 of your second set. With such a beautiful kimono on a beautiful lady, it would have been nice to see a full length shot with the trees in bloom as a backdrop. Looks like you had fun with your new lens! Thanks for sharing!

schmoo

kmphua wrote:

Thank you!

This is my favorite - lovely background and the fabric is gorgeous. I have a few friends in Japan but still know almost nothing about the role of tradition in daily life. Are kimonos still worn regularly, and are they still as difficult to put on?

I also love your wife's hair ornaments. Thank you for the peek into life on the other side of the globe.

kmphua

schmooo wrote:

Thank you!

This is my favorite - lovely background and the fabric is gorgeous. I have a few friends in Japan but still know almost nothing about the role of tradition in daily life. Are kimonos still worn regularly, and are they still as difficult to put on?

I also love your wife's hair ornaments. Thank you for the peek into life on the other side of the globe.

Hi Schmooo,

From what I know, kimonos are not worn regularly by most Japanese women, with the exception of those working in traditional Japanese restaurants (ryotei) or lodging inns (ryokan).

Kimonos are usually reserved for special occasions like viewing the cherry blossoms (sakura), coming of age ceremonies (20 years old) and weddings, etc. I think most Japanese women would have at least a few kimonos in their possession, but there are many places (especially in Kyoto) that offer kimono rental services for people who want to experience wearing one for that authentic Japanese experience.

Observing the kimono teacher helping my wife put on her kimono, I would say that a proper kimono still takes considerable effort to put on, and it's definitely not something one can do alone!

kmphua

Elaine wrote:

I like 1 and 3 of your first set and 2 and 3 of your second set. With such a beautiful kimono on a beautiful lady, it would have been nice to see a full length shot with the trees in bloom as a backdrop. Looks like you had fun with your new lens! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Elaine,

Thanks for your comments! I'll keep that in mind for the next time. Still need work in my portraits...that's what my wife keeps telling me