Saying goodbye

To someone close

May cause a stinging feeling in your heart

But when you follow your dream

Presenting the skills they knew you had

Refuels your heart with confidence

And makes your talent stand out 

Like sparkly diamonds in a cave

​With practice and patience,

​Your talent will grow

​Like tiny buds blooming into grand roses 

Expanding in a lush garden

And no storms of rain or hail

Will ever stop you from continuing to live and grow

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This gallery is dedicated to my Auntie Yuriko who sadly passed away in July 2024. For years, I have been in a slump, thinking I could never be as skilled as other photographers out there in the field. During one of my visits, Auntie, who knew that I was still in school pursuing my goal of earning an associate's degree in digital photography, told me that I will grow to become a skilled photographer. Her words not only touched my heart, but they also motivated me to go back to taking pictures and regain my confidence in the art I love. I'm extremely atelophobic (fearful of making mistakes), but I will try to not let that stop me from improving my photographic skills. Now that I am back to shooting images, I will show Auntie that she is right about me becoming a skilled photographer. I will make her and the rest of my family proud! These are images I took in July when I visited the Getty Center's Central Garden in Los Angeles.