My host mother practicing calligraphy.My host mother is unemployed, takes care of all the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and manages most of the business that occurs within the house. She fits into the category of the stereotypical “Japanese housewife.” Without any children to take care of, she devotes her spare time to a calligraphy class, a computer class, a gospel choir, and a bible reading class in order to learn English. Whenever we go out to the public bath, she is very vocal when speaking with neighbors and friends.
Commenting on how I want to dye my hair a similar color as the flowers.This past Sunday, my host parents took me to the Kyoto Prefecture Botanical Garden. With my host father acting as a translator, my host mother explained how the plum blossoms are currently in bloom and will soon grown fruit.
Great description, and I love the candid photography. That's quite an interesting role reversing you've pointed out here. Often times, but obviously not always, the mothers in host families tend to be the focal point of English language skill for their children's education. With no children this provides an intriguing case study. Perhaps you can compare your situation to other home stay students to see the differences.
ReplyDeleteYour host mother is a great subject for this assignment - you chose well.
ReplyDeleteYes, these are nice candid shots, but a portrait is not a candid shot. It is a constructed image coming out of a negotiation between subject and photographer. You did seem to have such a negotiation, and I enjoyed reading about it. But I want the photos to speak more. We don't see her eyes or much of her face in the first photo (and indeed my eyes are attracted to the stuff posted on the wall behind her). And the focus in the second photo seems to be the plum blossoms. Please think about these things and work to improve your picture-taking. I see lots of potential with your posts and know that your future endeavors will get better and stronger.