A Connection Across Continents
Sometimes, we meet clients who feel like long-lost friends. This special family from South Africa runs a karate dojo back home—and in a crazy coincidence, they practice the exact same kata as my wife, Pati, who also ran a dojo in Mexico! To make it even more special, one of the daughters, Savannah, is a fellow photographer based in New Zealand.
Authentic Japan: Starting at Shitennoji
Mike reached out to us because he wanted to capture the "authentic" soul of Japan for their family trip. We started our 2-hour Heritage Plan at Shitennoji, one of Japan's oldest temples. The spiritual atmosphere was the perfect backdrop for a family that lives by the discipline and tradition of martial arts.
Laughter and Transformation
At first, the dad wasn't very excited about a professional photoshoot—a feeling many dads share! But within minutes, his funny personality came out. He jumped right into the experience, and soon we were all laughing together. Seeing a "tough" karate family relax and enjoy the moment is exactly why we love what we do at La Casita.
The Subway Journey to Osaka Castle
To get from the temple to our next stop, we all hopped on the Osaka subway together. It wasn't just a commute; it was part of the adventure. By the time we arrived at Osaka Castle, the family was having a blast. The grand stone walls and the towering castle provided a majestic finish to their heritage story.
