Manami at the beach!
This past July 4th I decided to take Manami with me to the annual beach party my aunt and uncle throw at their beach house out on Folly Beach. Since it was a holiday weekend, I knew there would be HOARDES of people out there if I waited to go at a normal time. So I decided to greet the sun and arrive EARLY.... like 6:30 am early. XD
I parked at my aunt and uncles house which is right across the street from the beach and walked out to the very end of the beach where the river comes in to meet the ocean and there is no one around.
I had full use of the entire area without any distractions. So Manami and I set up camp and went to getting some pics taken. We got to the end of the beach around 7:00am and left there around 9:30. I took over 100 pics in total. Most of these are up on my Flickr page so if you want to see them all, please check here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/balldylox/sets/72157626992734417/
Now, on to the pictures!
The Edge of America! This is looking east into the sunrise. This was right around 7am.
Manami set up her little spot right away.
"Hey Papa, it's nice out here this early! We have the whole beach all to ourselves!"
Yes we do dear. We can do whatever you like.
"I wanna go down to the water! I've never seen the ocean before!"
Well then, lets change that.
"Awesome! Let's go!"
"WOW! It's HUGE!! So much water!"
I wish I could have gotten her to stand on her own but it was too windy and she keep wanting to fall over. So I had to use a thigh stand buried in the sand to hold her up for this pic.
"Oh look! A seashell! Can I keep it?"
Of course you can. You can show it to your sisters when we get home.
"Why are all these rocks here Papa?"
These are breakwaters to help with beach erosion.
"Ahh... ok."
"What's that out there in the water?"
That's the Folly Beach lighthouse. It used to keep ships from getting to close to shore but it hasn't been operating for a long time now.
"It's time for snacks now!"
Ok then, I'd like something to drink please.
"Here Papa! I brought you this!"
It's a bit early but that's fine, it's a holiday anways.
"It's always beer time!"
I see you brought some nice snacks too.
"Yep! I got some bento and salmon and sweets too!"
"Ahhh, after a snack it's time to lay out."
The sun is getting brighter now so Manami breaks out her sunglasses.
After resting up, Manami decides to go and see whats in the sand dunes. Here she finds some flowers similar to Morning Glories. When we first got here, all these flowers were closed. And about 45 minutes later, they were all open.
"The dunes are really cool Papa!"
"It's so nice at the beach!"
"Lets go over to the big wooden stuff next."
If you mean the old growings then ok.
These old "growings" as the locals call them were also breakwaters at one time and held back water from eroding the sand dunes. You can see the dunes have almost completely covered them now.
"I want to go down below and see these from underneath."
Ok then.
"It's almost like a boardwalk under here.... very nice."
"Why haven't you brought me here before Papa?"
Well, as you know, it's a good drive from home to here and it's also hot most of the time. Plus, it's usually crawling with people so I figured it wasnt such a great time to visit unless I could have you here with no distractions.
"So you're saying you wanted it to be just us two?"
Yes, that's what I mean.
"Awwwww! That's so cute Papa! Hee hee!"
A short walk down the beach gets us into the dead tree area where the old woods got swallowed up by the sand.
The lighting out here was so nice. Manami just seemed to glow out here.
Here she is at the edge of the woods. She looks so small and frail from here.
People carve stuff on this dead tree but I can't really recall what it said. Nothing prophetic for sure. :)
"Hey Papa! Take my picture here!"
Ok, I gotcha.
CLICK
"Now over here!"
CLICK
"Okay Papa, lets go back to the house now. I want to wash off the salt and sand.
Alright, we *have* been out here for almost 2.5 hours so I can use a break. Let's pack up.
Back at the house, Manami decides to wander around and see all the cool things under the beach house. Here she is with some bright pink flowers.
"Papa! Look at this frog! He has a shiny ball! I can see myself in it! And you too! Hahahahaa!"
"Papa, this sign is cool!"
Yes it is, it was painted by your Aunt Amy, my sister. She painted it on an actual slate roof shingle that was used on colonial houses in downtown Charleston hundreds of years ago.
"Why does this guy have bones coming out of his nose?"
Ha ha... that's a Tiki Idol and they are to help keep bad vibes away and bring good luck. Amy also painted this one on a slate shingle.
"Wow, she's good!"
"Hey! We have these at our house too! It's a hydrangea, right Papa?"
Yes! Good job Manami! You remembered!
"Well, it was the first flower I saw at my new home so it's very special to me.
Aww... that's so sweet Manami!
"Look at me Papa! I climbed way up here all by myself!"
You sure are a good climber dear.
"Yes I am! Now get me down please."
"Ok Papa, I'm ready for a nap. I'm beat. Pick me up!"
Alright Manami, we have had quite a busy day so I can't blame you for being tired.
"Thanks for bringing me out tho, I had a great time with you Papa."
You're welcome my dear. I had a great time too. =3
GREAT shot!
Thank you!
You're welcome. :D
Hehe, these glasses are so cool!
Thanks! I got them from Alices Collections for $11. They even came with their own carrying case and mini cleaning cloth!
I'm so jealous you got to take pictures somewhere like this, what a beautiful setting. Just out of curiosity, how come you decided to bring Manami as opposed to one of your other girl?
Heh, don't be jealous.... it's just a beach. =3
I brought Manami for two reasons. One, I promised her a special treat for her one year anniversary and this was it. And two, she is my first and most favorite girl. Eventually, I'll bring others out there, just later in the year when it isn't so friggin hot. XD
This type of lighting is known as "golden hour" which is basically about an hour after sunrise and about an hour before sunset. It's the BEST direct outdoor light you can get. If you got there even an hour earlier to start shooting, the light would have been even better.
Heh, if I had been there an hour earlier, the sun would have barely been up at all due to the clouds. XD But yes, I've heard of this before but I didn't plan on it. i just wanted it to be cooler and less crowded. =3
I know what you mean. :D
Another great one as usual. :D Manami looks so relaxed and happy. :D
Thanks very much! She really was relaxed and said she had a great time. I know I sure did.
You're very welcome. :D That's good to hear. Fun is what this is all about. :D
I love her hair in braids! Theyre great!!
Thank you! This was the best wig to use since I didnt want to be brushing her regular one in between every shot! XD
Wonderful photos! Manami looks really beautiful in them<3 Her bikini is super cute, and I like her braids^^
Looking at these photos is like a mini vacation! XD
Aww, thank you so much! Her wig is from Leeke World and her bikini is from Cool Cats. I'm glad you liked the pics!
Great pics! Manami looks so chilled, looks like she had fun! wish I had the guts to take miya out like that lol, just worried about what other people think :/
Thank you! She did have a good time out there. =3
Just do like I did, go ut where you know people wont be early in the day, REALLY early. I had that whole end of the beach all to myself for over an hour and a half before a random guy showed up drinking coffee and taking pics on his cell phone. And he didnt even come over to me, he just wandered by, smiling and waving. After him, it was another 45 minutes before an older couple came by and said hello to me.
By and large most people are friendly. Most will just smile and keep walking. And who cares what they think of you? Will you ever see them again? Will you care if you do? Will they remember you even if you do? Go out and have fun with Miya and to heck with what anyone thinks. It's all about you and her, not everyone else. =3
I agree with baldylox! If u want to do it then just do it. You only got on life to live so live it to your own beat, not to what everyone else says you should. My Aoi comes with me everywhere i go, mostly cause im a truck driver, but once i get a good camera im gonna try to take photos everywhere i go and show all the readers the adventures we go on together!
That will be really cool to see your Aoi out and about on your travels! I hope you get a camera soon! =3
thanks guys! I wasn't having a good day today but when I read your comments it made me happier :)
I will try and take miya out somewhere nice even if is my backyard! if the weather cheers up lol
Thanks again!! :D
Glad to help! =3 Even if it's just your yard you go out in, Dollfies love being outside. They always look so happy in the sunlight or shade. And they'll always enjoy their time with you no matter where you go. ^_^
No problem! Trust me i've been embarrassed to at first, but i just had to go for it. and now thats its done i feel much better.
I hope so too!! Just need to discipline myself!! Although its hard to do it when i see so much stuff i'd love to get for Aoi.
what pretty beach pictures! looks like a good time :)
Thank you very much! We did have fun out there and now that she told her sisters all about it, they want to go too! XD
I can understand about the heat... Tokyo's been in the 30 - 35C since I got here.. HOT!!! But those beach shots look nice.. Mooney's Bay is the only real beach in the area around home.. well, there's Kichisippi Look Out and Britannia Beach, but they are in the far end of town..
Manami is sure Kawaii in that Bikini.. ^_^
Went to Shinjuku today, to the Volks store. Picked up a DD-Dy body, some hands, and some shimipan for around $300 cdn or so.. Didn't see much in clothes I liked..
Well, on the beach it's always cooler than inland but still 90 degrees is 90 degrees. XD
Ah cool, I stayed in Shinjuku while I was over there. In Kabuki-cho even... ha ha!
As always great photos!! I love her hair. Does Leeke world ship internationally or do you need proxy service to get there stuff.
Thank you sir! Yes, Leeke World does ship internationally direct from their website so no worries on having to use a proxy. But their shipping fees can be a bit high. Your best bet to get a wig or two you want is to get in on a group order. Because normally, their wigs run $18-$25 or so and shipping for ONE WIG can be $22 or so. :( So thats why doing a larger group order is better so you save money. Check on DoA for these group orders or even on the forums at dollfiedreams.com
man thats a good deal for the wig, but the shipping is crazy >.< I'll be sure to look on dollfiedreams.com and see if i can get in a group order. I tried goin to DoA and they invites only to register.
Do you need an invite Waynio?
Sure i guess, but isnt that sight mainly for resin dolls? I dont have any of those so could i still join?
Well, it *is* mainly about resins now but there are still a few DD owners there. The main reason I use DoA is to meet up with people in my area who own dolls. I'm the only one with DD's right now down here, but in other areas like Georgia and NC, I have met other DD owners. So it's a good way to meet other people as well as find DD stuff for sale like clothes and sometimes the dolls themselves.
O ok. Well if u could get me an invite just let me know
THis is sheer beauty.
Thank you very much! That is also one of my favorite pics. =3
Your other girls must be feeling jealous of Minami. I wonder what crafty plans they have on her when she returns back home? XP
Nice location that you found there. I guess she was very happy to get some alone time with papa :P
Heh, well, after she told them about her little adventure they seemed a tiny bit upset at first. But we both explained it's about impossible for me to take more than one of them at a time all the way out there. So luckily, they weren't upset or anything.... I just have to make 7 more trips out there sometime soon. XD
Thanks about the location. It's a great spot thats relatively closeby and easy to get to. Manami was very happy for her alone time with me too. ^_^
Beautiful... Manami looks so pretty in those bikinis ^^
The beach looks fantastic. Lovely shots ;)
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the pics!
nice XD
Heh, I knew I was going to be in there! XD
Very nice photos :) I was iffy on taking my Mio to the beach myself but ahhh what the heck! We'll plan it sometime! XD
Thank you! And Yay! Mio at the beach will be so nice to see! I hope you can make the trip soon... =3
nice photos! Manami looked very happy xD I wish I could take pictures like you, but the beaches where I live are too crowded :S
Thank you! Manami was indeed very happy! She now wants to go back again! XD
Maybe if you go really early like I did at sunup, there won't be so many people around? That may help you out. =3
Very cool...I took all of my dolliehs to Carpenteria State Beach one time...it was quite fun. This was before I got Sarge.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/msgeek/sets/72157624796359423/
Thanks!
Nice beach shots! The earlier time makes it worth it, the lighting is so much better then! There's a reason photographers call the first and last hour of sunlight the golden hour. ^^
Yeah, I had forgotten all about that time of day really. But I'm glad I was there during it to take full advantage. =3 Thanks!
she's such an adventurous girl XD I giggled when she broke out the snacks lol! thanks for sharing :3
Hee hee, she is indeed very outgoing and adventurous! I love having her out and about! =3 And did you think Manami would go ANYWHERE without having snacks around? LOL
Beautiful shot right here!
Thank you very much!
Pretty. :)
Thank you! I have to agree with you there. =3
beautiful! I wanna go visit the sandy beach now...can Manami come with me too? XD
It definitely looked like you two had a lot of fun. ^^
Thanks! And if you come down to visit MY beaches, I'll be glad to have Manami along with you as a tour guide! XD Yes, we both had a wonderful time. I plan to go back again with different girls next time.
Great photos! I love all Manami-chan posing! Really Nice & Sexy~ (=^-^=)
Thank you so much! I am glad you like her posing... she's very good at the sexy ones right? =3
WoW WoW WoW
Great shots !!!
Your girl is so cute!!
Thank you so much sir! =3
Very good pics! Glad you and Manami got some "alone time" together for your first anniversary!
Sweet.
^.^
Thank you sir! Yes, we both had a lot of fun and she feels a lot better about having some time alone with me. She's fine sharing her time with her sisters but she still feels like we need to have some time to ourselves on occasion. =3
How nice! I've seen only twice the sea^^
Thank you! It's nice to be able to visit whenever I want. I wish you could see the ocean more often... I bet Yukino would like it too! =3
Manami looks cute and sexy! Manami and you it seems to have fun!^^
Very nice photos^^
Thank you so much! We *did* have lots of fun! I am glad you liked the pictures! =3
Manami really enjoy the beach and all photos are amazing !!
Thank you very much! ^_^
*Nice~* very natural position. Weather is great too.
Thank you! She did such great work posing for me that day. She was in top form. =3
Really like how this picture is taken... The sunray's so nice~
Thanks! I took 7-8 pics of this and I only kept 2 of them that I really liked. I'm glad you think it's good, thank you! =3
Holy cow really cool shot!
Thank you very much! That is one of my favorites from this trip so I'm glad you like it too!
love this photos! they really make me want to be there. And nice swimsuit
Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked the pictures and felt like you were there! =3
Nice photos!just to looking at the pictures get me feel like be there! Whit Manami of course!
Thank you! Manami says if you're ever over here, she'll be glad to take you to the beach! =3
Awww, cuuuteeee! I *ahem* sneezed a bit at a few of these. X3 I haven't looked at your posts in soo long! Good job. Did you have a good time?
Thank you! We did have a great time out there. And why were you sneezing? =3
XD I don't even know. I just was.