GH Nagai Photographics

Personal History



I am a second generation Japanese-American and have looked through a viewfinder for much of the past 55 years. My early photos taken with my trusty Kodak Brownie were family docu-images, mainly those stiff portraits of my family in front of the house, shots of our family dog, and the tractor next to the garage. The world was black and white then.

Early in high school I graduated to a Voitglander folding camera, a fine precision instrument from Germany with an actual glass lens, several settings for the aperture, and variable shutter speeds. This made for improved pictures, but took greater understanding of what goes into a photograph. I took a lot of those stiff portraits of my family in front of the house, shots of our family dog, and the tractor next to the garage.
I enjoy the out-of-doors, work with both the grand scenic and intimate landscapes, and am drawn to the subtlety of light and shadow during early mornings and that magical time called twilight. Since 1998 I have worked with a dear friend in her wedding photography business, capturing the best side of individuals & couples during their special of days. I have a special love for bridges.

I am a retired Social Worker, and now in my ample spare time I pursue the second love of my heart - photography. I live in Berkeley with Barbara, my love of 44 years. Our son and daughter both live nearby with their spouses & our grandchildren - Casey born to our son & daughter-in-law January 24th of 2002, and Teiya born to them on April 18, 2005 - Venice born to our daughter & son-in-law on April 23rd, 2002, and Xander born to them on January 22, 2005...



Updated: 05/04/05