Rosette Nebula seen from Joshua Tree National Park on Dec. 12, 2023. Copyright by Keiko Yamasaki. (Courtesy of the photographer)
PASADENA, Calif. – A captivating photography exhibition, Journey to the Cosmos, will open on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Shumei Art Council in Pasadena, California. The exhibition, located at 2430 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, will run until April 30, 2025, offering visitors a mesmerizing glimpse into the wonders of the universe through the lens of Keiko Yamasaki.
The event will kick off with an opening lecture and reception at 2:00 p.m. on March 2, featuring Atsushi Fujimaki, who will present “Shintoism Unravels the Mysteries of the Universe.” The exhibition will be open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A Journey from Software Engineering to the Stars
Born and raised in Japan, Yamasaki spent her childhood summers in the Japanese Alps, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature. After moving to the U.S. with her husband, she pursued a career as a software engineer in San Diego. However, in 2014, health concerns prompted her to retire, leading her to discover a new passion—photography.
Under the mentorship of Donna Cosentino at Palomar College, Yamasaki honed her craft and later became a member of The Photographer’s Eye Collective Gallery. Based in Temecula, California, she is an active member of the Inland Empire Photo Club and serves as a photographer for the San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society, with her work featured in the organization’s publications.
Capturing the Cosmos
Yamasaki’s astrophotography journey began seven years ago as an extension of her landscape photography. Using a DSLR camera and long lens, she initially captured nebulae and galaxies but soon sought greater precision. The appearance of the Green Comet in 2023 sparked her interest in telescope imaging, leading her to purchase a astro camera and computer. This technology now allows her to capture breathtaking celestial phenomena with remarkable clarity.
A member of the Temecula Valley Astronomers Club, Yamasaki frequently participates in star parties, where she shares her passion for the night sky with fellow enthusiasts and the public. Her love for astronomy stems from cherished childhood memories of stargazing with her mother in the rice fields of Japan—an experience that continues to inspire her work.
A Passion for Exploration
Beyond her astrophotography, Yamasaki is an avid traveler. Her journeys have taken her across Europe, the Middle East, and the Japanese Alps, nurturing her appreciation for diverse landscapes and cultures. One of her photographs was featured in Through the Lens, a book celebrating 50 years of the Anza-Borrego Desert Foundation.
Through her stunning celestial imagery, Yamasaki invites the public to reflect on the vastness of the universe and the deep connections we share with it.
For more information about the exhibition, contact Keiko Yamasaki at temcalky@yahoo.com or (714) 213-2384.
