I have always liked the little details in the subway stations here in Tokyo. As a little challenge I took a few photos in the underground last weekend while wandering around Oedo Toshimaen Station. I tried to shoot into the mirrored panel on the platform in such a way that it would look like I was being shot by someone else through a pane of glass. What do you think?
Category: Photo Blogs
Hanami 2012
It is that time of year again, Hanami! But actually, I have not been feeling like being around large crowds of people so I have refrained from most Hanami related activities. Just so those reading my blog will not be too sad I have posted a few photos I took while I was out and about.
Morning Trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market
Unfortunately, if you want fresh fish in Tokyo the most famous way to get it is a trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market before the sun rises. At least it does not smell too strong in the winter!
Knowing how threatened tuna likely are as a species it was very saddening to see so many featured and sold so prominently.
Shooting Autumn Photos at Shinjuku Gyoen (2011)
Today the weather was nice and it was a quiet weekday morning so I decided to go out and shoot some autumn photos at Shinjuku Gyoen. It was really nice and relaxing with so few people there. In the past it has always been a challenge shooting on the weekends as there are usually more shooters that trees in the park. If you have some time, please take a look at some of the photos I took.
Shooting on a Rainy Night
Last night I decided to shoot a bit in the heavy rain, both to test out my Canon 5D Mark II in adverse conditions and to have an excuse to splash around in some puddles. I really enjoyed shooting in the crazy rain and having a camera that could handle the beating. The camera had no problem with the amount of rain, which, as you can see from the photos, would be enough to kill many a camera. I would not recommend shooting in the heavy rain without a pro lens or too often but I am very happy with the results.
After the shoot I brought my camera in, gave it a good towelling off and left it to dry overnight. It doesn’t seem to have any problems, and there was no water anywhere that I had worried it would get in. I carefully checked the lens mount, CF card slot and battery compartment but not even a hint of moisture. I can’t wait for the next big weather event!
Greenery Day (みどりの日）
Today is a national holiday in Japan called Greenery Day (みどりの日). For a few years now it has fallen on May 4th, but it used to be celebrated on April 29th. It was once associated with the Showa Emperor but has since been commuted to a holiday celebrating nature and life. It is a nice way to recognize the Showa Emperor in a form that celebrates something he was known for enjoying while avoided certain political aspect of the Showa Era.
Personally, I think the best part of Greenery Day is the free access to my favourite park in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑). This year my friend Nori and I wandered around and shot some photos with several thousand other people.
Today is also notable as it is the first festival or holiday so far since the disaster in Tohoku that seems to have felt normal to most people. People are finally starting to relax a bit here in Tokyo.
Please enjoy some of my photos from the shoot!
This Year’s Hanami Season
Every year I have been in Japan I have gone out to take some photos of the cherry blossoms in the spring and do a bit of hanami (flower watching). This year the blossoms weren’t quite as nice as usual. Whether it is due to the weather or to the somber mood I am not sure, but they were just not as appealing as usual. That being said, I still got out and shot some nice photos this season. Enjoy!
Shooting Winter Photos in Shinjuku Gyoen
Over the weekend, I went to one of my favorite spots in Tokyo to wander and shoot photos. Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) is one of the nicer parks in Tokyo and is a good place to see the seasons as well as grab interesting snaps. Famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring and turning leaves in the fall it can get very busy at those times making it virtually impossible to take any wide shots without including at least a few other photographers. Luckily, the park is relatively barren and cold during the winter and is generally underappreciated.
This time I went out with my friend Nori near closing time at the park and we got to wander and shoot a bit. It was quite interesting in the park with the sun dropping creating long shadows and the dry grass to take on a very deep yellow. I would recommend it to anyone who is in Tokyo this winter and wants to get away from the crowds and just shoot.
Sunrise: Easier in the Fall
Sunrise can be one of the best times to grab a camera and get warm shots with rich colours and nice contrast, but for a lot of the year sunrise is just too early. Not so in November. This time of year, before daylight savings changes things, sunrise is close to 8 am. That definitely makes it easier to get up, get ready and head out to my favorite photo spots. The main issue with this time of year is that it tends to be rainy overnight and first thing in the morning, but when the sun does decide to shine it is beautiful. I don’t think there is a better time of year for morning shots. It also helps to be living in such a picturesque city.