LOCATION – TOKYO STYLE – JAPAN
Intro
Japan and street photography go hand in hand. So much so it deserves its own article! Photography is seemingly a part of everyday life in Japan. Everyone is interested in cameras and the proof is the sheer number of shops dedicated to this passion. Entire shops selling just films, or spaces with more tripods than you could ever test. Its a wonderland for us photography enthusiasts. This likely lends itself to street photography and people being comfortable around cameras. I would never be comfortable in Australia, the UK or US for example shooting street portraits. There seems to be a barrier of distrust thats becoming part of Western culture. Maybe there is a good reason, or maybe simply as we stand out as tourists, its therefore seen as OK?
Here is some imagery from the trip to Japan I took with Mike in 2019.
Essentials
Camera Gear Used
- Canon 5DsR
- Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM ART
- Canon RF 14-35 f/4 IS USM Lens
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya needs no introduction. The sheer magnificence of Shibuya Crossing is likely to a highlight of any trip. Mike and I found early morning commuters were particularly photogenic and could often be isolated with F1.4 aperture. Smartly dressed men and women navigating the hustle and bustle of a Tokyo commute. The trick is to relax and take your time. Let the imagery come to you. Literally across from the other side of the crossing!
Omotesando
My visit to Omotesando was a little by chance. I adored Harajuku and the laneways of boutique shopping and cafes. On my way back to Shibuya one evening I walked thru Omotesando. Definitely a more upmarket area with high end shopping. However these girls came down the street in the cosplay style of fashion. An activity and performance art in costumes. Was so awesome. One of those ‘this doesn’t happen in Australia’ moments that Mike and I mentioned daily.
Harajuku
Harajuku is a melting pot of human interaction at all times but this particular time was extra special. It happened to be a Saturday night and all the cool kids were out. In the space of about 30mins I was able to capture the following images. People were either dressed up as cosplay characters or hanging around looking awesomely trendy. All ready to pose for the camera. Do not forget your portrait lens here! It helps to not be too shy and politely ask if you can take their photo. I never got one rejection and the images I got were some of my favourites. Something that comes to mind afterwards is to take some form of contact so you can send them their images later. Its the right thing to do and good deeds breed karma. Instagram is the global language of imagery form my experience.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Mike had done some meticulous research on our behalf and we ended up in Golden Gai which is an old neighborhood comprising of a grid of old laneways not far to the east of Shinjuku station. I found myself popping my head thru windows and doors and shooting people cooking or eating and drinking. Once again everyone embraced it. Maybe I really did look like a tourist!
Mike had done some further excellent investigative research and found there was an old bar that was known to photography enthusiasts. Especially Leica ones. We spent a little time navigating the laneways and finally found a door with zero signage. We went up an impossibly narrow flight of stairs . I vividly remember not being able to exit the stairs without removing my backpack. We sat ourselves at the end of the bar and I’m sure I had a gin and tonic. Not a word of English was spoken but it didn’t matter. We had nice cameras around our necks and we were welcomed. The walls were adorned with photos and the bartender was this wonderfully photogenic older lady. Im sure she knew we were taking her portrait, but she never minded. By the end it felt like we had made new friends without ever conversing in a mutual language we could understand.
Nonbei Yokocho
Known as ‘Piss Alley’ or ‘Drunkard’s Alley’, this laneway provided fantastic opportunity to photograph small bars and restaurants and chefs in particular.
Shibuya Laneways
About 50m to the east of Shibuya Crossing on Miyamasu-Zaka was a small network of laneways that Mike I kept gravitating towards. Typically Japanese with pretty street lanterns dotted around and tiny sake bars. Similar to Piss Alley above it is easy to shoot chefs and bar staff working their trade and who typically, are so photogenic.
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