Camping on an Idea in the Shinjuku Underground
Shinjuku Underground:
Shinjuku, particularly Shinjuku Station, is a significant hub in Tokyo. It is the busiest railway station in the world, servicing 3.4 million people a day. With 52 train platforms and over 200 exits, suggesting the station is a labyrinth may be understating it. The several kilometres of underground passages offer a unique glimpse into the commuter culture ingrained in Japan.
There is a sense of busyness that saturates everything in Shinjuku Station. Everyone moves with such reckless abandon, perfectly controlled, even orderly, as only the Japanese can do. It is a race to exit or enter the station; no one is there to wait. Until a one beautiful soul does just that, waits in place.
Camping Out On An Idea:
Camping out, as defined by Google Search:
In street photography, “camping out” means selecting a specific spot—often with interesting lighting, vibrant backgrounds, or heavy foot traffic—and waiting patiently for noteworthy moments. Instead of wandering in search of subjects, the photographer becomes a quiet observer, allowing the world to unfold within their chosen frame. This approach depends on anticipation, good composition, and, at times, intuition, as scenes gradually reveal authentic interactions or fleeting gestures that illustrate urban life.
Camping out encourages close observation and a stronger sense of place. Over time, subtle stories emerge as people interact with the environment and each other, revealing layers of human behaviour that might be missed during a quick walk-by. By dedicating themselves to one location, photographers challenge their creativity within set boundaries and develop an innate connection to the street’s rhythm and nuances—transforming ordinary intersections, corners, or markets into stages for visual storytelling.
Agree or not, it is as close a definition as I need. For me, it is all about the idea. I go after what I see. In some cases, it may take a few attempts to get the shot I want, so I camp out. In other instances, idea one opens other possibilities to explore, and I camp out on those ideas. There is a simplicity in the logic that does not seem worth arguing about. Great images are just that, regardless of the style in which they were created.
When I see an image in my mind, I must have it. Time ceases to exist; there is only that idea to fulfill. Call it what you will —I call it pre-visualization —and I work hard to hone mine. I see the same thing happen when I work for photographers who are above my level of talent. They are hunters of art.
The Shinjuku Underground Idea:
The idea is a simple one, all the best street photographs are. Observe someone who is waiting, preferably in their own world, and drag the shutter to capture the movement in those passing by. As it happens, I was leading a street photography workshop through Shinjuku Station and there she was. Just leaning up against the wall in one of the busiest passages of the world's busiest station.
There were so many people, which ruined several shots, but it also opened up other possibilities. I spent fifteen minutes shooting, failing, trying again, succeeding finally, only to try something new and start the whole process over again. I would have shot fifteen more minutes had she waited that long.
The people come in waves; at its crest, the wave makes this shot impossible, but as it breaks, an opening appears. That is the moment the shots below detail. Enough motion to create contrast with the subject without overwhelming it. Also, keeping the frame in mind with people and motion in just the right places.
With a bit of luck, there can be moments of absolute calm in Shinjuku Station. Camping on an idea provides all that's needed to take advantage of creating a few images. A few minutes of intense, intuition-based shooting can turn a good day into a great one.
I shot several frames here, with multiple looks. I switched my framing, subject placement, colour, black and white, camera angle, and I looked for her interaction with the environment. The colour image below is the best of the bunch. She looks away from her phone, and the lady in purple shoes looks down at hers. Their eyes meet, but on two different planes in two different worlds. Worlds that can be observed by all of us.
As always, I would love to hear your story in the comments below. If you feel so inclined, share a coffee with me. I am a flat white kind of guy. Happy shooting, everyone.
