The Tokyo Forgeries Blog
Scroll Search or Click
1. Tokyo Photo Workshop Highlights: Dive into Diverse
A busy week of photo workshops in Tokyo
Elevating Street Photography: The Art of Hybrid Capture
Hybrid Street Photography in Tokyo
Elevate Your Photography: Scene vs. Location Exploration
Working the scene at its core requires the photographer to move their feet. Improve upon the original composition with minor changes.
Exploring Ueno’s Ameya-Yokocho: A Photographer's Paradise
Ueno stands out as a top destination for anyone visiting Tokyo. Within its maze of paths, you will find food, clothing, a diverse crowd, shopping, and shrines. Numerous chances for photography are abundant. Ueno Ameyokocho is truly a paradise for street photographers.
Chasing Light, in Ueno’s Ameyokocho Market.
Ueno is the best in Tokyo, with charm, history, locals, and some gentrification. Despite tourists, it's perfect for street photography, especially with great light. I stop there whenever I can.
Self-Fulfilling Street Photography is The Only Way
What is right the way to approach street photography? Do you follow your heart or follow the trends? What if my heart is in the trends?
What is the Number One Street Photography Rule!
Street photography has no strict rules; it’s guided mainly by flexible etiquette based on personal preference.
Revisiting the Logic of Past Street Photography
How do you challenge yourself as a street photographer. Do you look at old work? Do you consider the how and why of being an artist? Is street photography art?
The Fallacy of Focal Length in Street Photography
The conversation frequently revolves around which lens is best suited for street photography. While focal length undeniably influences composition and perspective, overemphasizing it can lead us astray, creating a fallacy that can hinder our creative expression.
Excessive Cropping Can Mislead Viewers of Street Scenes.
I
In the instant photography and social media era, capturing street scenes is easier than ever. But excessive cropping, while sometimes enhancing composition, often removes essential context and misrepresents the photo’s story.
Ultimate Zoom Lens for The Best Street Photography
I prefer prime lenses and have many, but also carry an old, heavy zoom daily in Tokyo. I don’t always use it, but it works well when I do.
In Tokyo, Colour Is Best For Street Photography!
I love shooting in black and white. I even bought a camera that only takes black-and-white photos, the Leica Q2 Monochrom. But why say Tokyo looks best in colour? I believe it does.
1:1 Aspect Ratio Is Best For Street Photography?
I often use the Leica Q2 Monochrom and Nikon Z9, both with a 24 x 36 mm (3:2) aspect ratio—ideal for landscapes and portraits, and familiar in formats such as TVs, theatres, screens, and prints. Since 3:2 is common, why pick 1:1?
Shibuya Crossing: Street Photographers Hate It, I Love It.
I seek a moment in street photography and beyond—unfiltered, fleeting, and vivid. Trends don't matter; only that almost tangible instant. Often, I miss it.
Tokyo Changes, Shoot It Before You Lose It.
Tokyo Changes
Cities constantly change. Tokyo, one of the largest and most vibrant cities, undergoes rapid and unpredictable transformations. A favourite shooting spot may disappear, then reappear later.
What is the proper etiquette for street photography?
What is street photography etiquette? Do people follow it? When is it crossed, and who decides? Based on 20 years in Tokyo, I'll share my view—but etiquette is personal, not absolute.
Working the Scene in Tokyo’s Shibuya
One of the first lessons learned as a new street photographer is to work the scene. That is, to move around the scene you are shooting for the best image to capture. I learned this lesson very early as I only had access to a single lens, a 50mm. I would love to claim artistic instinct, but in truth, I had no other choice.
A Beautiful Night of Street Photography in Shibuya
What constitutes a beautiful night of street photography is italicized below. Though it is written in the formal language required for another publication, the highlighted text provides insight into not only how to approach teaching street photography but also how I practice it.
The Joy of Sharing Our Street Photography.
Most of my day as a street photographer is spent scouting new locations rather than shooting them. I do this not by choice but through instinct. I spend just enough time exploring an area’s potential, capturing something I am happy with, and moving on. I have many favourite spots in Tokyo. I revisit them often but never consider any particular place to be mine. If anything, they belong to the city, and I have only carefully observed their potential.
What Is the Best Focal Length for Street Photography?
What is the best focal length? 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, wider, or longer? The answer: the one you carry and know well, fitting your vision.