Chasing Light, Moments and People in Ueno’s Ameya-Yokocho Part 2

Preparing for June Workshops In Ueno

Ueno is a premier location for all visitors to Tokyo. Along the labyrinth of paths, there is food, clothes, people, shopping, and shrines. A multitude of photographic opportunities await. Uneo Ameyokocho is a street photographer’s paradise.

Ueno, Tokyo.

How to Shoot in Ueno’s Ameya-Yokocho:

For the best results, go on a sunny day and go early. The shops open at 10:00 AM, some earlier and some later. The key is to beat the crowds out for a day of shopping. I arrived at 8:30 in the morning and was in full shooting mode shortly thereafter. The light available on a sunny day makes for some dramatic scenes.

Frame the spot you like and ensure the exposure is locked in. Be careful not to overexpose the highlights; the contrast there is overwhelming. Then, wait for the most interesting people to enter your scene. Above are two shots taken just like this. In the first image, I liked the graffiti on the shutter. Within minutes, the shopkeeper appeared and swept the front of the store clean. He returned for a quick cigarette, providing a second opportunity to photograph him.

The second image was taken in a shaft of light coming from between the overhead train tracks. I just loved the Regatte hat shop in the background. Ten minutes after this was taken, the shop opened, and the light was gone.

The two images below were taken using two techniques: shooting from the hip and slow shutter speed. The image of the old man walking in Ameya-Yokocho was taken while shooting from the hip. With my exposure and focus pre-set, I walk through the market, looking for interesting people to shoot.

I set the focus by holding the camera at waist level and focusing on my shoe. I know this will give me one meter of optimal focus. My aperture will provide a little forgiveness with focus at around f/4 to f/5.6. Some street photographers like more depth of field, choosing to shoot at f/11 or f/16. I like a softer background here. There is enough information for context without overwhelming the subject with too much clutter.

Image two is a slow shutter speed shot. I can handhold it for 1/15 of a second without losing too many frames to camera shake. I had already framed and exposed the shot earlier and only needed to steady the camera. People walking through the frame looked okay, but the increased speed of the bicycles was incredible. The real trick was getting them in the correct position. I want their head under the hat on the sign. They are in the light when they are near me; when closer to the sign, they fall into shadow when positioned under the hat.

Ueno, Tokyo.

Workshop Preparation Done:

I feel confident in the coming workshops, as I have spent several days re-shooting all the locations involved. Ueno in particular should be great. I have added several new spots and techniques to help all my workshop attendees walk away with incredible photos, ideal for their portfolios.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below. All the best on your next shoot.