Photo-Walk From Ueno to Kanda
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Ueno Alley East
Tokyo Long Photo-Walk
The reason for such a long walk was my first bad day in quite some time. I most often stick to a single area and work on it, then take a break and work on it some more after the light has shifted. More often than not, I will come away with something I like. This was not the case. I changed my plan on the fly and found myself taking images of what other people might like. I decided to go the next day and shoot all my favourites, camera, style, and location.
Leica Q2 Monochrom
This is a beautiful camera and I am honoured to shoot with one. Branding and prestige aside, it is a remarkable camera. The files are stunning, the ISO is invariant, and the feel of the camera in hand is sublime. I enjoy it so much that I often restrict my use of it. If I didn't, I would never shoot colour again. Tokyo is so vibrant that colour is a must
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Ueno Alley West
Tokyo in Monochrom Is a Beautiful Thing
A truer statement about street photography in Tokyo can not be uttered. As much as the bright lights and radiant energy beg to be recorded in colour, the alleyways, people and character of the city need to be seen in black and white.
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Ueno
Tokyo Photo Walk Locations:
Ueno:
Ueno Ameya-Yokocho, to be precise, is the starting point of this photo walk. It is a favourite location of mine, one that is home to one of my street photography workshops. The people here are what make it such a great place. Ueno has a rich history and character, but it's the locals who make this place a treasure trove of photographic possibilities.
The market spans several blocks in breadth and width, extending from the exit of Ueno Station to the entrance of Okachimachi Station. It requires a couple of loops to do it justice; however, today I crisscrossed through the market, trying to take the less-travelled path.
Nikon Z9 : Ueno Market
Okachimachi:
Aside from being at the tail end of the market, it is also known as the diamond district of Tokyo. Despite the glamorous title, Okachimachi has a slightly gritty feel. It is very similar to its neighbour, Ueno, though not as big. Some gentrification is creeping in here and there, providing a stark contrast to its rich history.
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Okachimachi
Akihabara:
Up next is Akihabara. Today I spent the least amount of time here. Akiba is quite large and offers several locations to shoot. There are alleys, tourists, neon, anime, maids, but also grit, grime, locals and history. Though much of this area has been remade, there is still a sense of an old soul. Not nostalgia, it's a history that can not be buried.
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Akihabara
Kanda:
Kanda is in the down-low top ten places to visit in Tokyo. It is very much a locals-only kind of neighbourhood. Not by design, but it serves as a base for salary men without much to attract visitors. There is no tower, park, or theatre to draw anyone. Kanda has offices, restaurants and the people who work there. In essence, it's a perfect spot for street photography in Tokyo, a relatively average place to visit for tourists.
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Kanda
Train Lines:
The trip home is always filled with exhaustion, the good kind. I often tuck my camera in its Wonton Craft Pilot bag for the duration of the ride. This time was no different until I saw the old man standing and his reflection in the window. It was so compelling, such a beautiful moment, I almost let it pass, holding the image in my memory. I am pleased to share this with you.
Leica Q2 Monochrom : Yamanote Line
Conclusion:
One of the best things you can do is step outside and go for a walk, bringing your camera along to see what happens. Even as a professional, I often practice this method of shooting. It helps to clear away the mental clutter and simplify what I do best. With a clear path, creativity flows, and the pictures follow.
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.
