My Approach to Working on a Scene in Tokyo
Working a Scene:
In street photography, “working a scene" means deeply exploring a specific location or situation to discover its photographic possibilities. Instead of just capturing a single shot and moving on, the photographer carefully observes their surroundings, hunting for interesting subjects, striking light, and distinctive compositions. This often involves revisiting the same spot, patiently waiting for the perfect moment, and experimenting with different angles or focal lengths to truly capture the scene's essence.
By working a scene, photographers boost their chances of creating memorable images. It requires approaching each moment with purpose and curiosity, remaining open to the unpredictable, and letting the street's narrative unfold naturally. This deliberate approach helps photographers move beyond surface-level impressions, allowing them to notice subtle interactions and emotional details that might be missed with quick, impulsive shots.
The explanation above is simple and straightforward. We all may approach this somewhat differently, but with the same goal in mind: to capture something we know is there and get the best version of it. Though we may fail at times, the experience is where the gain truly is.
I work a scene based on instinct. I see one shot and go after it, which often creates another idea and so on until the scene is exhausted of possibilities. Sometimes, however, I see one thing but only feel the next. I know it's there, so I work to find it. Today’s lesson is all about following one’s intuition, working your scene until the right moment is realized.
Capturing a Ueno Market Icon
The Ueno market is famous for its clothing, fruit, vegetables, fish, and spice shops. It is a lively place full of character and filled with characters. I have been shooting there for decades, and many of the shops still have the same people working them. One particular store, located directly under the train tracks, is a small shop devoted to enka, a form of Japanese folk music. The owner has been working this stall for a lifetime.
In my mind, he is a Ueno Market icon. Having the opportunity to photograph him is a privilege and an honour. I do not know him personally; we rarely exchange more than a few words —just a smile or a nod of appreciation. We are both at work, and the exchange is ideal. I take care not to tax the relationship with extraneous shooting; the moment is there or it isn't. If needed, I make two or three passes, keeping my distance between chances while maintaining visual contact.
The gallery below shows the first pass. It was my first time to witness him open the store. There are some interesting images here; however, most lack the ‘it factor’ that sets great photos apart.
The final three images in this gallery almost get there. The previous six images simply show a man working. The last three images show this man working. The former I understand, even appreciate the story of a man opening his music shop. The latter allows me to empathize with him, the circumstances of the moment. I start to feel the how and why, rather than seeing the what.
The second pass yields even less than the first. I hopped for eye contact or even for his head to pop up and survey those passing on the street. Instead just a hyper focused routine of thousands of changeless days gone by. It was magical to watch, a history come to life clinging to the present.
Pass number three is getting very close to the moment I feel is there. I love the interaction with his customers and the symmetry between their hand gestures and his arms. A triangle of service, servitude and self. I could photograph this man and his Enka music shop all day.
By working this scene as I did — taking multiple passes and not giving up on its potential — I was able to capture some good images. I decided this man needs an iconic picture to do him justice. I know these aren’t the image, but they are a step in that direction.
I will be looking to capture him in a great shot every time I am in Ueno Market. I will share him with my workshop participants in hopes they can capture a great image of him.
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.
