The Tokyo Forgeries Blog
FORGED, NOT CAPTURED
Street Photography in Omiya: A Love Affair
Omiya, situated in Saitama just north of Tokyo, feels indistinguishable from the metropolis despite being in a different prefecture. This hidden gem is often nicknamed "little Shinjuku" and doesn’t fail to impress. With hardly any tourists, some might argue it’s even better than its well-known counterpart. What captivates me is the contrast between the dark, gritty side of the station and the vibrant lights of the commercial area on the other side.
A Love Affair With The Charming and Enigmatic Kanda
In a large city like Tokyo, street photographers often find special places to return to, and for many, that place is Kanda. Though it has few restaurants and is largely unremarkable for tourists, this very quality makes it ideal for street photography. The alleys are filled with salarymen navigating a labyrinthine area that feels forgotten by time.
The Top Ten Street Photography Spots 2024
Tokyo is a unique city full of life, history, culture, and excitement. These features attract many tourists, which can make street photography harder in busy spots, but they also reveal hidden treasures you might not have found. Here are my top ten street photography locations in Tokyo for 2024:
Capturing The Nascent Reflections of Shibuya
It is so simple to shoot a reflection. There is as much glass as there are people in Tokyo. One could make a career of it if they were so inclined. Like any trend, reflection shots are "Romanticized," but as a photographer passionate about it, there is much to explore.
Exploring Eye Contact in Tokyo Street Photography
Eye contact makes an image stand out. Some of the most outstanding shots in fashion, sports, portrait, and journalism are centred on eye contact, and street photography is no different. Whose eyes connect with who is often overlooked.
Exploring Tokyo's Street Photography Collections: Texture
Creating image collections like textures is a way to sharpen skills. Cities are full of textures, including Tokyo. Textures can be literal, such as grime on bricks or an abandoned bicycle. I see textures as history—a layer behind the beauty of a neighborhood.
The Art of Happy Accidents in Street Photography
The Happy Accident is a merger of previsualization and happenstance. It was taken at JR Akabane station, Tokyo.
Tokyo’s frenetic pace leads to a number of both moments, often simultaneously. A happy accident occurs when these moments collide.
One Month Off, Any Keepers?
I went into the day with low expectations and a plan. It was sunny and I planned to photograph commuters shadows near Kawaguchi station. The large pedestrian causeway and high foot traffic in the area provided ample opportunities for success.
Color Reflections 2
Kawaguchi city has a number of working phone booths. Their large glass exterior makes for a perfect canvas. A reflection of both the character and characters of the city. This was the main goal of the day, aside from a couple of spots I check on each visit. The plan was to shoot primarily in color, though some black and white does make an appearance.
Reflections in Color
Kawaguchi city has a number of large nostalgic-looking phone booths. The glass booths allow me to shoot through as well as what’s reflected in it. Combing the two realities in one image can be difficult. A great deal of patience is required.
Shooting 1:1 in Warabi
Why shoot in a 1:1 ratio?
Embracing the difficulty sharpens the creative edge. In order to become the best street photographer, I can be, accepting that some days are practice is an important lesson. This was a practice day.
The Location Project
Can you Improve on Good Luck? Make Your Own!
Can you improve on good luck? Long shadows near Kawaguchi station part 2.