The Tokyo Forgeries Blog
FORGED, NOT CAPTURED
A Candid Street Photography View: Shooting from the Hip
Shooting form the hip in Ueno’s famous Ameyoko market on a sunny day.
Tokyo Is The Premier Street Photography City
Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, blends tradition and modernity. Neon skyscrapers, tranquil temples, and dynamic street fashion make it a top street photography destination for all skill levels.
My Tokyo Street Photography Love Letter!
Tokyo is clean, safe, easy to navigate, and full of fun. I’m lucky to capture its beauty and even better to share photo tours of the city!
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.
Capturing Eye Contact: Facing Fear in Shibuya
Eye contact is paramount. It resonates with everyone; it doesn’t matter if you enjoy street photography or any other type of photography—we all grasp the impact of eye contact. Why is it so hard to capture it? For me, it is fear.
Fear of the unknown, to be more specific. How will they react to having their picture taken? When I show them, how will they respond to my rendering? All these thoughts, along with the calculations, mathematical and creative to take photographs, plow through my mind instantly—the click of the shutter button is merely the result of all that grey matter processing. If the math is correct, the sum will be a good image.
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.
Akabane: Tokyo’s Street Photography Secret
Most don’t know Akabane, Tokyo’s northern train hub where east meets west. I first saw it as a station, but it’s a lesser-known top spot for street photography.
Akabane is a Must-Visit Spot for Tokyo Street Photography
Akabane, Tokyo’s northern transport hub, has mostly missed Japan’s tourism boom. Modern buildings slowly replace old ones, keeping a timeless local feel.
Street Photography in Ikebukuro: A First Time Love Affair
Plan to spend the day in Ikebukuro. I would go early on a sunny day to enjoy the changing light throughout the day. Commuters early in the day will photograph different later in the afternoon, as will tourists, shoppers and locals. It is a big place, not unlike Shinjuku or Shibuya. Plan to do a little walking and be open to the fantastic street photography experience in Ikebukuro.
Street Photography in Shibuya: A Love Affair.
Shibuya is among the most bustling places in the world. With its dazzling lights, vibrant energy, diverse commerce, exciting entertainment, and throngs of people—what's not to appreciate? While some suggest steering clear of Shibuya or Shinjuku because of the tourist crowds, it’s important to remember that people are simply people, and a great photo remains a great photo regardless of the setting.
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.