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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.
What Is the Best Focal Length for Street Photography?
What is the best focal length? 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, wider, or longer? The answer: the one you carry and know well, fitting your vision.
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.
2025 Content Strategy: Or How I Learned to Trust Myself
Setting goals for 2025, my writing reflects my photography: feel it first, then create. I avoid strict plans because they cause average work. I imagine the shot beforehand or on the spot—the right light, contrast, and background. After years of practice, there’s no
2025: Year of the Street Photography Book
I've aimed to write my own Tokyo street photography book, but each writing session sparked new ideas. After a week, several concepts emerged, each with a brief and dedicated page below. Producing these will take most of 2025 and likely dominate my creative work this year. I look forward to the challenge and the experiences it brings.
Three Interesting Street Photography Inspirations
Every art has masters, innovators, and unsung heroes who inspire and guide us. While much is written about top street photographers and their work, this essay explores the subtler influences I draw upon when shooting Tokyo’s streets.
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 Street Photography Silhouettes in Tokyo
I recognize that some perceive silhouettes as clichés associated with beginners or lazy street photographers. However, I've included silhouettes in my list of favourite street photography images. That said, I regard street photography silhouettes similarly to any technique: they're valuable to know, and mastering them can be even more beneficial because you never know when the ideal opportunity will arise on the streets.
Are Monochrome Cameras Necessary In Street Photography?
In photography, monochrome cameras stand out for their unique ability to capture images in shades of black and white, delivering striking contrast and depth. While many photographers opt for traditional colour cameras, the benefits of monochrome cameras cannot be overlooked.
The Definitive Guide: Motion in Your Street Photography
Adding motion in photography introduces dynamic and psychological layers that deepen viewer engagement and reflection. This is especially relevant in street photography, with its diverse styles and subjects.
Is Every Street Photo We Take a Self-Portrait?
Do you take self-portraits? I think we all do. I know we all do. From a certain point of view, we all do. At least, I think we do, don’t we?
Returning to the Scene: Roppongi MidTown
Revisiting a location can yield impressive outcomes, exemplified by this image of a woman hurrying past an LED billboard in Tokyo Midtown.
The Art of Capturing, “The Walk” in Tokyo.
Capturing a person walking by a captivating background is a straightforward and stylish entry point into street photography. I've been practicing this for over twenty years, which enabled me to shoot in manual exposure full time..