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2013-04-28 13:02:31 (19 comments, 3 reshares, 100 +1s)

When out shooting something beautiful, don't forget to look up and just enjoy it in the moment.

iPhone/Snapseed

2013-04-25 09:08:36 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 69 +1s)

Omiya Salary Boys

2013-04-23 14:01:48 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 72 +1s)

A high-noon, Omiya style

2013-04-18 11:00:29 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 88 +1s)

At the edge of the world, Biei Hokkadio

If you know this shack or have even seen it you are indeed lucky.  The lady to the left was harvesting soy beans and was impressively old to be doing so.  

2013-04-12 10:50:09 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 14 +1s)

+Drink and Click™ Tokyo event starting now, featuring our special guest +Nigal Raymond for the 2nd time! :)

2013-04-11 13:09:34 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 57 +1s)

Christmas Tree, Biei Hokkaido.

2013-04-10 11:24:44 (13 comments, 1 reshares, 83 +1s)

If ever I fell in love with Japan, it was in Biei, Hokkaido

2013-04-08 08:28:29 (10 comments, 3 reshares, 69 +1s)

Up early plying our trade in Aomori, Japan

I had taken the 11:00 pm ferry from Hakodate arriving in Aomori at 3:30 am hoping to catch the sun roll in over the mountains on the opposite side of the bay.  There was nowhere to sleep on the ferry so I spent most of the night drinking warm beer and eating squid guts, served on a cardboard box table with some of the truckers.  
The fisherman must have been out long before I arrived perhaps much of the night plying their trade, perhaps wishing for beer and squid guts.  So much in awe of this lone boat I had almost forgot my trade.    

2013-03-29 12:43:03 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 53 +1s)

A Sakura Dream in Ueno Koen

I spent the day with my family and Friends from Hokkaido at the Zoo in Ueno  Koen as we headed toward the car park a gorgeous little weeping sakura tree caught my eye.  We shared a a quick day dream together. 

2013-03-27 04:38:02 (37 comments, 1 reshares, 114 +1s)

Sakura Black and White

 

2013-03-25 04:39:33 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 70 +1s)

Sigma 35mm F1.4 test

Shot at f2 1/8000 ISO 100.

2013-03-24 14:15:33 (17 comments, 0 reshares, 54 +1s)

First off the Sigma 35 f1.4

I love the Landscape genre and it is Sakura season, but street is in my blood.  This the very first shot with the Sigma 35mm F1.4.  Looking forward to putting this lens through its paces in April as I embark on a new street project.

2013-03-21 05:37:28 (18 comments, 2 reshares, 65 +1s)

Tokyo's Dentsu Building

A gorgeous building in the Shiodome area next to JR Shinbashi Station. I often take photo tours to this exact location.  Yes the building is impressive, but what I and most clients enjoy is the fact one can photograph anywhere from the B1 floor to a second story pedestrian walkway.  These many vantage points give an icon building a number of fresh ways to see and capture it.  

#dentsubuilding   #tokyophotography   #tokyoarchitecture   #tokyophototour   

2013-03-20 04:03:45 (14 comments, 2 reshares, 93 +1s)

Sakura Sunrise

Taken just steps from our home.  

2013-03-17 12:18:25 (12 comments, 1 reshares, 58 +1s)

Long Exposure Okinawa

Although Cherry blossom season is just around the corner, I find my thoughts drifting to the all too short Okinawa trip.  
All thanks to +David Orr for his generosity in sharing this Island with me.  Feel very much indebted Mr, Orr.   

2013-03-15 10:12:58 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 54 +1s)

All night drive to break dawn in Aomori

After an all night drive to the crater lake Towada on the borders of Aomori and Akita we (+Jeff Matsuya +Jason Arney +Agustin Rafael Reyes ) were  greeted by this grand cloud that hung over the lake as dawn broke.  
A majestic moment that erases your all night drive and fuels you for some time to come.

2013-03-14 14:39:03 (15 comments, 1 reshares, 72 +1s)

My Sakura dream

If your fortunate to be photographing Sakura don't forget to look up.  For me that is always the best way to view these dreamy little blossoms. 

#tokyosakura   #japan   #sakuradream   #photography  

2013-03-13 17:19:48 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 68 +1s)

Tokyo Sakura

2012 was a particularly great year for cherry blossoms in Japan.  The viewing season was long and the flowers gorgeous.  This was taken early in the AM, just after the sun had risen at Asakuyama Park, Oji. 
Aside from myself and a few brave individuals staking claim to prime space for that afternoons picnic the park was empty.  The relative solitude was great way to enjoy natures delicate beauty.  

#tokyosakura   #tokyophoto   #sakura   #japan    

2013-03-11 00:54:22 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 28 +1s)

It seems so much longer then it is, but today is the 2nd anniversary of the 3/11 Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan.  Myself as well as number of talented photographers in Japan have donated our images to raise funds for the people of Tohoku.  If your in Tokyo this week a gallery show will be held in Azabu, as well prints and books are available through the MyJapan website link below.

http://myjapan.withtank.com/

Even taking just a moment to like their page on Facebook would be greatly appreciated.  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Japan/201660989857117

2013-03-08 05:47:59 (14 comments, 3 reshares, 72 +1s)

Ume is here and Sakura is right around the corner.  What could be better?

Cats in napping Sakura trees would be the correct answer.  Taken last year in what was one of the best Sakura seasons I have seen in quite some time at Ueno park.  

#tokyo   #sakura   #cats   #japan   #bubblesloveskitties  

2013-03-06 13:53:54 (18 comments, 3 reshares, 76 +1s)

Kyoto Bamboo Grove

Does not disappoint as long as you look up.  It is were all the action is in a bamboo grove is anyway.  

2013-03-06 16:11:21 (22 comments, 2 reshares, 64 +1s)

The gorgeous scenes of Biei, Hokkaido
This sunset taken just minutes from the pension that bordered me.  Those rolling fields surrounded by mountains covered by the grandest sky intoxicated me greater then any previous high.

2013-03-02 05:20:38 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 47 +1s)

Japan Alps

As seen from the observation platform of the Shinhotaka rope-way (http://www.okuhi.jp/Rop/english.pdf).  The rope-way's final stop is at a height of 2200 meters and offers some spectacular views.  
The down side however is that the final descending gondola departs at 4:15 pm which is to earl even for a winter sunset.  In order to capture what I am sure will be gorgeous sunset/sunrise scene one must both hike and camp on the mountain.  
I hope that +Tom Taylor  can help out with that?

 I was fortunate enough to travel here with +Jeff Matsuya , +Jason Arney , and +Agustin Rafael Reyes .   All of whom have fantastic images of Japan to share.

2013-03-01 08:22:25 (10 comments, 1 reshares, 66 +1s)

Tokyo commuter ghosts

Have a great weekend and happy commute home.  Taken at JR Komagome Station on the fabulous Yamanote line.  If you have a chance to sit in the first class car, you wont be disappointed.

2013-03-06 16:11:47 (19 comments, 2 reshares, 68 +1s)

First Sunset in Okinawa

As it turned out this was the last sunset too.  When we approached the beach there was a lot of cloud cover, aside from the occasional sun ray bursting through it looked as though we may not get to much color.  
By the time we set up the clouds began to break apart  in clusters revealing a gorgeous blue.  
The sun nor the colors lasted to long, but that is what makes this kind of experience special.  A fading moment that you have the wherewithal to appreciate within its short existence. 

2013-02-27 08:53:09 (9 comments, 0 reshares, 52 +1s)

Reflections of Spring in Tokyo

The Ume(plum) blossoms are starting to bloom on the tree in our yard, which means spring is afoot.  Greatly looking forward to what this year has to offer.

2013-02-26 14:12:00 (18 comments, 1 reshares, 50 +1s)

From Okinawa to the Japan Alps

All in the span of a single week.  It may in fact be what has drawn me into more landscape photography that Japan offers such an abundance of natural beauty.  Actually found myself pricing camper vans today.  

2013-02-25 07:53:47 (7 comments, 2 reshares, 53 +1s)

Okinawa waves

After losing my pants to the sharps rocks we setup on, I kept shooting.  This being the result.  The fisherman standing nearby must have had a good chuckle at my expense, at least I hoped they did. 

2013-02-23 03:59:40 (8 comments, 1 reshares, 69 +1s)

Spending some time on the Tokyo Streets

This is a personal favorite of mine from Kanda station area on Tokyo's Yamanote Line.  Always a great spot, but even better in the rain.

2013-02-22 05:26:02 (8 comments, 2 reshares, 66 +1s)

For the commute home in Tokyo

Looking for rocks in Okinawa, but all we found was this bridge over turquoise water.  Enjoy a great weekend after the long working week.  

2013-02-21 09:14:55 (25 comments, 2 reshares, 81 +1s)

Big waves and Big rocks in Okinawa

Standing out on the rocks and watching the waves crash in on a blustery day was Zen, but it cost me my pants.
Squatting on the often sharp and uneven rock formations jutting out of the Northern tip of the island, I momentarily lost my balance.  I regained it just in time to avoid injury, but had split my pants from the belt to the knee. These were my favorite photography pants.  From the islands to mountain tops these pants had seen and photographed a lot. 
Having just eaten lunch, and being closer to nowhere then somewhere I would spend the rest of the day in my split pants. Two images were created that I was very happy with, allowing my pants not to die in vein.  
Thanks pants.

#photographypants  

2013-02-20 08:28:40 (33 comments, 1 reshares, 67 +1s)

Last Stop Lighthouse in Okinawa

It may very well be the first stop for many photographers and tourists alike, but it was my last as +David Orr helped me to circumnavigate the Island of Okinawa, chasing light, clouds and waves.  Can't wait to get back and explore some the other islands.   
You can see a similar version of the lighthouse in B&W here: http://www.facebook.com/jeff.austin.372661

2013-02-19 13:32:52 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 60 +1s)

No sunrise, but moody Okinawan Skies

A momentary burst of sun through the clouds was as close as a sunrise I would see in Okinawa.  It made for a great weekend of long exposures and the occasional sunburst like the one here.  If I spent more then a few days there I am not sure I would be able to leave, perhaps for the beauty of Hokkaido.  

2013-02-18 14:25:44 (14 comments, 1 reshares, 54 +1s)

Old man and the sea at low tide

Shot near Naha, Okinawa.  A fisherman gutting a fish caught from one of the pools of sea water left during low tide.

2013-02-13 07:51:42 (30 comments, 1 reshares, 89 +1s)

Return for Refund in Okinawa

On my first day of a recent long exposure tour of Okinawa, the weather although beautiful was not so cooperative for the type of image we were after.   A glass coca-cola bottle washed ashore east of Naha, had me laying in the sand with the macro lens hoping to salvage something of the afternoon.  As it turns out we were gifted a spectacular sunset that evening followed by several days of optimal long exposure weather.  Days that yielded several exciting images.  
As I look through that collection of images I am very happy to have this one.  *It reminded me to always shoot what is right in front of you*

Posted for Okinawan macro shooter +Naoko Orr .  Many thanks to you and David for opening your home and sharing the beauty of Okinawa with me.  Also a big thanks to +Kazuma U for showing us around the southern part of the Island.

2013-02-12 00:39:32 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

Shoot and you will find yourself with a "shot".   An amazing look at what mobile photography can be.  All shot the amazingly talented +andrew holian in his home away from home, the Shinjuku underground.  Absolutely wonderful Andrew.

2013-02-06 13:52:19 (21 comments, 4 reshares, 77 +1s)

Shirakawago

One of Japan's 100 most beautiful villages.  I am not sure of its exact ranking , but it must be near the top.  Although it lacks the beauty and charm of Biei in Hokkaido it does carry the weight of tradition.  
 

2013-02-05 13:52:51 (15 comments, 2 reshares, 77 +1s)

Back to the sunrise in Okinawa

The moody skies suggested we turn our back to the sunrise and shoot on the opposite side of the island.  Several of my favorite images are from this beach.  A big thank you to +David Orr for taking me here.  

2013-02-05 02:42:41 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 15 +1s)

Dear Photographers and readers of Camerapixo, on the very last pages of the magazine, you can find NEW UPDATED section of Inspiring Photographers to follow.
http://camerapixo.com/magazines/micropolis-and-volcano-photography/

Big thank you to:
+Gérald Verdon +stefano pedroni +Jay Patel +Varina Patel +Julia Anna Gospodarou +helen sotiriadis +Elia Locardi +Francesco Gola  +Thierry Dehove Architecture Photographer  +dome nikong  +Jose Antonio Moreno +Jeff Austin +Alex Koloskov +Alexandre Deschaumes  +Rafal Makiela  +Roman Kruglov  +Julie de Waroquier  +Matt Suess

You will fall in love with their amazing photography! You can add them to your circles... #bwphotography #artphotography #scottkelby #koloskov #camerapixo #photographers

2013-02-04 00:10:46 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 34 +1s)

I had a great time shooting last week with David Orr and Jeff Austin - Thanks for the good times!
Location: Okinawa-Japan
Nikon D7000 200mm on tripod

2013-02-01 08:29:37 (22 comments, 0 reshares, 85 +1s)

"I`d rather shoot a rock,"... in Okinawa
 
A big thank you to +David Orr for inviting me and taking around his beautiful home of Okinawa.  David is a fantastic photographer so if you do not have him in your circles he is a must add.  
This being my third trip to Okinawa, but first chance to shoot for myself.  David had a knack for hitting the best spots at just the right time. 

D800e
24-70
Lee Big Stopper
Processed in LR

2013-01-17 12:19:02 (6 comments, 2 reshares, 24 +1s)

Sure, it's in our bag - but what's in your head? Great video by +Zack Arias  via +Scott Kelby 

http://youtu.be/z65jlY4e908

2012-12-22 07:40:44 (14 comments, 1 reshares, 69 +1s)

Fields of the Biei

A last one before a Christmas holiday to Canada.   

2012-12-20 14:20:50 (15 comments, 3 reshares, 73 +1s)

Blue Pond, Hokkaido  

A location I wanted to visit at least twice this summer while in Biei and Furano are of Hokkaido.  However the beauty of these two villages was so captivating that I spent most days shooting from dawn until dusk.  
So cast in Hokkaido's spell am I that a return trip can not come soon enough.  

2012-12-19 10:45:40 (7 comments, 1 reshares, 62 +1s)

Shibuya Station, Tokyo

2012-12-18 07:07:56 (19 comments, 3 reshares, 80 +1s)

Shibuya Girl

2012-12-16 02:29:24 (5 comments, 2 reshares, 71 +1s)

Tokyo Commuter Ghost

2012-12-15 01:37:00 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 66 +1s)

Shiodome, Tokyo  

Although full of modern architecture, it is actually a great place for street photography.  A short walk from here is the Shimbashi station area and its numerous side streets.  

2012-12-13 14:37:27 (11 comments, 1 reshares, 45 +1s)

Hiroshima

What can you say?  If you have not been you should, it will absolutely floor you.  It did me. 

2012-12-13 11:02:46 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 36 +1s)

A Christmas present for +andrew holian

I believe these bags of torsos were found in either Hiroshima or Fukuoka.  I was working like mad photographing hotel Interiors in both cities and took to the streets when ever I had a chance.  Hope you enjoy Andrew.