NEW ALBUM - Japan
Fushimi Inari-taisha is one of the most popular tourist spots in all of Japan, and therefore extremely difficult to photograph without crowds of tourists. It was also my first stop in Kyoto, when I visited in the Fall of 2023. I arrived late at night, and visited the famous Shinto shrine, getting this photo almost right away – it was one of only five or so on my “must photograph” list. What a great start to my trip to Japan! Available in the following sizes (Panorama A): 20x10, 24x12, 32x16, 40x20, 48x24, 60x30, 60x30 Triptych (3 x 20x30), 72x36, 72x36 Triptych (3 x 24x36).
Higashiyama is one of eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, and is home to some of the city's most famous and beautiful sights – mostly temples and neighborhoods from hundreds of years ago. Ninezaka Street is possibly the most famous street in the area, and for good reason. It truly is beautiful. But places this beautiful are notoriously difficult to photograph, since there are usually a lot of people around. To get this photo, I had to arrive well before sunrise, and it was actually very dark when I took this photo, but I did a long exposure to brighten it up. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
Higashiyama is one of eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, and is home to some of the city's most famous and beautiful sights – mostly temples and neighborhoods from hundreds of years ago. But places this beautiful are notoriously difficult to photograph, since there are usually a lot of people around. To get this photo, I had to arrive well before sunrise, and it was actually very dark when I took this photo, but I did a long exposure to brighten it up. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
Higashiyama is one of eleven wards in the city of Kyoto, and is home to some of the city's most famous and beautiful sights – mostly temples and neighborhoods from hundreds of years ago. The centerpiece of this photo has to be Yasaka Pagoda, the spectacular 5-story pagoda that dominates this scene. It is all that remains of a sixth-Century Buddhist complex known as Hokan-ji Temple. But places this beautiful are notoriously difficult to photograph, since there are usually a lot of people around. To get this photo, I had to arrive well before sunrise, and even that was barely enough. The street was full of other photographers and people taking selfies by the time the sun came over the horizon. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
Japan is beautiful most of the year, but in the fall, when the leaves change color, it is like nowhere else. Nowhere that I've been, anyway. This is a photo of Kyoto's Eikan-do temple, the history of which stretches back to roughly 853 – although the construction of the entire complex continued, in phases, for centuries. I find eastern temples and gardens like this to be among the most peaceful locations on the planet, but this particular temple is extraordinarily popular for both locals and tourists when the leaves turn red, so it was probably less calming than usual when I took this photo, as I was one of hundreds making my way through the grounds. Available in the following sizes (Panorama A): 20x10, 24x12, 32x16, 40x20, 48x24, 60x30, 60x30 Triptych (3 x 20x30), 72x36, 72x36 Triptych (3 x 24x36), 80x40, 80x40 Triptych (3 x 27x40), 96x48, 96x48 Triptych (3 x 32x48), 108x54, 108x54 Triptych (3 x 36x54), 120x60, 120x60 Triptych (3 x 40x60).
Japan is beautiful most of the year, but in the fall, when the leaves change color, it is like nowhere else. Nowhere that I've been, anyway. This is a photo of Kyoto's Eikan-do temple, the history of which stretches back to roughly 853 – although the construction of the entire complex continued, in phases, for centuries. I find eastern temples and gardens like this to be among the most peaceful locations on the planet, but this particular temple is extraordinarily popular for both locals and tourists when the leaves turn red, so it was probably less calming than usual when I took this photo, as I was one of hundreds making my way through the grounds. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, in Kyoto, is one of the most popular spots for photographers in all of Japan, and for good reason. I visited the location twice in the fall of 2023, and this photo was taken on my first visit. I took more traditional photos of the same location on both occasions, but as sometimes happens, I learned a few things on my first visit that I was able to apply in order to make the photos from my second visit, one week later, even better. I took this photo looking straight up through a path in the forest with a 12mm (very wide angle) lens, and although the contrast was extreme, I was able to use some photography tricks to end up with a fairly realistic, but somewhat abstract view of this famous location, with a bit of a unique twist. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), officially named Rokuon-ji (Deer Garden Temple) is one of the most popular buildings in Kyoto for both locals and tourists. As with most temples, gardens, castles, etc. in Japan, its history is long and complicated, but the site dates back to 1397. The current pavilion was built in 1955, after the original was burned down by a mentally-ill 22-year-old novice monk. The current version is beautiful, but because of how popular it is with tourists, one is not able to freely explore the grounds – there is a particular route one must follow when visiting, and most of the grounds are roped off. Even so, it is worth a visit. Available in the following sizes (Panorama A): 20x10, 24x12, 32x16, 40x20, 48x24, 60x30, 60x30 Triptych (3 x 20x30), 72x36, 72x36 Triptych (3 x 24x36), 80x40, 80x40 Triptych (3 x 27x40).
I visited Nachikatsuura and Seiganto-ji temple, several hours south of Osaka and Kyoto, during the fall of 2023. I visited the area to take photos of the beautiful Seiganto-ji temple and accompanying Nachi Falls, and the stairs shown in this photo are part of the path to reach the base of the falls, which are, at a height of 133 meters, the tallest waterfall in Japan with a single drop. Unfortunately, when I visited the falls, the lighting was terrible, so while I didn't end up with the particular photo I'd come down these stairs to take, the stone steps and beautiful forest were too pleasing a composition to skip. Since this photo was taken in the middle of the day in a fairly popular location, it was impossible to capture without crowds, so I came up with a solution. I put a very strong neutral density filter on my camera, so I was able to take a 30-second exposure, thus turning the crowds that walked through as I took the photo into “ghosts.” I think it worked out pretty well. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle A): 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 20x24, 24x30, 30x40, 40x50, 48x60.
Seiganto-Ji at Sunrise (Vertical Panorama)
Seiganto-Ji, or the Temple of Crossing the Blue Shore, is a Buddhist Temple several hours south of Osaka and Kyoto. While well-known, it is much less accessible than most of the other spots I photographed during my 2022-2023 visit to Japan, simply because of its distance from major cities and tourism centers. Perhaps because of this, or perhaps in spite of it, Seiganto-ji was one of my favorite photo locations in Japan. Like so many other historical sites in Japan, Seiganto-Ji's history is long and complicated, and involves numerous dynasties, wars, reconstructions, etc., but for me, this location was all about the simple peace and beauty it offers. I made sure to arrive early (before buses began running) to get this photo, which involved me booking a 5AM taxi the night before, but the payoff was well worth it. Did I forget to mention that Nachi Falls, at 133 meters in height and the tallest single-drop waterfall in Japan, is right behind it? Yeah, that's there too. Available in the following sizes (Panorama A): 10x20, 12x24, 16x32, 20x40, 24x48, 30x60, 30x60 Triptych (3 x 30x20), 36x72, 36x72 Triptych (3 x 36x24), 40x80, 40x80 Triptych (3 x 40x27), 48x96, 48x96 Triptych (3 x 48x32), 54x108, 54x108 Triptych (3 x 54x36), 60x120, 60x120 Triptych (3 x 60x40).
Seiganto-Ji, or the Temple of Crossing the Blue Shore, is a Buddhist Temple several hours south of Osaka and Kyoto. While well-known, it is much less accessible than most of the other spots I photographed during my 2022-2023 visit to Japan, simply because of its distance from major cities and tourism centers. Perhaps because of this, or perhaps in spite of it, Seiganto-ji was one of my favorite photo locations in Japan. Like so many other historical sites in Japan, Seiganto-Ji's history is long and complicated, and involves numerous dynasties, wars, reconstructions, etc., but for me, this location was all about the simple peace and beauty it offers. I made sure to arrive early (before buses began running) to get this photo, which involved me booking a 5AM taxi the night before, but the payoff was well worth it. Did I forget to mention that Nachi Falls, at 133 meters in height and the tallest single-drop waterfall in Japan, is right behind it? Yeah, that's there too. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x45, 40x60, 48x72, 54x80, 60x90.
Himeji Castle, located in the city of Himeji, Japan, is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. Originally constructed in 1346 (and like seemingly all castles, temples, etc. in Japan, rebuilt, added to, etc. many times since), it has amazingly survived for now more than 700 years, remaining intact despite the WWII bombing of Himeji, and the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. Due to its white color, it is frequently called the “White Egret Castle” or “White Heron Castle.” Since it is built on a hill, most views of this historic castle are from below, but an adjacent city park on a hill allows one, after a bit of an uphill hike, to view the castle from ground level. This photo was taken as the sun was setting over my right shoulder, thus lighting up the western walls of this beautiful castle. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40.
Himeji Castle, located in the city of Himeji, Japan, is regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. Originally constructed in 1346 (and like seemingly all castles, temples, etc. in Japan, rebuilt, added to, etc. many times since), it has amazingly survived for now more than 700 years, remaining intact despite the WWII bombing of Himeji, and the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. Due to its white color, it is frequently called the “White Egret Castle” or “White Heron Castle.” Since it is built on a hill, most views of this historic castle are from below, but an adjacent city park on a hill allows one, after a bit of an uphill hike, to view the castle from the same elevation as its ground floor. This photo was taken in the fall – notice the foliage on the bottom of the scene? - and I like that it shows both the historic castle and the modern metropolis that now surrounds it. Available in the following sizes (Panorama B): 30x12, 40x16, 50x20, 60x24, 75x30, 75x30 Triptych (3 x 25x30), 90x36, 90x36 Triptych (3 x 30x36), 105x42, 105x42 Triptych (3 x 35x42), 120x48, 120x48 Triptych (3 x 40x48), 135x54 Triptych (3 x 45x54), 150x60 Triptych (3 x 50x60).
Definitely one of my most modified shots. I typically aim for realism, or something close to it, in my photography, but this “floating” torii gate, in Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, which is located just northeast of Kyoto, looked too interesting as a black and white for me to skip this opportunity. I'd seen photos of a beautiful “floating” torii gate before visiting Japan, and knew I needed a photo. The famous floating torii gate is called Itsukushima, and it is located about 10 miles southwest of Hiroshima. This photo is not of Itsukushima. I read somewhere online about Shirahige Shrine, a “secret” floating torii gate, and that's what you are looking at. There's really no easy way to get here as a tourist. I took a train to the closest station, and then trudged along the side of a fairly busy highway for about half an hour to reach the location from which this shot was taken. I was hoping for a beautiful sunset with saturated reds and oranges, but on the evening I took this photo, everything was overcast and gray. Oh well, I found a way to make it work. And on a subsequent visit a week and a half later, I DID get the bright colors I was looking for! Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x45, 40x60, 48x72.
I'd seen photos of a beautiful “floating” torii gate before visiting Japan, and knew I needed a photo. The famous floating torii gate is called Itsukushima, and it is located about 10 miles southwest of Hiroshima. This photo is not of Itsukushima. I read somewhere online about Shirahige Shrine, a “secret” floating torii gate, and that's what you are looking at. There's really no easy way to get here as a tourist. I took a train to the closest station, and then trudged along the side of a fairly busy highway for about half an hour to reach the location from which this shot was taken. I was hoping for a beautiful sunset with saturated reds and oranges, but on the evening I took this photo, the sky was overcast and gray. Oh well, I found a way to make it work. And on a subsequent visit a week and a half later, I DID get the bright colors I was looking for! Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x45, 40x60, 48x72.
Fushimi Inari-taisha is one of the most popular tourist spots in all of Japan, and therefore extremely difficult to photograph without crowds of tourists. I took this photo on my second visit to Fushimi Inari-taisha, this time very early in the morning, instead of late at night. Daytime is beautiful but not an option for photography – too many tourists! Located in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari-taishi features thousands of torii gates that one can pass through. Doing so symbolically allows one to pass from the mundane to the sacred. I must have done so thousands of times to get these photos! Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
In the northwest portion of Kyoto, there is a Buddhist temple called Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, well-known for the plethora (roughly 8000) of Buddhist statues that memorialize the souls of the dead. What is less well-known about this complex is that it also is home to the Adashino Bamboo Forest, which rivals, and is perhaps even more beautiful than, the more famous Arashyama Bamboo Forest, a mile or so to the south. Photographing Arashyama was logistically difficult because of how many people are there. Adahino? No problem. And honestly, I think it's even prettier. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x45, 40x60, 48x72.
In the northwest portion of Kyoto, there is a Buddhist temple called Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, well-known for the plethora (roughly 8000) of Buddhist statues that memorialize the souls of the dead. What is less well-known about this complex is that it also is home to the Adashino Bamboo Forest, which rivals, and is perhaps even more beautiful than, the more famous Arashyama Bamboo Forest, a mile or so to the south. Photographing Arashyama was logistically difficult because of how many people are there. Adahino? No problem. And honestly, I think it's even prettier. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48, 80x54, 90x60.
I visited Osaka in the fall of 2022, and intended to photograph Osaka Castle. I'm sure it is possible to take good photos of the castle, but I was unsuccessful in doing so. Disappointed in myself, I got online and looked at what else was in the area. Dotonbori? Sure. It is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, most famous for its nightlife and neon lights. Not usually my thing photographically, but we all have to grow, right? Amazingly, I really loved how my Dotonbori photos turned out! Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
I visited Osaka in the fall of 2022, and intended to photograph Osaka Castle. I'm sure it is possible to take good photos of the castle, but I was unsuccessful in doing so. Disappointed in myself, I got online and looked at what else was in the area. Dotonbori? Sure. It is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, most famous for its nightlife and neon lights. Not usually my thing photographically, but we all have to grow, right? Amazingly, I really loved how my Dotonbori photos turned out! Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
I visited Osaka in the fall of 2022, and intended to photograph Osaka Castle. I'm sure it is possible to take good photos of the castle, but I was unsuccessful in doing so. Disappointed in myself, I got online and looked at what else was in the area. Dotonbori? Sure. It is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, most famous for its nightlife and neon lights. Not usually my thing photographically, but we all have to grow, right? Amazingly, I really loved how my Dotonbori photos turned out! Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48.
I visited Osaka in the fall of 2022, and intended to photograph Osaka Castle. I'm sure it is possible to take good photos of the castle, but I was unsuccessful in doing so. Disappointed in myself, I got online and looked at what else was in the area. Dotonbori? Sure. It is one of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, most famous for its nightlife and neon lights. Not usually my thing photographically, but we all have to grow, right? And cliches are cliches for a reason – there really is something beautiful, and unmistakably Japanese, about a night shot of a narrow alley filled with neon lights and electrical lines. Available in the following sizes (Rectangle B): 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36, 30x45, 40x60, 48x72.
Katsuo-ji is another beautiful temple that is a bit difficult to reach as a tourist. It is several miles from Osaka, the nearest city, and public transit, which is fantastic in Japan, only comes and goes here rarely. But visiting is worth the hassle, and the density of the crowds, in my experience, seems to align with the difficulty of making it here. First constructed in 765, it, like many (most?) Japanese historic sites, has burned down and been reconstructed, and has its own unique flavor. “Katsu” (in the name of the temple, Katsuo-ji) refers to winning, and daruma dolls, like those in this photo, can be purchased here by people hoping to obtain “winner's luck.” If a wish is fulfilled after purchasing a daruma, the daruma is often returned to the temple and left somewhere on the grounds. They are everywhere at Katsuo-ji. Available in the following gizes (Rectangle B): 12x8, 18x12, 24x16, 30x20, 36x24, 45x30, 60x40, 72x48, 80x54, 90x60.
Katsuo-ji is another beautiful temple that is a bit difficult to reach as a tourist. It is several miles from Osaka, the nearest city, and public transit, which is fantastic in Japan, only comes and goes here rarely. But visiting is worth the hassle, and the density of the crowds, in my experience, seems to align with the difficulty of making it here. First constructed in 765, it, like many (most?) Japanese historic sites, has burned down and been reconstructed, and has its own unique flavor. Although this temple is most well-known for its daruma dolls, which are meant to bring good luck to those who purchase them, this photo focuses more on the beauty of the temple itself. But look closely enough, and you'll fine a daruma or two (or probably a few hundred). Available in the following sizes (Panorama B): 30x12, 40x16, 50x20, 60x24, 75x30, 75x30 Triptych (3 x 25x30), 90x36, 90x36 Triptych (3 x 30x36), 105x42, 105x42 Triptych (3 x 35x42), 120x48, 120x48 Triptych (3 x 40x48), 135x54 Triptych (3 x 45x54), 150x60 Triptych (3 x 50x60).