So you’ve finally made it to Japan, and you can’t wait to bust your camera out and record the beautiful scenery around you (you probably already have your camera out at the airport). People in traditional clothing, strangers minding their own business, wooden architecture, storefronts, crowded trains etc..
My name is Ahraun, one of the editors (amateur, however) at KABIN. I struggled a lot when first touching down in Japan, and even after six years, I still find myself learning new things about taking photos in Japan. Today, I want to introduce a few rules and practices that I’ve learned along the way. It’s not much as far as knowledge and lore goes, but it may help— or even save you during your trip.
Let’s get right to it:
Keep it Respectful
While respecting everyone everywhere is crucial when it comes to photography, Japan is especially big on privacy, spatial awareness and personal space. And as a rule, one is not allowed to take and publicize photos of strangers without permission if one can discern who the person is in the photo. As such, avoiding photographing other people, especially their faces, and their homes, is recommended practice. It is also just good manners, eh?
Double Tapping
If you see something amazing and have time to take another picture of it, you should. For one, you may never see it again. More importantly, you might get something even better in the second photo.
Frame within Frame
This is not Japan-specific, but Japan definitely provides the opportunity for this technique quite often.
This technique is masterfully demonstrated in director Wong Kar Wai’s “In the Mood for Love.” The first few minutes consist entirely of frame within frame shots, all of which are stunning. Check it out for some framing inspiration.
Thematic Composition
Pick a theme and capture photos that fall into that category. In my case, I'm a sucker for love but cast your focus on whatever you fancy. Vintage scenes, natural beauty, dreamy sunsets. Let your imagination run free.
Line Usage
Cities in Japan are full of geometric townscapes. Connecting the lines and shadows, seeing where they go is a thrill and can produce incredible results if practiced enough. I personally find this practice entertaining when creating diptychs.
This pretty much covers the basics of what I do when it comes to shooting on my outings in Kyoto and the rest of Japan. Though it has taken a bit of exploring and numerous failures to get my own style down, the journey along the way was so worth it, and I still feel that photography is something everybody should enjoy during their travels. Follow the above rules, and you’ll see what I mean.
But hey, what do I know? I’m just getting started, myself.
Happy snapping,
Ahraun
