Jumping into Japan

Sapporo, Japan

Lisbeth's factual opinions about Japan:

1. One will never be bored of Japan
2. Have you seen, smelt, and tasted the food there? Amazing!
3. The culture, history, architecture, and so much more make Japan such a photogenic place for a photographer to be in
4. I love Japan

Japan is a country which I will never ever tire of. Seriously. The abundance of delicious food will always make a person like me crave the place over and over again. However, there are also the shrines with its calming and spiritual auras against the busy, lighted up streets of the cities which can make a photographer have much to capture whilst in the country. There are just so many photo opportunities the country provides. 

The photo above was taken in Sapporo (札幌) at the Sapporo Beer Museum. It houses 'Sapporo Beer', one of the most popular and oldest beer brands in Japan. As I was in Sapporo during the snow season, my camera settings had to accomodate to the difference in lighting. When capturing photos, increase the exposure compensation on the camera - it can add to the textures and stop the photo from looking grey. Also make sure to stay warm and wear comfortable clothing as capturing photos in snow is only fun when you're comfortable! Japan is truly a place for people who seek out to explore a different culture, understand the history, try scrumptious food or see spectacular views - what more could a photographer want?!

Author: Lisbeth Wong

Leaving my heart in Japan

Traffic in Shinjuku

Visiting Japan twice in the space of one year was a magical experience that I will never forget. From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the country, the culture and most of all, the people. Such a genuinely nice population with every single person willing to try and help even if they didn't speak a word of English. 

The above photo is one of my all time favourite photos I've ever taken, and it was just on a whim while crossing a pedestrian bridge over the busy night traffic of Shinjuku. Using the manual setting of my DSLR to manipulate a long exposure shot with the right brightness was one of my early self introductions to manual photography. The whole country is so photogenic and I was lucky enough to be there during the cherry blossom season. 

 The nightlife of Japan was spectacular; all the bright lights, cheap alcohol, quaint little bars and some truly pumping clubs. Japan, Tokyo in particular, is definitely a place I would like to live in at some point in my life. As a self confessed nerd, being in world's capital of technology was just a constant wonder. Being surrounded by retro gaming, next gen gaming, and at the forefront of technical innovation just feels oh so right to me. Other highlights of Japan was walking the streets of Harajuku, experiencing the culture at some shrines and temples and losing myself in Akihabara. 

I highly recommend Japan to anyone and everyone! Tourism site of Japan: http://us.jnto.go.jp/