12-2-11 Staying Local (Ground Level Challenge)

Photographers, writers, musicians and other artists all experience the same problem at some point. A creativity roadblock. Recently, a friend of mine mentioned having this particular creative drought. This gave me an idea. I enjoy going places to take pictures but sometimes it's fun (and helpful) to try something out of one's comfort zone.

A majority of photos are taken at about an average height of 5'7" (roughly the height of a standard tripod). Funny, that's how tall I am (depending on my shoes that is). Last month, I took some pictures in Tokyo Station while putting my camera on the ground. This opened up some new points of view that I wanted to try again.

On this day, I went to a local park near my home, armed with two lenses and a small GorillaPod. These tripods can get really low to the ground, my goal of the day. It was very cold and overcast outside so most of the pictures posted here have pretty over-exposed (too white) skies. However, with the camera closer to the ground this problem can be eliminated dealt with. Also, these pictures have not been edited in any way. These "in-camera" images will be edited later.

This is just one post in a series of "challenges" I have planned for the future. Preparing for a rainy day kind thing. I hope this idea is helpful to others experiencing a "rut". 

As for next week's post. Hint: The Tokyo Motor Show starts December 3rd.

Cheers!

Mike 

11-18-11 A Stroll Through The Park - Koishikawa Korakuen

Last week's entry was kind of a memorial of sorts for myself. This week, is more of my true intent of maintaining this blog. Every Friday, rain or shine, I intend to be out there taking making pictures. Different locations, different gear or different techniques. I like to wander to new places or revisit favorites. In this case, I chose to return to one of my favorite spots in Tokyo, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens.

This place is always a nice change, since here I can work on landscape and wildlife images. Quite different from the street photography I've been doing as of late. A very refreshing, quiet and peaceful place where it is easy to spend a few hours of your day. If the weather is fine, that is. Luckily, yesterday turned out great. A bit overcast at the start, so a few of these images (unfortunately) have really white skies. But that's better than rain, I guess.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Pondside Maple with Stone

Closer view.

Shooting another shooter.

Letterbox View.

Mother and Daughter pondside.

Leaves! That is all.

Less leaves.

Ducks are my entry-level bird photography subject.

Thanks for stopping by to have a look/read. I'll be back next week. Cheers!

Mike