Due to its complicated mass of overhead cables, cluttered confusion and seemingly carefree approach to building controls, Tokyo certainly isn’t one of the world’s prettiest cities.
But sometimes, somehow, all of these factors come together to create fabulously photogenic thoroughfares. Features that, when frequented by equally photogenic old fellas, are even more fantastic.
Brett says
Someone needs a botox!
Lee says
But then all those character lines would disappear. Well, some of them at least…
Matt says
Great shot. His wrinkled coats match his wrinkled face so well.
Lee says
Thanks Matt. Yes, he really was a fascinating subject.
szantaii says
Nice. The alley reminds me of Sogo Ishii’s Electric Dragon 80.000 V and Dead End Run.
Joao says
Man I love your pictures. This one is incredible. Thanks for sharing.
Lee says
Thank you very much Joao. I just wish I could find such incredible faces more often.
Badboy says
Looks like he’d be alright with jabbing that umbrella into your eye socket. 😉
Lee says
Yeah, but luckily he seemed totally oblivious to my presence. Amazing really, considering the narrowness of the alley.
The Envoy says
Maybe he’s too sad to care…
Lee says
Maybe, but I’d like to think he merely has a sad face.
Willy says
Hey Lee, is that shonbenyokocho? Used to be one of my regular stops when in Tokyo. Great food and atmosphere… My Japanese friend described the place as a “time slip” … The old geyser seems as if he has slipped over on a bit of time too..
Lee says
It certainly is Willy. I’ve passed through there so many times, and yet I’ve never stopped for a drink or a bit of food. Something I really should change.
Willy says
Just avoid it late at night. Thats when the shonben starts to get a bit over the top…
Cheers!
gunmagirl says
My eye goes back and forth from his face to the background, the context to his expression. Perfectly framed.
Lee says
Thanks! It’s a great place to take photos, and luckily with this one, everything came together nicely.
Oli. says
be photographer in Japan it´s so easy….
Joel says
That face has seeen better days for sure, yeah, big cities are not that pretty anywhere. And the places that supposedly are, have people with strange hearts or with none at any rate…
He reminds me a bit to Ushikawa-san a character from Murakami’s Wind up bird chronicle…
Nice as always Lee!
Lee says
Thanks Joel. Yeah, it really is a face crammed full of character.
Grass Jelly says
I LOVE the bokeh action in this shot. It really adds a whole other dimension. Amazing results! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. As soon as I took it I thought it would be good. The lighting at that time was pretty much perfect.
yonasu says
He looks tired 😛 Cool photo though!
Lee says
Yeah, lots and lots of overtime over the years perhaps.
Jeffrey says
As usual, another great shot Lee. However, does his wife know he’s wearing her raincoat?
Lee says
Thanks Jeffrey. Maybe, but it does suit him!
oweynge says
perfectly done. i’ve always wanted a shot like this. The expression on his face is a winner.
Lee says
Thanks! Yeah, I couldn’t believe my luck when he walked down the alley. A face with real character.