Waited a little while hoping the old fella would turn away from Skytree in the background, and thankfully he did. In fact they both did which was absolutely perfect. So nice when things work out like that. Certainly helps make up for the countless times they don’t!
What a beautiful picture. I agree it is so well framed that it seems like a movie still. Are these two posing for someone else that we can’t see? If only they were dressed in more traditional clothing!:)
Nah. They were both looking at Skytree across the river, then they turned to look down the river. Not sure at what exactly. But whatever it was it allowed me to get the shot I wanted.
I really like his hat, but yeah, if they had both been dressed traditionally, that really would have been something!
Thank you very much. It wasn’t my original choice to be honest. The beautiful blue sky made for a lovely backdrop. But ultimately it had to be monochrome.
Thank you very much. Usually when I get something I know is going to be good, I sense it straight away. This one was different. In fact it wasn’t until I converted it to monochrome that I knew I had something a bit special.
You are doing a superb job at documenting daily sights in Tokyo now and in the recent past using photography. One thing I have considered for years is a similar effort to document the sounds heard in Tokyo.
There was for a short time a radio program called “Lost and Found Sounds” which collected old familiar recorded audio files in the US. It may be of value someday to younger Nihonjin youth to hear what their city sounded like in times past.
That really would be interesting. Certain parts of the city I definitely associate with particular sounds. Smells too, although that’s a different story altogether…
With almost everyone carrying a smartphone, any recordings could be done relatively easily as well.
Linda says
If I didn’t know you, I’d be absolutely positive that this was a staged photo of two old movie stars. Very cool.
Rohan Gillett says
I agree! The framing and timing to get this picture was perfect!
Lee says
Thank you!
Waited a little while hoping the old fella would turn away from Skytree in the background, and thankfully he did. In fact they both did which was absolutely perfect. So nice when things work out like that. Certainly helps make up for the countless times they don’t!
Rohan Gillett says
The guy kind of looks like a thinner version of Tora-san, no?
Lee says
Yeah, he does. I had an Ozu character in my head, but the hat in particular really lends itself to Tora-san.
Coli says
What a beautiful picture. I agree it is so well framed that it seems like a movie still. Are these two posing for someone else that we can’t see? If only they were dressed in more traditional clothing!:)
Lee says
Thanks a lot. Really happy with result.
Nah. They were both looking at Skytree across the river, then they turned to look down the river. Not sure at what exactly. But whatever it was it allowed me to get the shot I wanted.
I really like his hat, but yeah, if they had both been dressed traditionally, that really would have been something!
DavidT says
I’m totally with the other commenters. Awesome shot! B&W was a great choice! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much. It wasn’t my original choice to be honest. The beautiful blue sky made for a lovely backdrop. But ultimately it had to be monochrome.
John Van Hecke says
Simply amazing. It’s a fantastic, arresting, wonderful shot. And you’re B&W decision – perfect.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Usually when I get something I know is going to be good, I sense it straight away. This one was different. In fact it wasn’t until I converted it to monochrome that I knew I had something a bit special.
Renita in NC says
Fabulous picture: I like the mid 20th C. vibe of the clothing and the 21st C. vibe of the buildings. The black and white makes it even better.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Those elements really appealed to me as well. A wonderful contrast. And yeah, the black and white added way more than I expected.
Lucas says
This one could be from a post-modern remake of Tokyo Monogatari.
Thank you for your work, it’s always remarkable.
Lee says
You are very welcome, and thank you for the kind words.
Yes, it really could. The first thing my wife said when she saw it in black and white was that it looked like a scene from an Ozu film.
cdilla says
A marvelous photograph. It has a deep feel to it.
Glad you kept the golden Asahi foamthingy out of shot 🙂
Lee says
Thank you. Yeah, there’s definitely a quiet, contemplative nature about it. Very pleased it came out that way.
Haha, luckily that was a fair bit to the right of the frame, so don’t have to try hard to keep it out of the photo.
john says
Thanks. I was wondering if they were contemplating the meaning of foamythingy .
MrSatyre says
You’ll be happy to note that Tokyo Times is the very first result when searching Google for “Asahi foamthingy”!
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=Asahi+foamthingy
Lee says
Haha, my work here it would seem is done!
MrSatyre says
Really fantastic shot. It’s like something out of a classic Kurosawa or Ozu film. I can just hear the music rising and falling in the background!
Lee says
Thanks a lot!
It was originally shot in colour which was alright, but the moment I switched it to monochrome I felt exactly the same. Ozu all the way.
Ed says
Aesthetically pleasing! Classic.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Definitely one of my favourites.
LAObserver says
You are doing a superb job at documenting daily sights in Tokyo now and in the recent past using photography. One thing I have considered for years is a similar effort to document the sounds heard in Tokyo.
There was for a short time a radio program called “Lost and Found Sounds” which collected old familiar recorded audio files in the US. It may be of value someday to younger Nihonjin youth to hear what their city sounded like in times past.
Lee says
Thanks a lot.
That really would be interesting. Certain parts of the city I definitely associate with particular sounds. Smells too, although that’s a different story altogether…
With almost everyone carrying a smartphone, any recordings could be done relatively easily as well.
Jay says
This is brilliant work. It makes me very happy that so many others, like me, instantly thought of Ozu.
Lee says
Thank you! You and me both. Very happy it has such similarities.