As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, the horribly intense summer heat and humidity can make it a struggle to be out and about with a camera at the moment, so while going through my archive in blissfully cool, air-conditioned comfort, I chose 20 of my favourite portraits. All of them taken in Tokyo, except the 4th frame which is from Osaka. A photo I simply could not leave out.
A few of them were shot fairly recently, whereas others date back to over a decade ago, but all feel special in their own way. Some simply because of the result. Others due to the interaction involved. Plus many are a combination of the two.
Lastly, and on a totally different topic, the usual 2 posts a week will resume next Friday (16th), and due to just returning from southern Japan, there should be upcoming photos of some different locations. A bit of travelling that timing-wise wasn’t exactly the wisest, as it was even hotter than the capital, but the sights and experiences more than made up for it. Until then, however, it’s Tokyo scenery and the faces of its citizens featured below.
Denise says
These are all exquisite.. So many emotions and sooo much life. I love them! 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much. Really nice to hear as these are all faves of mine.
YesterdaysHero says
Seeing these together like this is really powerful. I thoroughly enjoyed the varied expressions and environments. A real slice of humanity and more than worthy of a book.
Lee says
Thanks ever so much, and a book comprising of photos like these really would be something. One day, hopefully.
cdilla says
What an absolute treat to see such a collection all together. It is impossible for me to select a favourite, as it changes frequently as I scroll up and down these stunning examples of the art of portrait. Illustrations of what a true professional can create with a glass and metal box and a pallette of 14 million faces.
Lee says
Thank you, that’s really kind. Living in a city so vast with so many people helps a lot. A constant variety of faces and environments means there’s rarely a shortage of subjects.
Richard says
Great shots, thanks! I recalled some of them but others were ones I had not seen before. I agree that these would make an engaging book. The last few look like they could be part of a film noire.
Keep cool, Lee!
Lee says
Thanks a lot. It was nice for me to go back to some of these and put them together. I totally agree about the last few too. Really happy how they came out.
Cheers. I shall try!
Andrew Taylor says
Nice work! I’d love to hear the story behind each one.
Lee says
Thanks a lot. A few interesting stories for some of them. An aspect that makes several of them feel extra special.
Tagomago says
What’s with the guy with the turtle for instance?? Amazing…
Damien says
All book-worthy moments! And such varied situations. Thanks for sharing. The towel-headed truckie inside his gleaming chariot is great – well done getting him in a moment of pause in his work, looking at the camera but not in a pissed off way at all!
Lee says
Thanks ever so much and you are very welcome. I enjoyed putting these together. Cheers, that was such a wonderful moment. For a fraction of a second everything came together so nicely. Lovely when that happens.
Pierre says
All of these portraits are marvelous, but some stand out even more. The framing, the shapes, the colors… Truly magnificent portraits!
Recently, Reporters Sans Frontières issued a magazine titled “Regards sur le Japon”: https://boutique.rsf.org/product/76-regards-sur-le-japon/
I can’t help but thinking your photos should be part of it.
And I wholeheartedly agree with other people here: these need to be put in a book!
Could you tell us more about the picture of the old man dressed in military suit? The red and the stars are usually associated with communism, and I’m curious about this picture as I don’t think communism has been in fashion in Japan for quite a while now…!
Take care, keep cool, and keep posting those beautiful pictures!
Ted T says
Just a guy taking his tortoise our for a stroll…
I love the story told here, particularly the juxtapositions: the guy in the truck and the guy in the alley; the right winger and the priest…