Rainy season is rubbish. It rains a lot, obviously, and the humidity very noticeably starts to increase. Then even when it’s over things aren’t any better, as the scorching heat of summer kicks in and the stickiness gets truly uncomfortable.
But moaning aside, one definite benefit of all that rain is reflections. Particularly so considering Tokyo’s love of bright lights. An effect that can, at a push, make the mundane sight of an old man heading home after drinks appear almost poignant.
On a similar-ish theme, the other day I achieved a goal of sorts by getting a series of photographs in The Guardian — a newspaper I’ve been reading daily my entire adult life. The topic is Tokyo’s old, but still working bar and restaurant owners, craftsmen, shopkeepers etc, so if you’d like to see it, the gallery can be viewed here.
Scruffy says
Very nice photo.
Kudos on the photos in the Guardian, Lee.
Lee says
Cheers. It’s a great little spot.
And thank you very much. Very pleased about it to say the least.
Coli says
First of all that’s really awesome about your photos. Congratulations!
This picture here is beautiful and framed so well. Very peaceful indeed.
Lee says
Thank you. It’s always nice to sell photos and see them here and there, but getting a set in the Guardian was extra special.
Cheers. It’s amazing how darkness transforms it. And yeah, it really is peaceful, isn’t it?
cdilla says
Congratulations indeed for an impressive spread in one of the UK, and worlds most repected newspapers. It was great to browse through that particular collection again – especially having met one of the people in person on one of your photowalks.
This photograph recalls scenes from Midnight Diner, who’s first series we have just finished. Very atmospheric in a quiet way.
Was this very late – or was it the rain keeping the alley clear?
Did you use a tripod or similar – the focus is so crisp.
Lee says
Thank you very much. Definitely very pleased with it. Opening up the site in the morning as usual and seeing my photos has been a really. nice experience.
Ah yes, the old sushi chef. So glad it was open when we went past and you both got to experience that place. A genuine bit of old Tokyo.
I finally watched it as well just recently. Really good, isn’t it? The quiet, gentleness was both enjoyable and relaxing. And yeah, there’s definitely a similar vibe here. It wasn’t late, maybe 9-ish, but it’s not a busy thoroughfare even when the weather is nice. Basically the only people to be seen are those going in or out of the bars. Oh, and nah, no tripod. Never use one. Just steady hands and bumped up ISO!
Evan says
Congratulations on getting your work on the Guardian! I read it daily myself, and it’s great to see such wonderful photos of lovely people up there.
Lee says
Thank you, that’s very kind of you!
DavidT says
I like it the scene has so much atmosphere!
Huge congrats on the guardian spread it looks awesome! 🙂
Lee says
Cheers, it’s a great little spot.
And thank you very much. Very happy about getting in the Guardian, and how it looks!
john says
and then there’s the snow…
There’s a lot to stumble on here, both in the alley after a few drinks, and in the Guardian ; good photos and informative captions. I guess ‘Tokyo Week’ was a splendid opportunity!
Lee says
Yes, good point. In the snow it really could be something.
Thank you. Yeah, the timing and theme was just about perfect!
GenjiG says
Great picture, love the crispness and they way the light falls on the man in the center. Feels a bit like he is ready the disappear Murakami style…
Lovely article in the Guardian, your pictures give a real sense of familiarity and a lot of good vibes 🙂
Lee says
Thanks! Ideally I wanted someone walking towards me, but like you said, the way he’s lit is really nice, giving him a certain sense of mystery.
Thanks a lot, that’s really good to hear!