Archive
[From the Archives] Japan, November 2007
From time to time, I will use these “From the Archives” posts to highlight some of my photography from the period before I started this blog in 2009. These photos have been publicly available on Flickr for some time but they have never before been featured on this blog. I hope you enjoy this blast from the past!
JAPAN
Back in November 2007, I took a 2 week photo holiday to Southern Japan. Like many Westerners I had been fascinated with Japan since I was a child – every boy goes through a ninja phase, after all – and I had a growing appreciation for the refined nature of their culture, especially their cuisine. I came to Japan with many preconceived notions, somewhat expecting everyone to be demure, deferential and bowing non-stop, but I quickly realised – of course – that the Japanese are human after all, and a few rowdy nights in izakaya and out on the streets of Harajuku and Osaka quickly put paid to my hackneyed stereotypes. The Japanese people were generally very kind and even inquisitive, and it was a joy to travel through this land, and, barring the occasional instance of having no clue where I was or how to read the signs, I had one of the most perfect times imaginable. I am looking forward to returning to this fascinating land.
Below are a small selection of the thousands of photos I took during my travels through Japan:

Girl dressed for "Seven Five Three" ceremony, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Parental Encouragement, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Tokyo Rockabilly Club, Harajuku

Shinjuku Girls, Shinjuku, Tokyo

House on the Pond in Gardens of Heian Shrine, Kyoto

Mini Zen Rock Garden, Roan-ji, Kyoto

Entrance to Senso-Ji, Asakusa, Tokyo

Lanterns, Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

Itsukushima Shrine by Night, Miyajima

Morning at Torii Gate, Miyajima

Moto-Hakone Lake Panoramic (Mt Fuji in Background)

Backlit trees and Maniden Roof, Shoshasan, near Himeji

Incense Smoke, Engakuji Temple, Kamakura

Temple Roof Detail, Shoshasan, near Himeji

Inari Kitsune Statue, Toshogu Shrine, Ueno Park, Tokyo

Temple Gate Detail, Engakuji Temple, Kamakura
More of my Japan 2007 photos can be found over on Flickr.
More photo goodness on the way…
Hi all,
Happy New Year! This is just a quick note to say that yes, I am still alive, and there is definitely more photography in the pipeline from yours truly in the near future.
At the end of January I am travelling to the Isle of Skye in Scotland for a landscape workshop with David Langan, which, if my last jaunt to Scotland was any indication, should result in some good images. In February I am going on a short city break to Berlin, which is also quite photogenic. Finally, in the next month I will be going on various short work trips to Casablanca, Lagos (Nigeria) and Riyadh so I imagine one or two photos might come out of those locations as well.
I am also toying with the thought of doing some “From the Archives” posts to highlight some of my older, pre-blog-era photography.
So stay tuned, there is definitely more to come.
-Luke









