ＩＤＣＳ英会話の「Pix & English」

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Jogashima Island

今日のテーマは、三浦半島の「城ケ島」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

Seascape Photography in Japan: Jogashima Island | 城ヶ島の海景写真

This week's photo shoot in Japan takes us to Jogashima Island for some seascape photography. The island is located at the tip of Miura Peninsula on the shores of Tokyo Bay about 75 km (approx. 47 mi) south of Central Tokyo.

The island became a popular tourist destination as far back as the Kamakura Period when the Shogun made several trips to the island for its beautiful beaches. Eventually, the fishing industry played a larger roll on the north side of the Island resulting in beach reclamation to make way for docks, piers, harbors, and fisheries. After the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, much of the remaining sandy beaches were lost to volcanic rock that was uplifted by several meters in some places creating a cragged coastline with much of the sand being washed out to sea.

After the war, the island fortress were decommissioned and the island bluff was converted into several, beautifully well-maintained public parks.

As a photo shoot location, you will want to come early in the morning before the blue hour and avoid national holidays and weekends if you want to capture seascapes free of people and fishermen.

Access Details:

Jogashima Park (Official Kanagawa Tourism Website)

Very basic access info with a map
https://trip.pref.kanagawa.jp

Tokyo Day Trips: Sightseeing and Seafood with the Misaki Maguro Day Trip Ticket! (Live Japan Perfect Guide Website)

In-depth access info with photos of ticket machines--great for newcomers to Japan who cannot communicate in Japanese.
https://livejapan.com

‘Maguro-lovers’ day trip to Misaki Port & Jogashima (Excursions Japan Website)

Seems to be more targeted to foodies, but still useful info on where to visit and eat between photo shoots.
https://excursionsjapan.com

A Summer Day Tour in Misaki Port and Jogashima (DeepJapan Website)

Includes link to download a map in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean!
http://www.deepjapan.org

Power of the Ocean

Rougher waters of Tokyo Bay make for some powerful waves as they hit the shore of Jogashima Island at the tip of the Miura Peninsula located about 75 km due south of Tokyo.

Offshore Winds

As the tide thrusts waves towards shore, an offshore wind blows against the crests of waves in a head-to-head battle of natural forces.

Bathe in Golden Light

As cold, dark, winter blue ocean waves crash against the rocks, the rising sun bathes the harsh coldness with soft, warm, golden sunshine.

Explosion of Water

The collision of waves is so enthralling that it’s easy to lose track of time and find yourself stuck out on the outcrop as the tide rises and cuts off all passages to dry land.

Ocean Spray

Offshore winds shred the crests of waves pounding the rocky coastline as the morning light catches droplets of ocean spray midair creating a dazzling mist of glistening beads of light.

Secret Cove

The top of the cliff is flush with tall bamboo-like grass, except in one spot where park groundskeeper staff trim the grass just enough to offer a bird’s-eye view of a small beach tucked away between the mostly rocky coastline.

Watching Waves

Dale-chan the border collie taking a rest in the shade after chasing waves up and down the beach.

Crisp Winter Beach

Shooting this beach during winter was a real joy since I didn’t have to worry about the foggy haze that clouds the horizon the almost always appears during the hot and humid summer months.

Seabird Breeding Grounds

The cliffs overlooking the inlet are winter breeding grounds for Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus) and pelagic cormorants (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), which will all migrate back to Hokkaido in April. The cliffs are also home to migratory Pacific reef heron (Egretta sacra).

Receding Waves

The sand on this beach was already so dark that it inspired me to make a long-exposure monochrome shot of the receding waves.

Tranquility

Long exposure of one section of the beach where there were fewer rocks and crashing waves using a hard ND filter and a graduated ND filter simultaneously.

Rock Arch

Small boats used to pass through the Umanose Arch during high-tide until the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake lifted the seabed up by about 1.4 meters (4.6 ft) bringing the entire arch above sea level and creating a newly exposed rocky coastline.

Incoming Wave

The entire coastline on this side of the island is mostly submerged at high tide. The huge wave in the distance is broken up by the rocks and becomes a tiny, gentle wave by the time it reaches the point where I took this photo.

Below is a list of the equipment I take with me on photo shoots.

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP
https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ
Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR
https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ
Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE
https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF
Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)
https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd
Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate
https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit
https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg
SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)
https://amzn.to/3axkn1w
PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter
https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS
Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal
https://amzn.to/32c0FFL
RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO
https://amzn.to/35lygz1

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM
PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/39rwWwW
PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)
https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm
PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm
https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY
PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)
https://amzn.to/37hjkBv

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)
https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE
F-stop Tripod Bag (large)
https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Pix4Japan by Iketani, Daisei is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Mt. Takao

今日のテーマは、東京都の「高尾山」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

This week's photo shoot takes us to Mt. Takao, which is located about 55 km (approx. 34 mi) west of Central Tokyo for some landscape and woodland photography in Japan.

Google Maps Links:

Takaosanguchi Station (高尾山口駅) on the Keio Line

https://goo.gl/maps/65cyHdBJvZCWMdtE8

Trailhead for Trail No. 1 (高尾山（1号路）出入口)

https://goo.gl/maps/bpQMtNc4iV5ff9yk9

Takaosan Cable Car Kiyotaki Station (高尾山ケーブルカー清滝駅)

https://goo.gl/maps/Yye3GaGTDwXJXHwe7

From the cable car terminus, you can take a 1.7 km walk (26 minutes) to the peak

Visitor Center on peak of mountain

https://goo.gl/maps/eb7MPZRCc427Tuj77

Mt. Takao is a historically sacred mountain located about 55 km (approx. 34 mi) due west on the border of Tokyo Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture. With numerous temples, shrines, sacred objects including trees, and more with a history dating back more than 1,200 years.

There is so much history to learn, deeply held traditions to experience, and an oasis of nature to enjoy all on the footsteps of Tokyo Prefecture. As a sightseeing destination, Mt. Takao is super easy to access, and the climb to the peak is doable without the need for any special hiking or climbing gear. With two sets of cable cars that reach close to the peak, young families with babies, or elderly parents with limited mobility should have no problem accessing the top of the mountain.

Live Japan: Perfect Guide: Detailed guide with overall useful information regarding the many attractions of Mt. Takao.

Mount Takao Guide: 12 Best Attractions At The World's Most-Climbed Mountain

Donny Kimball: In depth review of a first-hand experience of Mt. Takao (I am often inspired to go on photo shoots at locations reviewed by Mr. Kimball.)

Mt. Takao & the Tengu | A Sacred Mountain in Tokyo Prefecture

As a photo shoot location, timing is very important if you want to avoid the crowds. Taking any one of the numerous trails other than Trail No. 1 will allow you to get off of the beaten path and give you closer proximity to natural woodlands, wildlife, and depending on the weather and lighting, you can have access to some beautiful panoramic views of the Tanzawa Mountain Range and the Tokyo metropolis.

Distant Mountain Range

Long exposure shot of the Tanzawa Mountain Range located about 19 km (12 mi) due west of Mt. Takao in Tokyo Prefecture.

Moss-Covered Tree Limb

Possibly the leaves of a Weeping Fern (Lepisorus thunbergianus) growing a the limb of an old, moss-coverd cherry tree at the peak of Mt. Tako.

Lone Tree

Small opening in the canopy allowed some evening light to reflect off of the moss that has enveloped the trunk of this lone tree.

Suspension Bridge

Trail No. 4 on Mt. Takao is one of the more popular trails due to its relatively wide trails and its main attraction: Miyama Bridge.

Photos used with permission.

Pix4Japan by Iketani, Daisei is licensed under a

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at Pix4Japan.

Monday, January 4, 2021

Ouchi-Juku

今日のテーマは、福島県の「大内宿」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

Ouchi-Juku, an historical district of preserved thatch-roof buildings in Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture, was a post station on the pre-modern highway of Aizu-Nishi Kaido (130 km/81 mi) during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868). The post station provided travelers with inns, shops, restaurants, and more.

Nowadays, the village has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and seems to be a popular tourist destination. Visiting this site allows you to step back in time and enjoy an experience somewhat similar to what travelers would have experienced hundreds of years ago. Except for the souvenir shops, most of the original inns and restaurants are still providing the same services they did during the Edo Period.

Here are some links to websites with more details and useful access information:

Ouchi-Juku Guide: Japan’s Dream-like Fairytale Village Covered in Sparkling Snow

https://livejapan.com/en

Fukushima | Ouchi-Juku | Minamiaizu

https://www.ana-cooljapan.com

Ouchijuku - Historic Town in Fukushima Prefecture

https://www.japan-guide.com

Ouchi-Juku | Remnants of the Edo Period

https://www.japanhoppers.com

Address:

Ouchi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima-ken 969-5207

〒969-5207 福島県南会津郡下郷町大内

Google Maps:

https://goo.gl/maps/

Google Plus Code:

8VJ6+P2 Shimogo, Fukushima

Historical Town under Blanket of Snow

Ouchi-Juku, a district of preserved thatch-roof buildings in Shimogo, Fukushima Prefecture, was a post station on the pre-modern Aizu-Nishi Kaido highway (130 km/81 mi) during the Edo Period (1603 to 1868).

Border Collie in Snow

Dale-chan the border collie taking a rest after chasing snowflakes on a mountain slope overlooking the historical town of Ouchi-Juku, in Fukushima Prefecture.

Gate to Shrine

Torii gate to Takakura-Jinja--a shinto shrine built for the deification of Prince Mochihito who died in battle (circa 1180).

Snow-Covered Ditch and Field

A winding drainage ditch at the bottom of snow-covered fields that surround Ouchi-Juku—an old post town providing travelers with restaurants, shops, and inns for travelers during the 1600s to mid-1800s.

Snow-Covered Tree and Woodland

An abstract black-and-white shot of the woodland that surrounds the small mountain valley surrounding Ouchi-Juku located in Fukushima Prefecture.

Below is a list of the equipment I take with me on photo shoots.

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP

https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ

Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR

https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ

Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF

Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)

https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd

Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate

https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit

https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg

SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)

https://amzn.to/3axkn1w

PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter

https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS

Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal

https://amzn.to/32c0FFL

RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO

https://amzn.to/35lygz1

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM

PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/39rwWwW

PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm

PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm

https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY

PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)

https://amzn.to/37hjkBv

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)

https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE

F-stop Tripod Bag (large)

https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

"Winter Birds" composed by LoTo and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Winter Solstice” composed and performed by Gavin Luke.

“Il Reste Du Temps” composed by Patrik Almkvisth and performed by Lo Mimieux.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

Photos used with permission.

Friday, January 1, 2021

Miho-no-Matsubara

今日のテーマは、静岡県の「三保の松原」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

Southwest Slope

View of the southwestern slope of Mt. Fuji as seen from the westbound Fujikawa Service Area on the Tomei Highway.

Border Collie at Rest Stop

Pulled over at the westbound Fujikawa Service Area on the Tomei Highway to give her a short potty break and let her stretch her legs. (Fujikawa SA: approx. 3 hours southwest of Tokyo).

Driftwood on Beach

Driftwood on the shore of Miho-no-Matsubara Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture with Mt. Fuji off in the distance (43.56 km/27.06 mi north-north-east).

Concave Wave

Pacific waves on the coast of Miho-no-Matsubara Beach in Shizuoka Prefecture at sunset.

Sunset Light

Light from the setting sun shining on the upper portion of Mt. Fuji as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.

Rusty Chain

Chain on top of concrete breakwater blocks that line a portion of the coast that sticks farthest out into the ocean.

Rusty Marker Post

This old, rusty marker stands about chest-high atop large concrete “cubes” that are about the size of a small car and are lined up to form a bulkhead along a portion of the coastline that is jutting out into the sea. Mostly likely, the light on top of the marker flashes during rough seas to either aid ship navigation or to prevent ships from running aground.

Stump on Breakwater

Maybe this stump was once part of a fence to keep beachgoers safe, or maybe it held up a sign to keep folks away. Embedded in a block of concrete the size of a small car, this stump will remain until the constant ravages of wind, water, and ice further erode it into a mere stubble.

Crests of Turquoise Blue

With no recent heavy rains or typhoons washing debris into the Pacific Ocean, waves rolling in from Suruga Bay were a beautiful, clear, bluish green. Unlike a tropical beach however, frigid winds blowing onshore made my fingers numb as I struggled to time shots of cresting waves without a tripod.

Photos used with permission.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Mt. Kintoki

今日のテーマは、静岡県の「金時山」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

I left home early in the morning in hopes of catching a clear shot of Mt. Fuji with some snow on the peak.

The climb up Mt. Kintoki (金時山 Kintokiyama), which also goes by the name of Mt. Ashigara (足柄山 Ashigarasyama) for some reason have yet to understand. Google Maps show the name of Ashigara, but when you reach the peak, the sign says Kintokiyama. A bit confusing to say the least.

At the trailhead, there is a nice parking lot with an even nicer restroom with faucets outside that you can use to wash your boots when you come back down the mountain. There were only about 8 parking spaces (free), so you need to arrive early enough in the morning to catch a space.

The mountain is not that high at only 1,212 m (3,976 ft). However, most of the trail consists of short, steep switchbacks, which require some stamina and decent hiking shoes. If you are a seasoned hiker, this peak would be relatively easy to reach.

From the top of the mountain, the weather was incredibly clear, and warm although the occasional breeze was bitter cold.

I set up the camera for 4 shots as noted below. All the shots were taken from the peak. I was in a bit of rush to avoid running out the clock and having to hike down in the dark after sunset.

Google Maps Links:

Parking Lot & Restroom:

72H3+62 Hakone, Kanagawa

Peak of Mt. Kinotoki (Mt. Ashigara):

72Q3+VW Hakone, Kanagawa

Suruga Bay:

3RXQ+PV Numazu, Shizuoka

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko):

72Q3+VV Hakone, Kanagawa

Owakudani:

72Q3+VV Hakone, Kanagawa

Mt. Fuji:

9P7M+VF Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi

Reflections on the Bay

Late afternoon sun reflecting off of the ocean waters of Suruga Bay (120 km / 75 mi) located southwest of Tokyo as seen from summit of Mt. Kintoki, Japan.

Ashinoko Lake (芦ノ湖): Crater lake in Hakone Mountains

Mountain Lake

View of Lake Ashi (elev. 723 m / 2,372 ft) in Hakone mountains as seen from summit of Mt. Kintoki (elev. 1,212 m / 3,976 ft) in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Active Volcanic Zone

View from peak of Kintokiyama of Owakudani, an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes escape into the air as cable cars pass overhead, and is a major source of natural hot spring water for onsen resorts in Hakone.

Mount Fuji

View of Mt. Fuji, located 26.28 km (16.33 mi) northwest from peak of Kintokiyama.

Below is a list of the equipment I take with me on photo shoots.

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP

https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ

Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR

https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ

Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF

Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)

https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd

Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate

https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit

https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg

SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)

https://amzn.to/3axkn1w

PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter

https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS

Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal

https://amzn.to/32c0FFL

RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO

https://amzn.to/35lygz1

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM

PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/39rwWwW

PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm

PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm

https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY

PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)

https://amzn.to/37hjkBv

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)

https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE

F-stop Tripod Bag (large)

https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

www.epidemicsound.com/referral

"I Remember Well" composed by Cody Butler and performed by Cody Francis.

“Cotton Dreams” composed by Niclas Gustavsson and performed by Elm Lake.

“Just Look at You” composed by Erik Häusler and performed by 369.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Yokohama MM21

今日のテーマは、横浜市の「みなとみらい」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

For this photoshoot, we take a walking tour of the Yokohama waterfront district called Minato Mirai 21. The first shot was taken from a pedestrian bridge next to the newly built Yokohama city hall.

Google Maps Plus Cod: CJXM+X9 Yokohama, Kanagawa

In the foreground we have the Ooka-gawa River leading up to the main subject being the Landmark Tower rising high above the cityscape.

This shot was taken late in the evening and had to be timed to when there were no pedestrians walking across the bridge, since anyone walking by would generate slight vibrations that would cause the image to become distorted, especially since this was a long 30-second exposure.

Waterfront Skyline

View of the Minatomirai waterfront district skyline in Yokohama, Japan featuring Landmark Tower standing at 296.3 m (972 ft) high with 70 stories above ground. On a global scale, it’s a small skyscraper, but remarkably tall considering the amount of engineering required to withstand Japan’s numerous big earthquakes.

For this composition, we visited this ship, which is moored at an old dock that is located near the base of Landmark Tower.

I had arrived a bit late after the lights on the ship had been turned off. In the end, I think this worked in my favor since it allowed me to achieve a more even exposure without having to worry about blown out highlights caused by lights on the ship. Fortunately, there were no winds close close enough to the ground to cause the ship to move or cause ripples on the water surface, which allowed me to take this 180-second exposure with only cloud movement.

Google Maps Plus Cod: FJ3J+7P Yokohama, Kanagawa

Nautical Training Ship

Built in 1930, the Nippon Maru nautical training ship sailed an equivalent of over 971 thousand nautical miles (approx. 1.8 million km/1.1 million mi). After 54 years of service to nearly 12,000 cadets, she was retired and moored to the historical stone-built No. 1 Dock in the Port of Yokohama and currently serves as a floating museum.

For the final composition, I visited the Red Brick Warehouse No. 2 for a simple shot where I wanted to convey the beautiful architectural elements of an old building constructed for utilitarian purposes.

A modern warehouse is typically boring, nondescript, and solely focused on utility and efficiency. Should a modern warehouse ever face destruction or abandonment, there would never be an attempt to preserve it for posterity.

In a future photoshoot, I want to come back to this building and create a collection of up-close shots featuring the various beautiful brickwork and metalwork that was incorporated into this building at the time of its birth.

Google Maps Plus Code: FJ3R+4X Yokohama, Kanagawa

Red Brick Warehouse No. 2

Built as a customs house in 1911, the structure survived the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, which destroyed most of Yokohama and Tokyo. After WWII, the warehouse became part of the U.S. Army Port Command until 1956. Yokohama city acquired the buildings and renovated the entire waterfront with shopping, entertainment, and cultural facilities. In 2010, the building received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.

Gear used for this Photoshoot

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP

https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ

Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR

https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ

Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF

Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)

https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd

Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate

https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit

https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg

SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)

https://amzn.to/3axkn1w

PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter

https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS

Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal

https://amzn.to/32c0FFL

RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO

https://amzn.to/35lygz1

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM

PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/39rwWwW

PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)

https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm

PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm

https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY

PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)

https://amzn.to/37hjkBv

Pack:

F-stop Tilopa 50L Adventure and Travel Camera Backpack (Essentials Bundle: backpack, rain cover, internal camera unit)

https://amzn.to/2XfjDIE

F-stop Tripod Bag (large)

https://amzn.to/3pXW57n

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission, which has no effect on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

"Paradigm Shift" composed and performed by Gavin Luke.

“Globe Trekking” composed and performed by Philip Ayers.

“Through Stormy Weather” composed and performed by Philip Ayers.

“Deviation In Time” composed by Johannes Bornlöf and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“We Still Have Courage” composed by Johannes Bornlöf and performed by Bonnie Grace.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

Photos used with permission.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Fuji Sengen-Jinja

今日のテーマは、山梨県の「北口本宮冨士淺間神社」。

撮影スポットの写真撮影しながら、カメラ・撮影技術・撮影スポットの英会話を楽しもう！

ぜひＩＤＣＳ英会話の『Pix & English』をご参考ください！

The Kita-Guchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-Jinja Shrine, originally built in the 17th century, was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2013.

Back in the day, this shrine was where worshippers of Mt. Fuji would first visit to purify themselves before making their ascent to the peak of Mt. Fuji, which was viewed as a God.

The original trail head is located behind this shrine and is still used today by some climbers.

However, in the modern era, Mt. Fuji has been promoted more as a tourist attraction. Nowadays, climbers can drive or take a bus part way up the mountain to one of several different stations, and start their climb from there.

I chose this site for this week’s photo shoot because of the grand trees and stone lanterns that line the path to the shrine.

I left home shortly after midnight and arrived about an hour after sunrise, which unfortunately, made it a bit difficult to shoot due to the sharp contrast of shadows and bright backgrounds.

I should have left home earlier so that I could arrive and shoot during the blue hour, or tried to time my visit during a rain storm or at least under cloudier conditions where there would be more diffused light and maybe even some fog.

With that said, I tried to take a few shots in spite of the harsh light.

For this first composition, I set the camera on a tripod across the street from the first torii gate. Once there was a break in car traffic, I took several shots.

Long Path to Shrine

View of the the 275-meter path (903 feet) that is lined with very old cedar trees and stone lanterns leading to the main entrance of the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine's main dark vermillion torii gate, which sits at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Aside from the stone lanterns and the tall old cedar trees, I like how the light breaks through the trees creating thin layers of light and shadow across the gravel path leading up to the main torii gate of the shrine.

In this composition, the path to the shrine approaches the main torii gate at an angle. From a technical standpoint, the lanterns on the right create a leading line up the vermillion torii gate. But at the same time, the photo is unbalanced with nothing on the left side to help anchor the whole scene. Regardless, I like the light playing on the moss of the stone lanterns and how it contrasts with the vermillion gate in the background.

Approaching Fujisan Otorii Gate

Standing at 18 m high (59 ft), the torii gate is one of the largest in Japan. The gate is where you enter the realms of the Gods. This shrine (originally built in 1615) houses three deities of which one is the goddess of Mt. Fuji. She is also a god for the safe delivery of newborn babies.

For the 3rd composition, I spent a lot of time trying to compose this beautiful old maple tree. I knew I wanted to include the moss in the bottom of the frame, the most on the tree, and try to capture how the limbs branch out in creating weblike structure. The background was busy, with harsh highlights, so I cropped this shot to minimize reduce the number of distractions and try to even out the light and amount of exposure.

Web of Branches & Limbs

Wide shot of an old Japanese maple tree supported with crutches to prevent damage from the heavy snowfalls occurring around the base of Mt. Fuji.

Here are some other shots taken during this photo shoot:

Stone Lantern Corridor

Originally built to guide visitors along the path to the shrine, electric lights tucked back among the trees have replaced the use of live flames.

Seven-Colored Maple

The foliage of this Nanairo-Okaede (七色大カエデ / seven-color large maple) is said to change seven colors from spring to autumn. This particular tree standing next to the Kita-Guchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-Jinja Shrine is very old and needs crutches to prevent its branches from breaking during the heave snow falls that occur near the base of Mt. Fuji.

Moss-Covered Tree

Early morning light reflecting off of a trunk and limbs revealing tones ranging from faint yellows to hard blackish greens.

Border Collie at Shrine

Border collie at the main torii gate of the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine's located at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Access Details:

Kita-Guchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-Jinja (北口本宮冨士淺間神社):

https://goo.gl/maps/hbqFEMawae9TjoC18

If you avoid tolls, it is a 3- to 4-hour drive from Tokyo. If you take toll roads, it is only a 90-minute to 2-hour drive via the Chuo Expressway.

Fortunately, the shrine is easily accessible by train and bus. Depending on which line you take, it is about a 3-hour train ride to Fujisan Station on the Fujikyu Line.

Access by Train & Bus + Detail Info about Shrine:

Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine (Informal Name of Shrine)

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6903.html

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/foreign/english/spot/p1_8016.html

History:

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen-jinja Shrine

https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1326/

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja (Official Site):

https://sengenjinja.jp/english/index.html

World Heritage List:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1418/

Gear used for this Photo Shoot

Camera Gear:

Pentax KP

(https://amzn.to/2EbbLRZ)

Standard zoom lens: smc Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR

(https://amzn.to/2Ysz5lJ)

Telephoto zoom lens: HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE

(https://amzn.to/3iNEsDF)

Tripod: Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 (carbon fiber legs with quick locking clamps)

(https://amzn.to/2Fqpghd)

Ball head: Manfrotto Cloud XPRO Series Ballhead BHQ2 with 200PL locking plate

(https://amzn.to/3g6WI9j)

Video Gear:

Canon EOS Kiss M/M50 Double Zoom Kit

(https://amzn.to/2Ef3mNg)

SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary C017 (Canon EF-M Mount, APS-C Size, Mirrorless Only)

(https://amzn.to/3axkn1w)

PolarPro 67mm QuartzLine Circular Polarizer Filter

(https://amzn.to/2FUTBVS)

Zhiyun Weebill-S Gimbal

(https://amzn.to/32c0FFL)

RODE Road Wireless GO Wireless Microphone System WIGO

(https://amzn.to/35lygz1)

Filters & Filter Systems:

PolarPro QuartzLine ND 64 Filter - 67mm (ND64 6-stop reduction in light)

(https://amzn.to/2J9VSOM)

PolarPro QuartzLine ND1000 Filter - 67mm (ND1000 10-stop reduction in light)

(https://amzn.to/39rwWwW)

PolarPro QuartzLine ND100k Filter - 67mm (ND100K 15-stop reduction in light)

(https://amzn.to/3q7YHAm)

PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizer - 67mm

(https://amzn.to/3fOwgCY)

PolarPro Summit | Landscape Filter System Custom Kit (Core, Thread Plate, ND4-GR filter, ND8-GR filter, Circular Polarizer)

(https://amzn.to/37hjkBv)

*Links to Amazon are affiliated links, which means that if you choose to purchase an item that I may get a small commission that has no bearing on your purchase price whatsoever.

Music Tracks Licensed for this video through Epidemic Sound. Visit this link to subscribe:

https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/0uag9f/

"Remove The Complexities" composed by Peter Sandberg and performed by Epidemic Sound.

“Summer Memories” composed and performed by Gavin Luke.

“Breath Of Life” composed and performed by Gavin Luke.

“Threads” composed by Anders Schill Paulsen and performed by Ebb & Flod.

“Bermuda” composed by Henrik Olsson and performed by Ooyy.

Photos used with permission.