I am always nervous of photographing people, it seems so intrusive. I do sometimes ask and I’m happy to not take their photo if they say no – of course. But actually asking can be awkward, embarrassing and often just too late, the moment has gone.
This little girl was part of a wedding – she wanted to be in the bridal procession but was not allowed to be. Her mother and grandmother spent quite a few minutes trying to restrain her, but she eventually escaped. There was a big crowd watching!Here she is – running for freedom.Here are the bride and groom with their families having formal photos taken.She looked so sad but such an enigmatic face and expression, i daren’t ask, I knew she would say no. I tried to look as though I was photographing the shrine buildings but I think she saw me, I feel sorry for that.What a distinguished looking gentleman, i think he might have wanted to be photographed, he wandered around in the temple grounds, adopting rather posed stances. i was too slow for tis one, its slightly out of focus.Peaceful moments in the grounds of Odawara fort in the late afternoon sun.These two spent quite a long time trying out different poses with their stuffed rabbit, trying to get just the right selfie. I deliberately caught them between poses.A school group were practising and then performing a song with actions, to make a video at Odawarra fort, – they were accompanied by 4 volunteers dressed in traditional costume. The teachers welcomed us to take photos. The children were thrilled and wanted to see the images we took.In the street where people go to parade in costumes (Cosplay)I saw her and I asked if i could take her picture, she was terribly shy but her friends encouraged her, then she broke into this gorgeous smile, and performed the ubiquitous hand gesture.This lady seemed reluctant to believe she was no longer 20 but kudos for the style!The Beatles got everywhere didn’t they?! Loving the matched colours though.Shibuya station, one of the busiest in Tokyo, there’s a bus station right outside where guys in uniform with LED lighting tracks in their jackets and red sabres, orchestrate the passengers into queues and then usher them onto the buses, finishing with a bow to the bus driver!I came across this man in a side street in Yanaka, Tokyo, he seemed to be making a plan of street services, he spoke no English but I managed to ask Shashin? which is Japanese for photo! He happily agreed, whilst fighting the wind from whipping away his drawing.This girl was absorbed by her mum’s phone, she had just a minute before, been taking a selfie, big grin on her face. Sadly I was too slow and also a bit reticent to photograph a child.I asked her just as she moved the poster from in front of her face, held up my camera and pointed, she nodded, I clicked!I took this in Odawara at the fort. He had dip-died his dogs ears! One pink one orange, he turned away and took up the exact same pose as the dog – irresistible.On holidays and weekends lots of young people wear full kimono clothes and visit their local temple.
Our group waiting for the tutors to arrive with the hire cars. Shades of the “Usual Suspects” A bit of attitude going on as well though.
I love seeing all these tiny glimpses into another culture. And not just the glimpses, but also what caught your eye and the stories behind why you chose your subjects. More please.
Thanks Clive! I am right now preparing another post about traditions, some of which are inevitably disappearing, or at least changing. Others are still thriving. It is so interesting to see how ancient traditions and ultra modernism live side by side.
Sally Wakelin - Studies in Creativity 
I love seeing all these tiny glimpses into another culture. And not just the glimpses, but also what caught your eye and the stories behind why you chose your subjects. More please.
Thanks Clive! I am right now preparing another post about traditions, some of which are inevitably disappearing, or at least changing. Others are still thriving. It is so interesting to see how ancient traditions and ultra modernism live side by side.