The Tokyo Forgeries Blog
Scroll Search or Click
2025 Content Strategy: Or How I Learned to Trust Myself
In preparing for (setting)my 2025 goals I came to the realization that my approach for writing and sharing my work should mirror the way I create my images. I feel it, then I set to make it. I dont oftetn follow a set plan, finding mediocre results when I do. MY whole cratinve self is wrapped in pre-visualization. Sometimes it comes well in advance, and some days it happens in the moment: this is happening here, this light, that contrast, this background, i want this, yes, this , wait, wait, click. That is my thought process in the simplest form when taking a picture. Things are happening and I see this as the best final result. With decades of practice there is no internal dialouge, just the final image in mind.
2025: Year of the Street Photography Book
It has been a goal of mine to write my own Tokyo street photography book. The task was more difficult than I had initially thought. The problem was that a different idea came out each time I sat down to write. By the end of the week of writing, several concepts were born. A brief for each and a link to a dedicated page for each are available below. It will take most of 2025 to produce these works. Likely encompassing the bulk of my creative output this year. I look forward to the challenge of creating multiple projects simultaneously and to the experiences derived from such a venture.
Street Photography Inspiration
Every art form possesses its masters, innovators, and underappreciated heroes. As artists, we derive inspiration, motivation, and a well-defined path from these distinguished figures. An extensive body of literature has been produced regarding the exemplary practitioners of street photography, encompassing top ten lists, distinguished black and white photography, and notable works in colour, among others. This essay seeks to examine the less overt yet equally significant sources of inspiration—elements that I routinely employ while capturing the streets of Tokyo.
Top Reasons to Prioritize Akabane for Street Photography in Tokyo
Akabane serves as the northernmost transportation hub of Tokyo and has remained relatively unaffected by the tourism boom that has transformed other parts of Japan over the past decade. Like many urban locales, taller, more modern buildings are gradually replacing older structures; however, this transformation occurs at a slower pace in Akabane compared to the rest of Tokyo, imparting a sense of timeless preservation to the local atmosphere.
Street Photography in Ikebukuro: A Love Affair (My First Time)
Plan to spend the day in Ikebukuro. I would go early on a sunny day to enjoy the changing light throughout the day. Commuters early in the day will photograph different later in the afternoon, as will tourists, shoppers and locals. It is a big place, not unlike Shinjuku or Shibuya. Plan to do a little walking and be open to the fantastic street photography experience in Ikebukuro.
Street Photography in Shibuya: A Love Affair.
Shibuya is among the most bustling places in the world. With its dazzling lights, vibrant energy, diverse commerce, exciting entertainment, and throngs of people—what's not to appreciate? While some suggest steering clear of Shibuya or Shinjuku because of the tourist crowds, it’s important to remember that people are simply people, and a great photo remains a great photo regardless of the setting.
Street Photography in Omiya: A Love Affair
Omiya, situated in Saitama just north of Tokyo, feels indistinguishable from the metropolis despite being in a different prefecture. This hidden gem is often nicknamed "little Shinjuku" and doesn’t fail to impress. With hardly any tourists, some might argue it’s even better than its well-known counterpart. What captivates me is the contrast between the dark, gritty side of the station and the vibrant lights of the commercial area on the other side.
Kanda: A Love Affair
In a large city like Tokyo, street photographers often find special places to return to, and for many, that place is Kanda. Though it has few restaurants and is largely unremarkable for tourists, this very quality makes it ideal for street photography. The alleys are filled with salarymen navigating a labyrinthine area that feels forgotten by time.
Top Ten Street Photography Spots 2024
Tokyo is a unique city full of life, history, culture, and excitement. These features attract many tourists, which can make street photography harder in busy spots, but they also reveal hidden treasures you might not have found. Here are my top ten street photography locations in Tokyo for 2024:
Street Photography Silhouettes in Tokyo
I recognize that some perceive silhouettes as clichés associated with beginners or lazy street photographers. However, I've included silhouettes in my list of favourite street photography images. That said, I regard street photography silhouettes similarly to any technique: they're valuable to know, and mastering them can be even more beneficial because you never know when the ideal opportunity will arise on the streets.
Are Monochrome Cameras Necessary?
In photography, monochrome cameras stand out for their unique ability to capture images in shades of black and white, delivering striking contrast and depth. While many photographers opt for traditional colour cameras, the benefits of monochrome cameras cannot be overlooked.
The Definitive Guide: Motion in Your Street Photography
Incorporating motion into any genre of photography adds dynamic layers to the composition. A visual layer encourages viewers to engage more deeply with the image, while a psychological layer prompts them to reflect on its meaning. This is particularly relevant in street photography, which encompasses a wide range of visual styles, techniques, and subject matter.
Is Every Image We Take a Self-Portrait?
Do you take self-portraits? I think we all do. I know we all do. From a certain point of view, we all do. At least, I think we do, don’t we?
Returning to the Scene: Roppongi MidTown
Revisiting a location can yield impressive outcomes, exemplified by this image of a woman hurrying past an LED billboard in Tokyo Midtown.
The Art of Capturing The Walk in Tokyo.
Capturing a person walking by a captivating background is a straightforward and stylish entry point into street photography. I've been practicing this for over twenty years, which enabled me to shoot in manual exposure full time..
Photographing Tokyo’s Solitary Figure
In the bustling crowd of Tokyo, I find myself captivated by a solitary figure.
This notion may be a clichéd romantic ideal, precisely what artists aim to move away from. Instead, I prefer to embrace the unique perspectives that foster growth.
Good Luck at Shinjuku Station
I was lucky to witness this crazy stunt just outside Shinjuku Station South East gate. Although I had my camera ready in time, I was not good enough to capture the moment I saw in my mind—almost, but not quite.
In making your own luck, life experience goes a long way to getting the most out of it.
Photographing Strangers in Tokyo
Photographing People in Tokyo
The fear of photographing people is real, but it is also the most rewarding type of street photography, from the image created to the experience shared in its capture.
Refelctions of Shibuya
It is so simple to shoot a reflection. There is as much glass as there are people in Tokyo. One could make a career of it if they were so inclined. Like any trend, reflection shots are "Romanticized," but as a photographer passionate about it, there is much to explore.
Motion in Shibuya
The Tokyo constant is motion. I have yet to practice street photography in New York, but I assume she is no different. I take advantage of motion every chance I get. Not for trend but for sincerity. It’s how I feel in the city; I am just like this girl, an observer, not a participant.