Archive 2008 · Japan Photography
p.11 #1Japan Photography
RobertLynn > it's in my list 
I'll try to arange a special photo session when I'll be in Tokyo - for the moment I live too far away 
(for those who don't know it's the headquaters of Judo)
Grognard > you're putting pressure on me beware I allow myself to post crappy images
JustinD > thanks
Richard > thanks to you
for the comment and the question, you're the first to ever ask me
the answer is simple : many many many people inspired me ... I like many kinds of photography work, and sculptures also. I have a huge collection of pics I gathered on the net and try to learn a lot from them, I visit a lot of different photographers website and exposition. I am totaly unable to reproduce the talent I've had the chance to see.
But there is a lot that comes from contemplating beauty in all its forms. Then I try to make my own way of seeing it.
The only photographer style who's really close to mine, and from who I got inspiration, is Gorazd Vilhar, one of the three photographers who made a gorgeous photography about Japan called "Japanscapes".
This photographer have published very little images, and only some of them are made in a detail-oriented way. But I really felt in love with those few images, and it get me convident that with some work I could get closer to what I want to produce.
I'll try to arange a special photo session when I'll be in Tokyo - for the moment I live too far away (for those who don't know it's the headquaters of Judo)
Grognard > you're putting pressure on me
beware I allow myself to post crappy images JustinD > thanks
Richard > thanks to you
for the comment and the question, you're the first to ever ask me the answer is simple : many many many people inspired me ... I like many kinds of photography work, and sculptures also. I have a huge collection of pics I gathered on the net and try to learn a lot from them, I visit a lot of different photographers website and exposition. I am totaly unable to reproduce the talent I've had the chance to see.
But there is a lot that comes from contemplating beauty in all its forms. Then I try to make my own way of seeing it.
The only photographer style who's really close to mine, and from who I got inspiration, is Gorazd Vilhar, one of the three photographers who made a gorgeous photography about Japan called "Japanscapes".
This photographer have published very little images, and only some of them are made in a detail-oriented way. But I really felt in love with those few images, and it get me convident that with some work I could get closer to what I want to produce.
Dec 22, 2008 at 04:48 AM
p.11 #2Japan Photography
Your photos are definitely inspiring.
Wonderful images.
Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful images.
Thank you for sharing.
Dec 22, 2008 at 09:49 AM
p.11 #5Japan Photography
AlainPhoto wrote:
Richard >
...
The only photographer style who's really close to mine, and from who I got inspiration, is Gorazd Vilhar, one of the three photographers who made a gorgeous photography about Japan called "Japanscapes".
This photographer have published very little images, and only some of them are made in a detail-oriented way. But I really felt in love with those few images, and it get me convident that with some work I could get closer to what I want to produce.
Yes; I had not heard of the book or of Gorazd Vilhar but, from my limited quick searches yesterday and today, I see ready similarities between his work and yours. An example might be the cover shot of "Matsuri: World of Japanese Festivals", Gorazd's work published in 1995.
How did you encounter his work? Have you viewed and read his latest published work, "Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo"? Does he have any work on the web?
Richard
Richard >
...
The only photographer style who's really close to mine, and from who I got inspiration, is Gorazd Vilhar, one of the three photographers who made a gorgeous photography about Japan called "Japanscapes".
This photographer have published very little images, and only some of them are made in a detail-oriented way. But I really felt in love with those few images, and it get me convident that with some work I could get closer to what I want to produce.
Yes; I had not heard of the book or of Gorazd Vilhar but, from my limited quick searches yesterday and today, I see ready similarities between his work and yours. An example might be the cover shot of "Matsuri: World of Japanese Festivals", Gorazd's work published in 1995.
How did you encounter his work? Have you viewed and read his latest published work, "Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo"? Does he have any work on the web?
Richard
Dec 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM
p.11 #6Japan Photography
My favorite Japan shots
http://i.pbase.com/u12/crusader/upload/11295081.Child.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/u34/crusader/large/11271193.YoyogiParkTokyo3.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/u12/crusader/upload/11296912.img3.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/u17/crusader/upload/5383849.SapporoKid.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/u9/crusader/upload/3922344.OtaruHokkaidoJapan92.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/u16/crusader/upload/5244244.StreetDancersTokyoJapan.jpg
these were taken in the early '90s before digital.
http://i.pbase.com/u12/crusader/upload/11295081.Child.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/u34/crusader/large/11271193.YoyogiParkTokyo3.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/u12/crusader/upload/11296912.img3.jpg
http://i.pbase.com/u17/crusader/upload/5383849.SapporoKid.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/u9/crusader/upload/3922344.OtaruHokkaidoJapan92.jpg
http://k53.pbase.com/u16/crusader/upload/5244244.StreetDancersTokyoJapan.jpg
these were taken in the early '90s before digital.
Dec 23, 2008 at 09:44 AM
p.11 #7Japan Photography
Alain,
How do you manage the unusually wide aspect of your pictures? Is that in-camera, or is that post processing?
How do you manage the unusually wide aspect of your pictures? Is that in-camera, or is that post processing?
Dec 23, 2008 at 01:25 PM
p.11 #8Japan Photography
Richard > you're right, most of the similarities can be found in his early work. I've got two of his books, the one on Matsuris and the Japanscapes one.
I've found his work because there are very few photographic books I really like about japan, so I noticed his work quickly. Most of the photo books of japan available mix modern and past images to play with the so-called "constrast", or offer tourist-like images that don't go deep into the country itself. In fact japanscapes is inho the best try I've seen this far to show the country reality and beauty.
Anyway, this photographer did not made many books, most of the old books are sold out, and I don't like this much the new ones (he made postcards, "Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo", and "Kyoto Kyoto Kyoto"). The new ones feature a part of old pictures and the new ones give a more genreal view, it's not going into details like he did before. Too bad, but I guess he needs to make a living and editors and public don't really like a detail oriented book. Too bad he has the talent and clearly deserves it.
If you're interested in photo books from japan, I can search my collection a bit (it's in europe but with internet I should be able to find most of the title), the is a very good book about traditionnal shapes in japan that I love too ... tell me if this info can be useful for you.
sjms > yes, it's clearly the early 90s or before
deepbluejh > I simply shot 24x36 and cut the bottom and top parts, just like someone who want to take square pics would cut right and left.
My 20D did not have 16/9 grid option, but as I almost only shoot in this format, I got used to "think" 16/9 in the viewfinder very quickly. No I would not take a 16/9 grid viewfinder, I just don't need it.
I've found his work because there are very few photographic books I really like about japan, so I noticed his work quickly. Most of the photo books of japan available mix modern and past images to play with the so-called "constrast", or offer tourist-like images that don't go deep into the country itself. In fact japanscapes is inho the best try I've seen this far to show the country reality and beauty.
Anyway, this photographer did not made many books, most of the old books are sold out, and I don't like this much the new ones (he made postcards, "Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo", and "Kyoto Kyoto Kyoto"). The new ones feature a part of old pictures and the new ones give a more genreal view, it's not going into details like he did before. Too bad, but I guess he needs to make a living and editors and public don't really like a detail oriented book. Too bad he has the talent and clearly deserves it.
If you're interested in photo books from japan, I can search my collection a bit (it's in europe but with internet I should be able to find most of the title), the is a very good book about traditionnal shapes in japan that I love too ... tell me if this info can be useful for you.
sjms > yes, it's clearly the early 90s or before
deepbluejh > I simply shot 24x36 and cut the bottom and top parts, just like someone who want to take square pics would cut right and left.
My 20D did not have 16/9 grid option, but as I almost only shoot in this format, I got used to "think" 16/9 in the viewfinder very quickly. No I would not take a 16/9 grid viewfinder, I just don't need it.
Dec 25, 2008 at 02:49 AM
p.11 #9Japan Photography
Alain,
Just checked out your site. JUST LOVE YOUR WORK! Nice framing, interesting subjects. Wowwwwww.
What kind of gear do/did you use?
Ernst
And of course .... Mery Christmas
Just checked out your site. JUST LOVE YOUR WORK! Nice framing, interesting subjects. Wowwwwww.
What kind of gear do/did you use?
Ernst
And of course .... Mery Christmas
Dec 25, 2008 at 03:14 AM
p.11 #11Japan Photography
thanks Ernst nice pictures by the way, love the bugatti details
gear is listed on my website faq, but past gear is mostly 20D and sigma 70-200 2.8, this year mostly 1D3 and 70-200 2.8 IS (and 85 II when I am free to move)
nice pictures by the way, love the bugatti details gear is listed on my website faq, but past gear is mostly 20D and sigma 70-200 2.8, this year mostly 1D3 and 70-200 2.8 IS (and 85 II when I am free to move)
Dec 25, 2008 at 03:22 AM
p.11 #12Japan Photography
Amazing photos.
I went to Tenjin matsuri...Maybe I saw you but didn't know it was you!
Maybe I will see you next summer;D
I went to Tenjin matsuri...Maybe I saw you but didn't know it was you!
Maybe I will see you next summer;D
Dec 25, 2008 at 02:13 PM
p.11 #13Japan Photography
AlainPhoto wrote:
Richard > ...Most of the photo books of japan available mix modern and past images to play with the so-called "constrast", or offer tourist-like images that don't go deep into the country itself. In fact japanscapes is inho the best try I've seen this far to show the country reality and beauty.
Interesting; Japanscapes is a relatively new publication; perhaps it is part of a trend to publish away from tourist-like images?
Anyway, this photographer did not made many books, most of the old books are sold out, and I don't like this much the new ones (he made postcards, "Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo", and "Kyoto Kyoto Kyoto"). The new ones feature a part of old pictures and the new ones give a more genreal view, it's not going into details like he did before. Too bad, but I guess he needs to make a living and editors and public don't really like a detail oriented book. Too bad he has the talent and clearly deserves it.
Also interesting; do you think he exhausted the subject matter in his earlier shoots?; or do you find there is always something new or something to improve on?
From your post, I surmise he has not posted or published to the web; yes?
If you're interested in photo books from japan, I can search my collection a bit (it's in europe but with internet I should be able to find most of the title), the is a very good book about traditionnal shapes in japan that I love too ... tell me if this info can be useful for you.
Thank you for your offer; I will keep it in mind; as you might guess, I'm very interested in applying techniques found elsewhere to my primary photography: sports; I'm not sure I'm a very good student; but I'm pushing myself hard to acquire a higher skill set; I like 'thinking outside the box' and the study of non-sports images is very helpful to me; with sports, so much happens so fast; and the control over the image is very limited; but, I can control a number of variables; so I have some impact.
I look forward to seeing more of your images, Alain. Thanks for your post.
Richard
Richard > ...Most of the photo books of japan available mix modern and past images to play with the so-called "constrast", or offer tourist-like images that don't go deep into the country itself. In fact japanscapes is inho the best try I've seen this far to show the country reality and beauty.
Interesting; Japanscapes is a relatively new publication; perhaps it is part of a trend to publish away from tourist-like images?
Anyway, this photographer did not made many books, most of the old books are sold out, and I don't like this much the new ones (he made postcards, "Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo", and "Kyoto Kyoto Kyoto"). The new ones feature a part of old pictures and the new ones give a more genreal view, it's not going into details like he did before. Too bad, but I guess he needs to make a living and editors and public don't really like a detail oriented book. Too bad he has the talent and clearly deserves it.
Also interesting; do you think he exhausted the subject matter in his earlier shoots?; or do you find there is always something new or something to improve on?
From your post, I surmise he has not posted or published to the web; yes?
If you're interested in photo books from japan, I can search my collection a bit (it's in europe but with internet I should be able to find most of the title), the is a very good book about traditionnal shapes in japan that I love too ... tell me if this info can be useful for you.
Thank you for your offer; I will keep it in mind; as you might guess, I'm very interested in applying techniques found elsewhere to my primary photography: sports; I'm not sure I'm a very good student; but I'm pushing myself hard to acquire a higher skill set; I like 'thinking outside the box' and the study of non-sports images is very helpful to me; with sports, so much happens so fast; and the control over the image is very limited; but, I can control a number of variables; so I have some impact.
I look forward to seeing more of your images, Alain. Thanks for your post.
Richard
Dec 25, 2008 at 07:23 PM
p.11 #14Japan Photography
Connor > there are so many people at Tenjin matsuri ! I had no time to go this year anyway
Richard > Japanscapes is not that new, I got it years ago ... maybe it's from 2000 or 2001 .. I don't feel that japan photography book are rally changing, they get better pictures and text but talking about this country is still a difficult excercice ... personnaly I don't buy "japan" books, only some specialised ones (shapes, houses of kyoto, etc etc)
about Villar no I don't think he exhausted the subject, I hope my images proove that. It's just that his published work is not showing much more (there are, but only a proportion). and yes he has no website, online gallery on even email that I know of - too bad I'd like to send him a mail somethimes.
anyway I think it is great that you try to improve your sport images buy looking at completely different photographs, the result will be very interesting
alain
Richard > Japanscapes is not that new, I got it years ago ... maybe it's from 2000 or 2001 .. I don't feel that japan photography book are rally changing, they get better pictures and text but talking about this country is still a difficult excercice ... personnaly I don't buy "japan" books, only some specialised ones (shapes, houses of kyoto, etc etc)
about Villar no I don't think he exhausted the subject, I hope my images proove that. It's just that his published work is not showing much more (there are, but only a proportion). and yes he has no website, online gallery on even email that I know of - too bad I'd like to send him a mail somethimes.
anyway I think it is great that you try to improve your sport images buy looking at completely different photographs, the result will be very interesting
alain
Dec 26, 2008 at 03:09 AM
p.11 #15Japan Photography
How about Johnny HYmas? Love his work YOu should publish a book, I'd buy a copy.
Dec 27, 2008 at 04:02 PM
p.11 #17Japan Photography
Grognard > Hymas' work about japan country side is very good, one of the best I believe.
He is one of the photographers in Japanscapes (who features 3 points of view, from 3 differents photographers, Villar for tradition and Hyma for nature). No wonder why they choosed him !
And a book is comming, someday. It is just something I've always wanted to do and do not wan to rush. It has to be good enough.
Jason > thanks
He is one of the photographers in Japanscapes (who features 3 points of view, from 3 differents photographers, Villar for tradition and Hyma for nature). No wonder why they choosed him !
And a book is comming, someday. It is just something I've always wanted to do and do not wan to rush. It has to be good enough.
Jason > thanks
Dec 28, 2008 at 01:07 AM
p.11 #18Japan Photography
a bit of Yabusame (ritual archery), clic the link if you want to learn about it
http://www.alaindavreux.com/index.php?page=3-027-050-1
http://www.alaindavreux.com/photography/Alain-Davreux_3-027-050-1.jpg
Dec 28, 2008 at 05:04 AM
p.11 #19Japan Photography
Alain:
Stunning work; your attention to detail is exemplary.
Your colors are absolutely gorgeous. I think many photographers would love to achieve your color output. Your technique here is outstanding.
Of what do you think when cropping?; do you base your crops primarily on 'gut feel'?; or do you have a method relying most on logic and reason?
I continue to look forward to your posts; for me, it's a highlight of my reading efforts.
Richard
Edited on Dec 29, 2008 at 10:31 PM · View previous versions
Stunning work; your attention to detail is exemplary.
Your colors are absolutely gorgeous. I think many photographers would love to achieve your color output. Your technique here is outstanding.
Of what do you think when cropping?; do you base your crops primarily on 'gut feel'?; or do you have a method relying most on logic and reason?
I continue to look forward to your posts; for me, it's a highlight of my reading efforts.
Richard
Edited on Dec 29, 2008 at 10:31 PM · View previous versions
Dec 28, 2008 at 05:36 PM
p.11 #20Japan Photography
Very nice pictures - One comment only, I find the white too bright for "on-screen" viewing. Perhaps you can try with a less harsh matte to put more emphasis on the pics.
Hex
Hex
Dec 29, 2008 at 02:38 AM