It’s always an odd sight for me: rivers transformed into concrete canals with highways running overhead. The stark, industrial design feels so far removed from the natural flow of water, creating a strange blend of urban functionality and lost tranquility. A reminder of how cities adapt and compromise with nature.
Night crossing: always best to look twice before stepping out, even in Japan. The glow of headlights and city lights creates a striking atmosphere, but safety first! Urban streets can be unpredictable, no matter how orderly they might seem.
Went wide angle, large aperture, and close to the ground with the XF 16mm f/1.4 in Kagurazaka at night. The lens captured stunning detail with a shallow depth of field, turning the glowing streetlights and narrow alleys into a dreamy, cinematic scene. This lens continues to amaze, especially in low-light conditions!
What would a baseball game in Japan be without the beer vendors? These hard-working individuals navigate the stands with kegs strapped to their backs, tirelessly going up and down the stairs to keep the crowd refreshed. It’s a tough job, but their cheerful energy and quick service are part of the unique charm of Japanese…
Testing out the X-T2’s 8fps mode—it’s already fast, though half the speed of its max burst at 15fps. Honestly, what would I even do with that many shots at the highest speed? :) 8fps feels plenty quick for most situations, and it still captures all the action without filling up the card too fast!
The XF 90mm f/2 delivered some gorgeous, creamy bokeh while shooting plum flowers this spring. The lens’s sharp focus on the blossoms combined with the dreamy blur in the background really makes the flowers pop. It’s such a joy to use for capturing the delicate beauty of springtime!
Captured the Iron Dragon at Tokyo Daijingu near Iidabashi, and it’s another moment where the X-T2 truly shines. The more I learn to use this camera, the happier I am with my switch from Canon. Paired with the 90mm f/2, which rivals the legendary 135mm f/2 “magic prime” in sharpness and rendering, it feels like…
There are some great bars and restaurants around the new south exit in Shinjuku. The area combines modern design with a laid-back vibe, offering a variety of spots to grab a drink or enjoy a meal. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, international dishes, or just a quiet bar to unwind, this updated…
With all my Canon gear sold, I needed a new wide-angle lens for my Fuji setup. After a lot of back-and-forth, I narrowed it down to three options: the XF 10-22mm f/4, XF 14mm f/2.8, and XF 16mm f/1.4. In the end, weather sealing and the large aperture of the 16mm f/1.4 won me over,…
Ran some simple high ISO tests with the X-T2, and once again, it delivered excellent performance. Even at higher settings, the images retained impressive detail and minimal noise. It’s great to see how well this camera handles challenging lighting conditions—perfect for low-light shooting without sacrificing quality. Very pleased!
Took the X-T2 out to capture the Yamanote Line at night, and I’m impressed. The wide dynamic range of the Sony sensor provides so much flexibility for post-processing, especially in handling shadows and highlights from the city lights. The details and tones it retains in low light are fantastic. Me like, indeed!
Tried out the X-T2 at night with the 35mm f/1.4. While the image quality is stunning, the autofocus feels a bit sluggish in low light—not ideal for night shooting. I’m seriously considering switching to the 35mm f/2. It’s faster at focusing and has the added bonus of being weather-resistant (WR), which is always a plus…
Spotted schoolgirls walking back home on their own in Iidabashi, a common and charming sight in Japan. With their neatly pressed uniforms and carefree chatter, it’s a glimpse into everyday life that feels both nostalgic and uniquely Japanese. A quiet moment in the bustling city.
A pink canopy of cherry blossoms greeted me on a short stroll after dropping the little one at daycare. The soft petals overhead and gentle breeze made for a peaceful and refreshing moment to start the day. Spring really knows how to brighten the everyday!
I didn’t realize the tree above Hachiko was a cherry tree until now. Come to think of it, it makes perfect sense—it has to be. Seeing it in bloom adds a nice touch of seasonal beauty to such an iconic spot in Shibuya. A little detail I somehow missed before!
Came back from the US for this? It’s the last days of Hanami, and the rain just won’t stop—it feels more like the rainy season than spring. So much for enjoying the cherry blossoms! At least the rain gives the petals a kind of melancholic beauty, but it’s not the Hanami I was hoping for.
This hanami season was a disappointment for me, thanks to bad weather and a business trip. I only had a few hours to grab some shots around home. I used the 90mm f/2 mounted on the X-T2—a fantastic lens for sharpness and bokeh. Unfortunately, this is my second copy of the 90mm, as the first…
Testing out the different focus modes, including face tracking, in Shinjuku during commuting time was a real eye-opener. The fast-moving crowd and ever-changing scenes were a perfect challenge, and the camera handled it well. Face tracking was especially impressive, locking onto subjects even in the chaos. A great spot to push the camera to its…
First night out with my Canon replacement, the Fuji X-T2—not bad at all! The camera handled low light beautifully, with sharp details and rich tones. The compact size and retro design were a pleasure to work with, and it’s definitely shaping up to be a great choice. Excited to explore its full potential!