Looking back at my favourite pictures, it’s clear that while having decent gear helps, it’s not the defining factor in creating a great photo. Once your equipment meets a baseline level of quality—sharp optics, reliable focus, and decent dynamic range—everything else boils down to creativity, timing, and vision. The magic lies in the story, the light, and the emotion captured, not the brand of your camera or how expensive your lens is. Few of these shots were taken with simple setups, proving that technique, perspective, and patience always outshine gear obsession. That said, it’s important to own a camera you’re happy to use and willing to carry—one that suits your style and feels natural in your hands and fits in your bag.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I absolutely love the colors straight out of the L lenses. This shot with the 50mm f/1.2L is no exception. The tones are rich and vibrant without feeling overdone, and the lens’s rendering at wide aperture adds that magical, buttery quality. A joy to work with every…
Yurakucho Station, bustling with its usual energy, offers a perfect snapshot of Tokyo life. The constant flow of commuters, the rhythmic hum of trains arriving and departing, and the occasional roar of a Shinkansen passing overhead create a dynamic atmosphere. The contrast between the sleek, high-speed train and the station’s older, industrial charm makes it…
A delicate close-up of rain-kissed roses in Hakone, their petals glistening with water droplets. The Panasonic Leica Summilux 15mm @ f/1.7 paints a dreamy bokeh backdrop, softly blurring the lush greenery and rain-speckled surroundings. The colors are rich but need a bit of tweaking—Adobe’s RAW handling strikes again. With some fine adjustments, though, it’s all…
After a french dinner with my old friends, got a chance to try some long exposure shots with my GX7Mk2 / GX85. Not bad at all. If only Adobe could process the Panasonic RAW in a decent way. The colors of the JPEG produced by the camera are always so much more accurate. What are…
Cleaning up my photo library and trying to find some old stuff for Getty, I stumbled across those nice shots taken in the flight deck of an A380 upon arrival in Paris. The A380 cockpit is a futuristic command center with an impressive balance of complexity and clarity. Twin seats face a vast, curved dashboard…
Probably my favourite picture from our visit to Shinrin Koen: beautiful afternoon light playing with fresh green plants on the side of a deserted path.
Some black-and-white 135mm shots of Harmonica Yokocho holds a particular kind of weight—a timeless quality that feels both nostalgic and reflective. The narrow alleys of this iconic Tokyo drinking and dining district, lined with tiny shacks and glowing lanterns, have long been a testament to Japan’s vibrant nightlife culture. The ageing population is leaving its…
Another visit to my favorite soba restaurant, Kyourakutei Soba (蕎楽亭) in Kagurazaka, felt like coming home. This time, I made a conscious choice to put my camera down when the food arrived—a rarity for me—and instead focused on the subtle details inside the restaurant that make this place so special. The interior has a rustic…
The serene Inokashira Park is home to a small yet significant shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, a revered Japanese Buddhist goddess with origins tracing back to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and the arts. Benzaiten embodies everything that flows—water, time, speech, music, eloquence, and even knowledge itself. Her presence in the park adds a mystical…
Jet lag has its perks—like finding yourself awake at 5:30 a.m. in Dubrovnik, camera in hand, as the world slowly stirs to life. With a tripod and an LX100, time ceases to exist. A long exposure shot transforms the Adriatic into a silky expanse, soft waves lapping gently against the rocky shore. The contrast of…
The Shakuji River transforms into a scene of quiet magic during hanami season. Cherry blossoms line the riverbanks, the gentle flow of the river adds a soothing soundtrack as petals drift lazily downstream. Strolling along the paths, you’re surrounded by nature’s artwork—soft pink blooms overhead and a peaceful atmosphere all around. A perfect spot to…
Strolling through Ueno Park during cherry blossom season feels like stepping into a dream. The trees form a delicate pink canopy, their petals drifting down like confetti in the breeze. Crowds gather, smiling and snapping photos, while the air is filled with the soft hum of excitement and the scent of spring. It’s a moment…
Oyster soba is a culinary marriage of the briny ocean and the earthy warmth of Japanese noodles—a dish that’s both hearty and refined. Typically enjoyed in the chillier months when oysters are at their plump, creamy peak, this dish is a seasonal delicacy that feels like a hug in a bowl. The dish starts with a…
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present you the 2014 Audi RS4 B8 in Daytona Grey ! And a short video of how the exhaust sounds like when revving the 4.2L V8 till the red line. You can clearly hear the difference between Comfort and Dynamic modes. Too bad V8s are becoming things of the past.
Soba making is the traditional process of creating soba noodles, a popular type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour, often mixed with a portion of wheat flour to improve elasticity and texture. The art of making soba noodles is revered in Japan, celebrated for its simplicity yet requiring skill and precision. The Process of…
A randoseru (ランドセル) is a traditional Japanese backpack that is most commonly associated with elementary school students. It is a rigid, leather or synthetic material backpack designed to carry books and school supplies. The word “randoseru” comes from the Dutch word “ransel,” meaning “backpack,” reflecting historical influences from the late 19th century when Western items and ideas…
The Redoutable in Cherbourg is an iconic piece of maritime history, prominently showcased at the Cité de la Mer museum in the port city of Cherbourg, France. The Redoutable holds the distinction of being the world’s first ballistic missile submarine powered by nuclear energy. Launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1971, it represents a significant…