• Fujinon XF 23mm F2 Review

    Released in 2016, the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR is a compact and weather-sealed prime lens designed for Fujifilm’s X-series cameras. With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 35mm, it provides a classic wide-angle perspective, making it an excellent choice for street, documentary, landscape, and everyday photography. This lens was introduced as a smaller,…

  • Fujinon XF 16mm F1.4 Review

    Released in 2015, the Fujinon XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR is one of Fujifilm’s most highly regarded prime lenses, offering a wide-angle field of view with a full-frame equivalent focal length of 24mm. With its bright f/1.4 aperture, weather sealing, and exceptional optical performance, it is a go-to choice for landscape, street, environmental portrait, and…

  • MidTown

    Tokyo Midtown, approaching its 20th year, remains a shining beacon of modern architectural brilliance. Located in the bustling Roppongi district, this meticulously planned urban complex seamlessly integrates towering glass structures, thoughtful landscaping, and functional elegance. The centrepiece, Midtown Tower, is a staggering 248 metres tall, making it one of Tokyo’s highest skyscrapers. Its sleek façade…

  • Coming of Age

    Coming of age is a significant milestone in many cultures, marking the transition from youth to adulthood. In Japan, this is celebrated on Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day), held annually on the second Monday of January. It’s a time for 20-year-olds to don their finest traditional attire—typically colourful furisode kimonos for women and…

  • Big Brother

    Ah, cameras on lamp posts—welcome to the high-tech neighbourhood watch of the 21st century! It’s like your streetlights have decided to moonlight as security guards. These unassuming sentinels, perched high above, are quietly capturing the comings and goings of daily life. From tracking a stray cat’s midnight adventures to monitoring the occasional delivery driver who’s…

  • Egyptian Collection

    Napoleon Bonaparte and the Louvre share an intriguing connection, particularly through the Egyptian collection. His Egyptian campaign (1798–1801) wasn’t just a military endeavour; it was also a scientific and cultural mission. Napoleon brought along a team of scholars, engineers, and artists, known as the savants, to study and document Egypt’s history and culture. This mission…

  • Venus de Milo

    The Venus de Milo, an enduring symbol of ancient beauty, is a masterpiece of Greek sculpture from around 100 BCE. Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, it is thought to depict Aphrodite, the goddess of love, though some theories suggest Amphitrite, a sea deity. The statue now resides in the Louvre Museum in…

  • Louvre Ceilings

    The Louvre isn’t just about the art—it’s a masterpiece in itself. The building’s architecture is stunning, from its grand façades to the intricate details inside. Don’t forget to look up—the ceilings are works of art on their own. Painted panels, gilded mouldings, and ornate designs tell stories of a different era, adding to the museum’s…

  • Mona Lisa

    La Joconde, or the Mona Lisa, reigns as the star attraction at the Louvre, surrounded by crowds eager to catch a glimpse of her mysterious smile. The room is packed, with people jostling for space and cameras held high above heads. Honestly, I’d rather spend my time exploring the less crowded galleries, soaking in the…

  • Greek and Roman Statues

    Another favourite area of mine in the Musée du Louvre is the collection of Greek and Roman statues. Wandering through these galleries feels like stepping back into the grandeur of ancient civilisations, surrounded by the timeless beauty of marble and stone. The sculptures are breathtaking in their detail and craftsmanship, from the elegance of the…