This collection highlights the beauty of black and white photography. Without color, the focus is on light, shadows, textures, and shapes. In black and white, each photo captures a moment, a mood, or a detail that stands out more clearly. Take a look through these images and enjoy the simple, timeless feel of this style.
A sushi master (or itamae, meaning “in front of the board” in Japanese) is a highly skilled chef specialising in the art of sushi-making. Becoming an itamae isn’t just about knowing how to slice fish and roll rice—it’s a gruelling, years-long apprenticeship that demands precision, patience, and an almost religious devotion to technique. Rice is the foundation of…
After using the JPEGs straight from the Leica M11, I started noticing how film-like the high ISO files looked. Unlike many digital cameras that aggressively smooth out noise, the M11 retains a fine, organic grain structure, giving images a textured quality reminiscent of classic film stocks. The noise doesn’t feel artificial or obtrusive; instead, it…
Inokashira Pond is the centrepiece of Inokashira Park, located in Kichijoji, Tokyo. It’s a picturesque spot, especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The pond is part of the Kanda River water system and has been around for centuries—it even supplied drinking water to Edo (old Tokyo) during the early Edo period. A fun (or mildly ominous) fact: the…
A night out at an izakaya is an experience that blends great food, endless drinks, and a lively atmosphere. These Japanese gastropubs range from smoky, dimly lit joints packed with salarymen to sleek, modern venues with digital ordering systems. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with a chorus of staff shouting “Irasshaimase!” welcoming you…
Some of Tokyo’s trains have gone full sci-fi mode—no more crumpled paper ads on the sides. Instead, it’s all sleek LCD screens, bombarding you ads. The trains themselves are unsettlingly clean, almost too perfect, with no gum under the seats, no forgotten newspapers, and no sun-bleached posters that overstayed their welcome. It’s impressive, sure, but…
Since I use black and white for focus peaking in live view on the rare occasions I skip the viewfinder—like when close focusing—I figured I’d give the black-and-white JPEG a shot. These are straight out of the camera (SOOC) with the high-contrast profile. Quite liking it!
Before landing in Tokyo, Fujisan emerges like an island in a sea of clouds. Its majestic peak rises above the endless white, creating a breathtaking and almost surreal view. It’s a sight that never fails to amaze, perfectly capturing the beauty and tranquility of Japan from above.
Café Engel, located at Aleksanterinkatu 26 in Helsinki, is an iconic café situated in the historic Sunnin House, one of the city’s oldest stone buildings dating back to 1765. The café offers patrons a charming atmosphere with views overlooking Senate Square and the Helsinki Cathedral. The menu at Café Engel caters to various tastes, serving…
The iconic Apple II from the Dharma Initiative in Lost! Such a cool retro touch to the show, blending vintage tech with the mysterious vibes of the island. That clunky keyboard and green-on-black screen became a symbol of tension and secrets in the Hatch. A perfect nod to an earlier era of computing—and storytelling genius!
Tried the little 35mm Zeiss Biogon on the Fuji X-T2 for some night shots around Kagurazaka, just a few steps from home. No post-processing aside from a red filter, and I’m loving the result. The lens captures such rich tones and character, with a natural, almost film-like feel. A great match for night photography!
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!
And now, as promised, here are some pictures taken from inside the baths at Takaragawa Onsen. The warm steam rising from the water, the snow-covered surroundings, and the peaceful atmosphere make it such a relaxing and unique experience. Truly the perfect way to unwind and connect with nature—pure bliss!
Back at Takaragawa Onsen, home to the largest outdoor bath in Japan—this time with lots of snow, making it even more magical! My brother and I had the place almost entirely to ourselves, though I think he was a little disappointed with the lack of company. Shooting these photos was an adventure in itself—I was…
Beyond sushi, geishas, and Pokémon, Japan deserves recognition for the incredible snowfalls that blanket the northern parts of Honshu. It’s not unusual to see over a meter of snow in just a single day, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. This shot, taken on our way back from Naeba, captures the aftermath of one…
Awesome motion blur, this time from my little brother in the passenger seat.
Higashiyama Onsen (東山温泉) is a serene onsen resort nestled in a valley just east of downtown Aizu Wakamatsu. Known for its natural hot springs and tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect escape for relaxation and a touch of traditional Japan. Among the many ryokan in the area, Mukaitaki Ryokan stands out as a true gem. With…
Spotted an old Volkswagen Beetle in immaculate condition, a true time capsule on wheels. Judging by the driver, who looked like they might just be the original buyer, it’s been lovingly cared for over the years. A charming sight and a testament to the enduring appeal of a classic.
A JR railway platform at night in Tokyo, captured in black and white, transforms into a scene of quiet intensity. The interplay of light and shadow accentuates the architectural lines, while the glow of distant trains and platform signs adds a touch of urban drama. Passengers, blurred in motion or standing still, take on a…
Early morning at the office: nice view of Tokyo from the 41st floor of Mori Tower. Early morning at the office comes with a perk: a stunning view of Tokyo from the 41st floor of Mori Tower. The city stretches out in every direction, with the iconic skyline bathed in soft morning light. It’s a…
Stunning view of Taipei on my way back from Kaohsiung, with the city sprawling beneath the clouds. At the bottom right, Taipei 101 stands tall and unmistakable, anchoring the skyline. It would’ve been a perfect shot—if not for that pesky smudge on the airplane window! Still, a breathtaking moment.