Here are the latest photos I captured with my Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens. These samples showcase how effectively this lens performs across diverse settings, conditions, and subjects, thus providing a comprehensive look at its real-world performance. These should help you decide if the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens could be the perfect addition to your kit. For a more comprehensive review, follow this link.
The Yukata Competition in Sugamo is a charming local event that celebrates both traditional Japanese attire and the enduring spirit of community. Held in the summer months, usually July or August, this event transforms the nostalgic streets of Sugamo—often referred to as “Grandma’s Harajuku”—into a colorful runway of cotton kimono, cheerful fans, and time-honored style.
Grabbing a kebab in the Quartier Latin is a rite of passage for anyone wandering through Paris’s lively student hub. This neighbourhood, buzzing with energy and history, is home to some of the city’s best late-night street food. Kebab joints line Rue de la Harpe and Rue Mouffetard, offering juicy, spiced meats piled high into…
Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante – To Great Men, a Grateful Nation – is the full inscription that crowns the Panthéon in Paris, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, towering over the Latin Quarter with its grand dome and colonnaded façade. Originally built as a church, it now serves as a mausoleum to some of…
Pont Neuf is a Parisian classic and ironically named the New Bridge, even though it’s the oldest bridge in the city. Spanning the River Seine, it connects the Ile de la Cité to the riverbanks and offers some of the best views of Paris. Its iconic stone arches are a favourite for photographers, especially at…
The Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, built in the mid-13th century as part of the royal palace. Commissioned by King Louis IX, it was designed to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows,…
A classic Paris Métro sign stands proudly atop a green metal pole, a true icon of the city’s streetscape. The sign features bold, red Art Nouveau typography framed by ornate green ironwork, a nod to early 20th-century design. The lamp glows softly, adding a vintage charm as it lights up at dusk. This timeless detail…
The Opéra Garnier is nothing short of a masterpiece and a favourite for many who fall in love with Paris. This 19th-century architectural marvel, designed by Charles Garnier, embodies opulence in every detail. From the grand façade adorned with sculptures of muses and gilded accents to the breathtaking interior, it’s a feast for the eyes….
Galerie Vivienne in Paris is a true gem tucked away in the city’s vibrant 2nd arrondissement. Stepping into this covered passage feels like stepping back in time, to an era when Parisian arcades were the height of fashion and sophistication. Built in 1823, its mosaic-tiled floors, intricate ironwork, and glass ceilings create a luxurious yet…
Visiting Versailles these days demands meticulous planning, especially during holidays when the crowds swell to near-unmanageable levels. The serene experience of wandering the palace and gardens at leisure, once a hallmark of the visit, feels like a distant memory. Back then, the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors or the charm of the Petit Trianon…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The Cour Marly in the Musée du Louvre is a breathtaking space where art and light come together in perfect harmony. Nestled under a glass ceiling that floods the courtyard with natural light, this airy gallery showcases an impressive collection of marble sculptures. It feels like stepping into an elegant garden frozen in time. The…
The Musée du Louvre, an iconic symbol of art and culture, stands proudly in the heart of Paris along the banks of the Seine. Housed in a grand former royal palace, its glass pyramid entrance glints against the historic architecture, offering a striking blend of the modern and the classic. During my military service, I…
A vibrant fête foraine in Paris, alive with colour and charm. Strings of twinkling lights crisscross the evening sky, casting a warm glow over vintage carousels, towering Ferris wheels, and bustling game stalls. The aroma of sugary crêpes and caramelised nuts mingles with the cheerful shouts of children and the hum of lively accordion music….
A close-up of a gentle wave rolling onto the shore in Ishigaki, captured during the golden days of last summer. The water is crystal clear, revealing tiny, frothy bubbles that sparkle like glass beads under the sun. They form at the crest of the wave, clinging together before quietly bursting and vanishing into the shimmering…
The new Haneda flight route offers breathtaking views over Tokyo on clear days, showcasing the city’s immense size and iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Skytree. While the route is a bit noisier for residents, it provides arriving passengers with incredible photo opportunities. Can you identify the locations or landmarks in these shots? Let me…
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.