Watching

Here’s a collection of pictures about hanami and flowers—delicate cherry blossoms in full bloom, vibrant petals floating in the breeze, and gatherings under trees celebrating the fleeting beauty of spring. From soft pink sakura to colorful arrangements, these photos capture the charm and joy of nature’s seasonal display. A feast for the eyes and a celebration of renewal!

Minimum Focus Distance

Minimum Focus Distance

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH is renowned for its exceptional minimum focusing distance (MFD) of just 30 centimeters. This close focusing capability allows photographers to capture stunning close-up shots with incredible detail, making it an extremely versatile lens for a wide range of photographic scenarios. The ability to get so close to subjects opens…

Orchids

Orchids

Our kitchen window is adorned with three orchids that bloom regularly. They thrive in that spot, providing a calming view while washing dishes. Apparently we managed to create an ideal microclimate: the right amount of light, consistent temperature, and just enough humidity—it’s like we’ve hacked the perfect formula for orchid happiness!

Spring is coming

Spring is coming

Spring in Tokyo is a dream for photographers, especially with a fast, dreamy lens like the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm. The cherry blossoms (sakura) start taking over the city, but they aren’t the only stars—plum blossoms (ume) kick things off as early as February, and magnolias and camellias add to the show. With that Nokton wide…

Okinawa Flowers
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Okinawa Flowers

Okinawa’s flowers are vibrant and unique, reflecting the subtropical beauty of the region. From the striking hibiscus, often used as a symbol of Okinawa’s warm and welcoming culture, to bougainvillea with its bright clusters of petals, the island is a paradise for floral enthusiasts. Seasonal blossoms like cherry trees blooming earlier than on mainland Japan…

Winter Momijis

Winter Momijis

Late momiji, or the delayed turning of autumn leaves in Japan, is increasingly being linked to the effects of global warming. Momiji, the vibrant red and orange leaves of Japanese maple trees, is a treasured seasonal phenomenon, drawing countless visitors to parks and temples each year. However, rising temperatures are altering the timing and intensity…

Flower Bokeh
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Flower Bokeh

The Voigtländer Nokton lenses are highly regarded for their ability to produce stunningly beautiful bokeh, characterized by smooth, creamy out-of-focus areas and gentle transitions that lend images a distinctive, dreamy quality (here the 28mm). In side-by-side comparisons, the Nokton lenses often rival or even surpass the bokeh rendering of their Leica equivalents, which are widely…

Flower Details
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Flower Details

When I point my macro lens towards tiny street flowers, it feels like stepping into a hidden world filled with incredible details and unexpected beauty. At first glance, these flowers might seem small and ordinary, blending into the urban environment of cracks in sidewalks, forgotten corners, or the edges of busy streets. But through the…

Bright

Bright

The sun’s backlight on cherry blossoms creates a magical scene, illuminating the delicate petals and giving them an almost ethereal glow. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the intricate details of each flower, while the soft, warm tones add a dreamy atmosphere. It’s a fleeting yet breathtaking display of nature’s beauty, perfectly capturing the…

Blue Pink

Blue Pink

Springtime in Tokyo brings beauty to every corner, with streets and parks bursting into life as cherry blossoms blanket the city in shades of pink and white. Temples and shrines are adorned with seasonal charm, while tiny blooms peek out from unexpected places, adding splashes of color to urban landscapes. Even the simplest alleyway feels…

Cherry Blossoms Macro
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Cherry Blossoms Macro

Macro shots of sakura blossoms for this year’s hanami season sound like a refreshing twist! Focusing up close lets you capture the delicate textures, subtle color gradients, and intricate details of each petal and stamen. It’s a whole new perspective on the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, turning the familiar into something extraordinary. A perfect…

Spring Flowers
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Spring Flowers

A lunchtime stroll with a macro lens during Tokyo’s springtime sounds like a perfect way to embrace the season! Tiny flowers blooming everywhere offer endless opportunities to capture intricate details and vibrant colors. It’s amazing how macro photography lets you discover the hidden beauty of nature in even the smallest blossoms. Spring truly brings Tokyo…

Pink

Pink

An early-blooming cherry tree against the backdrop of a late snow must have created a striking contrast! The delicate pink blossoms standing out against the cold, white snow is a fleeting yet magical scene that captures Tokyo’s unpredictable seasonal transitions. It’s like nature’s way of reminding us of its beauty and surprises. 🌸❄️✨

Fluffy Purple
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Fluffy Purple

Absolutely! Macro lenses have a magical way of uncovering the intricate beauty of tiny flowers—delicate petal textures, fine veins, and even tiny pollen grains come to life in stunning detail. It’s like stepping into a hidden world that’s often overlooked. These lenses turn the mundane into the extraordinary, making even the smallest blooms feel monumental….

Flower Macro
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Flower Macro

Walking with a macro lens truly opens up a new world! It’s amazing how it transforms tiny, overlooked details—like a flower in a pavement crack—into stunning subjects. You start to notice textures, patterns, and moments of beauty that would normally go unnoticed. It’s not just photography; it’s a shift in perspective, finding wonder in the…

Pink Flower Macro
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Pink Flower Macro

Capturing a delicate pink flower with your new macro lens must have been both rewarding and challenging! Macro photography really emphasizes how narrow the depth of field gets up close, making precise focus a true test of patience—especially with a gentle breeze complicating things. The three shots likely show subtle differences, showcasing how even the…

Hokkaido Flowers
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Hokkaido Flowers

Traveling light often calls for sacrifices, and swapping the RF50mm f/1.2L for the f/1.8 makes sense when you’re trying to keep it simple. Sure, the f/1.2L is a masterpiece, but the question remains—does it deliver ten times the magic? Maybe not, especially for casual holiday shots. The f/1.8 still gets the job done without breaking…

Sakura
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Sakura

Life sounds like it’s been a whirlwind lately—wrapping up 5G, moving into a new house, and navigating a new school for your little one! Glad to hear things have settled enough for you to share again. This year’s cherry blossoms do sound unusual, with the cold throwing their timing off. Still, your shot captures their…

Akiba Bloom
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Akiba Bloom

Spring in Japan is pure magic with cherry blossoms painting the landscape in soft pinks and whites. Parks, streets, and riversides transform into breathtaking scenes, making every walk feel like stepping into a postcard. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Take a moment to appreciate the beauty.” 🌸