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!

Summilux Hanami

Summilux Hanami

Shooting hanami in Tokyo with the Summilux 50mm Classic is like stepping into a memory as it’s being made. There’s something poetic about pairing this particular lens with cherry blossom season—a combination of fleeting beauty and nostalgic rendering that makes every frame feel like it belongs in an old photo album tucked away in a…

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…