Traveling the world for business might sound glamorous, but the reality is often less exciting—economy class flights, generic hotels, and work-focused schedules in destinations not known for their postcard views. Yet, even in the mundane, there’s always something worth capturing. From the stark geometry of an airport terminal to the quiet charm of an empty street at sunrise, these moments tell their own story. A steaming cup of coffee at a conference break or the golden light spilling through a plane window can make for unexpectedly compelling shots. With a keen eye and a bit of creativity, even the most routine business trips offer opportunities for unique and memorable photography.
A Dreamliner (B787) at the gate in Narita—its sleek design and iconic silhouette always stand out. Watching it sit poised for departure, you can’t help but admire the engineering that make it one of the most impressive aircrafts in the sky. A perfect travel moment!
Nokia Bell Labs: the birthplace of countless innovations that shaped the modern world—radio astronomy, the transistor, the laser, the charge-coupled device (CCD), information theory, Unix, C, C++… and now, pushing the boundaries of 5G technology with yours truly! It’s humbling to be part of a legacy that keeps redefining what’s possible.
Landing at Newark Liberty Airport was quite the adventure with strong gusty winds. At least there were two perks to make up for it: A mix of thrills and sightseeing, all in one landing!
On my way from California to New Jersey, I caught a stunning view of Walker Lake in Nevada from the plane. Its deep blue waters, surrounded by the stark desert landscape, created a striking contrast. A moment of unexpected beauty from above!
A stunning sunset at Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor, with the serene waters reflecting the fiery colors of the sky. The smooth, round boulders scattered along the shoreline added a unique charm, perfectly complementing the peaceful atmosphere. A moment of pure tranquility and natural beauty!
Sand Harbor on the shore of Lake Tahoe was the perfect final stop before reaching Reno, my ultimate destination. The tranquil waters, smooth boulders, and breathtaking views offered a peaceful pause after the journey. A moment to recharge and appreciate the natural beauty of the area before heading into the city. Lake Tahoe is a…
Same spot at Sand Harbor, but captured with two different apertures—and the difference is striking! With a wide aperture, the background melts into a soft, dreamy blur, drawing all attention to the foreground details. Switch to a narrow aperture, and the entire scene comes into sharp focus, showcasing the crisp textures of the round boulders…
Lake Tahoe: capturing the same spot and view with different compositions truly transforms the scene. Don’t hesitate to move around, experiment with angles, and play with aperture settings whenever possible. A wider aperture can isolate elements like the round boulders, creating a soft, artistic focus, while a smaller aperture keeps the entire frame sharp, highlighting…
A fantastic road trip from San Francisco to Reno through the Sierra Nevada—filled with stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. From the rolling hills of California to the dramatic mountain peaks and serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, every stretch of the journey offered something memorable. It’s the kind of route that leaves you wanting more—definitely need…
Crossing San Francisco Bay on a cold and misty Monday morning wasn’t exactly the warm welcome I’d hoped for after a ~9-hour flight from Tokyo. The foggy skyline and biting chill set a somber mood, but there’s still something captivating about the Bay’s quiet beauty in such conditions. Not ideal, but undeniably atmospheric.
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.
Last evening in Kaoshiung, Taiwan: enjoying local beverages – Taiwan Beer ! Taiwan Beer is an iconic beverage from Taiwan, produced by the Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation (TTL). Introduced in 1946, it has become a symbol of Taiwan’s beer culture and is beloved for its refreshing and approachable taste. One of its standout features…
The Liuhe Night Market is often referred to as the “tourist” night market of Kaohsiung, though it’s hard to see why—there didn’t seem to be many tourists around, certainly fewer than at Ruifeng Night Market. Liuhe stands out for its focus on seafood, with stalls offering everything from crab, shrimp, octopus, to squid. Some vendors…
Tried a unique Taiwanese delicacy in Kaohsiung: snake soup, snake meat, and grilled snake skin. Surprisingly, it was actually good—flavorful and tender, with a texture that didn’t feel as exotic as you might think. As for the supposed “effects” (you know, the pants area), I didn’t notice a thing. Two possible explanations: either I’m already…
Ruifeng Night Market, or Rueifong Night Market, stands as the largest and most vibrant night market in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung area. Though it may not carry the international fame of Liouhe Night Market, it has been a beloved hotspot for locals for over 20 years, offering an authentic Taiwanese night market experience. Its popularity…
Xiahai Chenghuan Temple (霞海城隍廟) near the conference center in Kaohsiung. A bit spooky, loved it! I’m quite sure I’m the only delegate who paid the temple a visit :)
Strolling around the hotel in Kaohsiung at night reveals a city that beautifully balances its industrial roots with its modern aspirations. As Taiwan’s second-largest city and largest port, Kaohsiung has long been a powerhouse of heavy industry, from steel production to shipbuilding. These industries brought prosperity but also high levels of air pollution, which the…
The Love River, or Ai He (愛河), flows through the heart of Kaohsiung, adding a romantic charm to Taiwan’s bustling southern city. Once heavily polluted, it has undergone significant revitalization and now boasts clean waters, landscaped banks, and a lively atmosphere. Strolling along its pathways, especially in the evening when the lights reflect beautifully on…
The emergency row might sound like a great spot for extra legroom, but I’ve come to dislike it for several reasons: Definitely not the dream seat it’s often made out to be!
Unexpected delight in Munich: the ANA R2D2 Dreamliner! Boarding to the Star Wars theme song and being greeted by Yoda made the flight feel like a scene from the galaxy far, far away. A little extra magic for the journey—who wouldn’t want to start their trip with a bit of Jedi wisdom?