2017 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan | Tokyo

May 17 | Evan | No Comments |

The 2017 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan was shaping up to be quite a large group of photographers visiting Japan but suddenly some members had to drop out for personal reasons. In January I had pretty much accepted that the 2017 Cherry Blossom Tour was not going to happen when just as suddenly as the original group fell apart, 4 new members inquired about joining me on an escorted tour of Japan during cherry blossom season. Leading a smaller group of photographers through Japan certainly has it’s benefits and allowed us to do a couple of things that aren’t possible, or much more difficult, with a larger group. One of which was a fantastic home stay in the tea plantations in the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan (more on that to come).

As you can see by the photo of Chidorigafuchi above, even though the dates of this tour of Japan during cherry blossom season were almost identical to the 2016 cherry blossom tour of Japan, we were slightly early for full bloom of the cherry blossoms when the trip started in Tokyo. Not an issue though as it was easy to isolate some cherry blossoms in bloom or ignore the blossoms completely with many of the interesting subjects Tokyo has to offer for photographers, for example the “Shibuya Scramble” in Shibuya.

Of course street photography is as easy as it comes in Tokyo with opportunity after opportunity if you are patient and look for it. After meeting one couple at the airport in Tokyo, on the transfer into the Tokyo, I was asked to dial up a wedding to take photos of in Tokyo and wouldn’t you know it, the next day walking around during their free time, they found the wedding shoot I “arranged” like last summer in Himeji!

Created by and courtesy of Tim Durham

While we were slightly too early for the first few days in Tokyo for cherry blossoms, by the time we made our way back, the cherry blossoms were still holding on a bit, just starting to fall off the trees but still quite beautiful. See the gallery at the end of this post for more photos from Tokyo during cherry blossom season and some night time shooting of Shibuya Scramble.

The 2017 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan took our small group of photographers to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Wazuka and Fuji Five Lakes. Take a look at the 2017 Cherry Blossom Tour Trip report to see more from our tour of Japan during cherry blossom season. Want to visit Japan during cherry blossom season with Japan Photo Guide? The 2018 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan for photographers has limited spaces available, book now!

: Created by and courtesy of Tim Durham

: Created by and courtesy of Tim Durham

: Created by and courtesy of Tim Durham

2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan | Seagulls in Rausu

Apr 01 | Evan | No Comments |

Greetings from Tokyo, Japan! I’m posting this just at the start of my 2017 Cherry Blossom tour of Japan and glad I could finish the report from the 2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan before the cherry blossom tour goes into full swing! The last stop for or photography tour of Japan was Rausu, Hokkaido. The reason our group went to Rausu and why our Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan included Rausu was because of the Steller’s Sea Eagles that can be found in abundance. When I knew I had enough, or rather probably too many, photographs of Steller’s Sea Eagles, I turned my attention to the seagulls in the same area.

After reviewing the photos, wished I had spent more time photographing the seagulls in Rausu! As you can see, the seagulls were quite dynamic and certainly provided a change of pace from the Steller’s Sea Eagles. Also, while the eagles were catching fish with their talons, the seagulls were scooping up the fish in their mouths.

In collaboration with Magic Is Photo Safaris, I escorted a small group of wildlife photographers for a Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan in search of Japanese Snow Monkeys, Red Crowned Crane, Swan, Steller’s Sea Eagles and whatever else we could find! To see more photos from our photo safari in Japan, view the 2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan Trip Report.

2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan | Steller’s Sea Eagles Catching Fish

Mar 29 | Evan | No Comments |

Even with subfreezing temperatures and early morning starts on a boat, our small group of photographers touring Japan was having a great time in Rausu. The Steller’s Sea Eagles were not disappointing at all and whether hanging out or flying through the sky, the eagles provided ample photographic opportunities for our guided tour of Japan’s Winter Wildlife.

Of course one of the more dynamic parts of photographing the eagles was when the Steller’s Sea Eagles would swoop down from the sky and capture it’s prey! Capturing the moment while having the eagles not going away from me (got plenty of photos of eagle butts) was somewhat challenging but we had plenty of time and opportunities to create these photos of the eagles in Rausu.

2017 Winter Wildlife Tour of Japan | Steller’s Sea Eagles Flying

Mar 26 | Evan | No Comments |

Spending a few days in Rausu to photograph the Steller’s Sea Eagles was an amazing experience! Our Winter tour of Japan was coming to an end but our small group of photographers was determined to make the most of our time with these amazing birds. Everyone came back with many photographs of the eagles and for me, it was probably too many!

As most of my work is portraiture, sports and sometimes street or landscape photography in Japan, it was really difficult for me to edit down my Steller’s Sea Eagles photos from our trip to Hokkaido. Well, at first it was easy to sort out the photos I wanted to reject but getting from the first edit of eagles to the final edit was difficult! Take the two shots above for example. I love both the photos of that Steller’s Sea Eagle, but can’t easily say which one is better like I can with portraits, sports or landscapes. If there are any bird photographers that feel like sharing, I’d love some feedback!