Photographing Snow Monkey's Japan 2011 Photo Project Part V

This is the final blog of my five part series about my Japan 2011 Photo Project. I hope you enjoyed reading about my adventure as much as I had writing about it.
The final leg of my journey was going to Nagano Prefecture to photograph the Japanese Macaque, also known as the snow monkey. The snow monkeys are mainly found on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. I went to Honshu to Joshin-etsu Kogen National Park, in Nagano Prefecture.

Shibu Onsen

The day my wife and I departed Tokyo, it was cloudy, and it seemed rain was imminent. We were traveling approximately 3 hours from Tokyo, and I was hoping the weather would be better. As we rode the train it seemed luck wouldn't be on my side. However, the closer we got to our destination the sun began to break through, but when we arrived, it was raining, just as I believed it would.

Japanese Macaque

We walked around Shibu Onsen a small village near the park, and decided to eat some cold soba. Zaru Soba is a Japanese noodle served on a zaru (draining basket made from bamboo), with a chilled dipping sauce, green onions and wasabi. We rode the bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano, changed to a local train, which took us to Shibu Onsen. Was this going to be the highlight of our long trip. As I pondered while eating, my wife said we should push on and go to the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen Park where the snow monkey hangs out. Not sure how much further we needed to travel my wife asked the waitress for directions and she suggested we take a taxi to the park entrance, from there we would need to walk the remainder of the way. The reward was much more than I expected. At first I was reluctant but decided to listen to my wife's advice and can say I'm glad I did. "I Learned From That".

Japanese Snow Monkey

Learning From Sources Other Than Photography

Many times we look to the experts in our chosen field or profession for sage advice. Although this is a wise choice, we can also learn from other professions. During the summer I watched the Next Food Network Star. I am a competitor, and enjoy watching competitive events. As the show continued throughout the summer I watched as each contestant dealt with their shortcomings, and how they reacted to their successes. The panel of judges gave valuable advice, whether it was how they presented themselves and the food they prepared; or just giving simple business tips on how to market what they were presenting to the Food Network audience. Take the food out of the equation, insert photography, and the advice given by the panel; plus the lessons learned is something that is very applicable in everyday business/marketing.  "I Learned From That".

Japan 2011 Photo Project Part IV Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan, a city known for it's numerous temples, is a very modern city, but still has that old country atmosphere. One of the most visited temples in Kyoto is Kinkaku-ji, or better known as the Golden Pavilion. The setting here is very serene and beautiful. Because Kyoto is a tourist destination it is very organized and easy to get around. 

After a long day of photographing, I went back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Carrying around a backpack full of equipment and a tripod, can wear you down. For some reason, I have in my head, that I need all my camera gear for that unexpected photo opportunity that will be my claim to fame. "Always be prepared"! With some much needed rest my wife and I, who has endured many of my photo excursions, and never complains, decided to go for a short walk. I chose to leave the hotel without my camera. I can only imagine what goes on in the mind of someone who is not as compassionate about photography as the person who is. After walking a few blocks, low and behold is a Geisha posing for anyone and everyone who wants to take a picture. One of my dreams is to photograph a Giesha in a typical Japanese setting. Wow! If only I had my camera, my dream would have been realized. Not to be discouraged, I ran back to the hotel to get my camera. Unfortunately when I returned the friendly Geisha had gone. I searched the area but the sun had set on this opportunity.   

What lesson can be taken away from my misfortune? I'm always torn when I have someone with me that is not interested in photography. Do I subject them to, oh wait he's taking another photograph, or do I not be selfish and let opportunities go by. There is a balance, but it depends on the situation, and the individual. If I was on my own to strictly photograph, then I would not hesitate to take my camera.  But when others are accompanying you that have different reasons to be there, then it's time to strike a balance.  If I had it to do over I would have done it differently, but this is lesson that I can say "I Learned From That".

Japan 2011 Photo Project Part III Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Building

Tokyo, Japan one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million people; this is a city that has something for everyone. During my two week adventure, Tokyo was my base of operation. I ventured out and returned to Tokyo. If I had the time I could have stayed in Tokyo for two weeks and wouldn't have skimmed the surface on photographic opportunities. Districts like Shinjuku, Harajuku, Roppongi, I could go on and on.

Shibuya

Hie Shrine Torii

Before my trip to Japan I purchased a Gorilla Tripod to use, when I wanted to lighten my load, and bring just a camera and one lens. I didn't remove it from its' original package but should have. One day I decided to take a trip to the Hie Shrine. When I reached my intended destination, I took my Gorilla Tripod out of the package and realized it didn't have an attachment so I could mount the camera to it. Without my tripod it was going to be difficult to shoot certain scenes. Even with an image stabilizing lens holding the camera by hand just wouldn't produce a photo that was acceptable. One particular scene I wanted to shoot was the long tunnel of Torii.  Without my tripod I sat the camera on the ground, set the timer, but I still needed to tilt the camera forward.  Because I had to tilt the camera by hand this was very unstable and produced some shake. The photo of the Torii I included in this post is not what I envisioned.  Unfortunately I missed out on an opportunity to produce a quality photo.  I'm not sure why the company that manufactures Gorilla Tripod doesn't include the necessary attachment to mount the camera on the tripod, but whenever I buy new equipment, whether Hi-Tech or Low-Tech; I will ensure it has all the necessary gadgets that are needed to operate that piece of equipment. "I Learned From That".

Japan 2011 Photo Project Part II Hiroshima

A-Bomb Dome

As I travel on, I set out for Hiroshima and learn a valuable lesson that can be applied to photography, or life in general. Sometimes when you set out to photograph a particular scene, object, or whatever, you do so with the intent of capturing the best photograph possible. Realizing only during the shoot there is something significant about this object.

I realize that Hiroshima is significant, but when you are far removed from what what occurred; you may have a point of view that might not be changed until you photograph that scene or subject.

Photography is truly an art that has many facets. So when we initially take on the art of photography, generally speaking; we try to become technically proficient with our tools (camera, flash, ect.). I can attest to the fact when I first began photographing, I was more concerned with the settings on the camera; that I was so preoccupied with selecting my settings, I couldn't focus on photographing my subject.

As with most things, the more we do something we begin to take control and eventually it becomes second nature. Once this occurs you can begin to focus on your subject and your creativity begins to open up.  My initial reaction was to go directly to the A-Bomb Dome but I chose to go to the museum first. Below is display model of

Hiroshima Before The A-Bomb

Hiroshima After The A-Bomb

Hiroshima before and after the A-Bomb. Throughout the museum were other displays that are very graphic and sometimes unnerving.  During this whole evolution I continued to think about what I've often heard said, "Because of the A-Bomb many lives were saved".  Although a political point of view can be drawn from my blog this is not my intent. After viewing and photographing the museum and the A-Bomb Dome, I understand with clarity why the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki dislike nuclear weapons or any type of nuclear facility. I don't have to agree with their point of view, but I certainly respect it. I learned from that.

Japan 2011 Photo Project

First, it's been a while since I posted a blog so I'll try to do a better job and post at least once a month.  Second, I'll post this blog in five parts.  Because of the amount of information, the blog will be too long.

I travelled to Japan and visited Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and the Joshin-Etsu Kogan National Park. There is so much to photograph and two weeks is just not enough time.  Most of my travelling was either by bus, train, or taxi and sometimes a combination of all three. Although I've visited Japan many times this is the first time I used the Japan Rail Pass (http://www.japanrailpass.net/).  The Rail Pass is issued by JR Rail and available to visiting foreigners only. You must purchase the pass in your country and it will be exchanged at a JR office. It can be used for unlimited travel on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) with a few restrictions, but none that are inconvenient considering the cost you would pay without the pass.

One rail pass cost $362.82 (USD) or  28,300 Japanese Yen. Just to put it in perspective the regular unreserved one way fare to Kyoto is 12,700 yen. I travelled to Kyoto, Fukuyama and then by car to Hiroshima, and Nagano.

Not sure why I never used the Japan Rail Pass before but I'm glad I did and the next time I travel to Japan I will make sure I purchase another rail pass. Keeping with my theme "I Learned From That".

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