Electric Lights

We were dazzled, we were astonished- we were, in short, highly impressed.

Fractal Fireworks

Seen afterwards on the camera screen, this explosion shows it's fractal design- somthing light an electrical fir-tree, dancing in the night sky, before winking out of our dimention for evermore.

Birth of a Galaxy

The displays were just stunning, seemingly depicting the vivid life of the sosmos, right here before us. Gasps of astonishment cooed out with each colourful climax.

Summer Fireworks Explosions

Summer brings another kind of flower to Japan- these 'fire-flowers' of the river-side fireworks displays. Finding the perfect spot seemed to be virtually impossible, but we did find a good one, from where we could enjoy the blazes of light and colour, as well as the magical atmosphere they bring along.

Tremendous Sunset 1

Walking in the evening recently, this beautiful sight greeted my eyes. Like an endless, heavenly land spread out before me, I gazed at it in wonder and awe.

Mysterious Cloud Landscape

To my astonishment, flashes of distant lightening appeared from within this, like a giant, flickering plasma-ball. It was as if the cloud was alive in some way. Yet there was no sign of rain anywhere nearby.

The Face of Clouds

Just after I came back, these incredible clouds shone in the sky. I'd never seen something so fluffy and mysterious before, they were a revelation of a world going far beyond my imaginings-

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

Cherry Blossom Snow

Snow? No, falling cherry blossoms, in one of their last days, surrounding people like us having 'hanamis', cherry-blossom picnics. They have a magical quality and are one of the highlights of the year in Japan.

Otakonomori Station

Black and White gives me a very different view of things. There is an air of cinema about an ordinary, modern train station, seen this way, a hint of love affairs and daily dramas that the bright colours conceal. Simplicity strips away the maya of everyday life. The emotion lingering in the 'living space' that is a train station, is more apparent when seen this way.

Kashiwa Light Painting 2

Kashiwa is one of those 'cities that never sleep' and i tried to capture this with the liquid light of a swishing camera. Somehow neon with it's messages is just too literal and garish until you swish it around a bit. This is the kind of 'Impressionistic', sensual photo I am aiming for- perhaps with a long way to go before perfection, but escaping the domain of cliches.

School Snow Fields

My school looked especially different. The lull in sports made the place so much... quieter.

Kimonos in Kashiwa

One of my favourite "Kimonos in Kashiwa" photos. the colourful menu in the background is typical of Kashiwa, also known as 'little Shibuya' for it's funky styles. Somehow, the vividly coloured kimonos are the perfect match.

By the Crossing

Coming of Age Day is only once a year, but a time when there is a sea of kimonos throughout Japan. I took this and other photos in Kashiwa City. Thanks to the girls for being such great models and their spirit of fun!

Home Sweet Home

Finally, I made my way home, where the sunset was there to be enjoyed. Hear more about all of this on my PerfectFutures blog.

Fields and Trees

The rich colours of the soil and trees somehow relaxes me. The fertile earth makes all kinds of life possible- so simple, but so full of life. Of course, breathing in the fresh air and smells of spring make for an experience you just can't get at home, at least not without smell-o-vision.

Tranquil Shrine

Everywhere you go, you can find small sacred sites, most of them still being quietly used. Wherever you find them, there is also tranquil nature.

Prayers in the Wind

Even the prayer-books were left, their pages fluttering around.

Abandoned Shrine

There was this disused shrine amongst the trees, too. It had just been left there, forgotten.

Sun in Bamboo

The bright sun filtered down, much cooler in the shade of the bamboo.

Tree Trunk in HDR

I found that in the bright light, HDR photos come out the best. It was amazing to chance upon this upturned tree-trunk, catching golden light in the murky woods.