Ueno Park (上野公園)
Stepping into Ueno Park felt like walking into Perfect Days (2023, Wim Wenders). Taking photos, like the film, is about being in the moment. The movie also features a classic point-and-shoot, the Olympus Mju-1, a bonus for camera lovers. Being a fan, I had to try my own Komorebi (木漏れ日) shot. The phrase literally means “light filtering through trees” and that to me sums up the film.
Camera: Minolta CLE
Lens: Minolta 40mm F2.0
Film: CFP250D
I have to admit, even though I’ve been to Tokyo many times, this was my first visit to Meiji Jingu. Nestled in Shibuya, the Meiji Shrine is basically embedded within a forest, offering a surprising escape from the busiest city in the world. From the entrance of the park to the shrine itself, it’s a good 15-minute walk and the moment you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped by a sense of quiet and tranquility. I arrived around 8 a.m., just before the rush of tourists began, which I highly recommended. I also took the opportunity to visit the inner garden. While it’s known for its vibrant flowers during the summer, this might not have been the best season to see it. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the serene walk it offered. The shrine itself is magnificent, much like many other Shinto shrines in Japan, but to me the unexpected tranquility was the best part. And, of course, the chance to indulge in my hobby of photography was an added bonus.
Camera: Minolta CLE
Lens: Minolta 40mm f2.0
Film: CFP250D
Night at Shinjuku Golden Gai
Tiny bars crammed in small, dark alleys in Shinjuku. Dark, but decorated with colorful neon lights, vintage items, stickers, and more. The bars are so tiny, you sit face to face with the bartender, yet the laughter inside is so loud, you can even hear it outside.
Camera: Leica TL (type 701)
Lens: Lumix S 18-40mm
P.S. A new lens on an old body 😉, I think they are a pretty good match.
Magical Dance performance at the AIA Carnival on Valentine’s night! 🎡💃
Dance photography is never easy, even after I have done a few times in my life. You’re constantly chasing that right moment, trying to frame it just right, and deciding whether to pull back for the full stage or zoom in on the emotion.
Huge shoutout to the talented dancers from Cindy Dance Academy @cindydanceacademy and Vea Vea Studios @veaveastudios for bringing the energy. The weather was kind and I snagged a good spot, hope you all had a magical night and enjoyed the photos. 😎
Camera: Sony A7Rm4
Lens: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 (mark 1)
Fishing" in the alleyways of Hong Kong.
There’s always some photography magic in the backstreets of this city. It might be the narrow, chaotic scenery, the cool Kongers on a cigarette break, or looking up and feeling the weight of the "concrete forest." It’s for sure a good place to practice your photographer’s eye.
On this hunt, I found an alley within an alley, the ideal spot to set up in my "fishing" position and wait for the moment.
P.S. Thanks @bigheadtaco & @vsoniji . I’ve been super motivated lately to get out, shoot, and practice all the cool stuff I’ve learned from you.
Camera: Minolta CLE
Lens: Minolta Rokkor 40mm F2
Film: CFP200T (developed by @camerafilmphoto )
Last week, I took a short trip to one of my favorite cities, Taipei. I enjoyed being a tourist there, disregarding the stress of life for a moment and simply immersing myself in everything else Taipei has to offer. I visited a few of my favorite restaurants, including some classic local breakfast places. I also finally visited Wontan Craft, where they make beautiful camera bags and accessories. The weather and lighting was just lovely, I can shot all day like this. 🥹
These were shot on a roll of long-expired Fuji Super 400 film, so I'm not going to lie, I did some heavy Photoshopping, LOL.
PS
Camera: Minolta CLE
Lena: Leica summicron 35mm f2
Film: Fuji super 400(expired)
Rollei 35 AF photo walk
Being invited to test drive the Rollei 35 AF a few weeks back. It is a very remarkable camera. It has a very quite shutter paired with a very sharp 35mm lens in a very tiny body, the result exceeded my expectation. Thank you @mintcamera@rollei35af@camerafilmphoto , another fun afternoon.
BHT X CFP
Film Street Photography Workshop
Part 2
Other than the colour negatives, that same afternoon and place, we also shot a roll of B&W film. I don’t shoot in black and white often, but there’s always a certain magic to it. @bigheadtaco taught me that photography isn’t just about showing reality—it’s more like “painting with light.” And that feels especially true for black and white, since after all, we don’t see the world in monochrome.
These six particular photos were taken on Apliu Street, a place I’ve been going to since childhood. Although the street is less busy than I remember, everything else seems the same, and I don’t think you can find a place quite like this anywhere except Hong Kong.
P.S. In case anyone is wondering why I’m writing so much, this is actually part of the workshop’s assignment—to share some photos and write something (anything!) about them. Again, it’s been so much fun. Thanks again to @camerafilmphoto for organising the event and developing the photos (they turned out beautifully!❤️). Shout-out to Take and Vish, whom I just met this weekend—they were incredibly kind to me. I learned so much about street photography, photo editing, cameras… and so much more. So if anyone’s interested in shooting film, you know where to start. 🎞️
Camera: Minolta CLE
Lens: Konica M-HEXANON 28mm f2.8
Film: ilford XP2 400
BHT X CFP
Film street Photography Workshop
It was an ordinary Saturday afternoon, along with my camera and some new-found company. We strolled through the neighbourhood of Sham Shui Po. It’s been a long time since I put down all the busyness in life and just purely focused on practicing—on being in the moment with my camera and observing around me.
It was also been a long time since I’ve walked this much. 😂 My legs are tired, but I fully enjoyed the afternoon. And of course, seeing the results is very gratifying. The best part is always meeting new people and learning new things.
P.S. thanks to @bigheadtaco@camerafilmphoto
Camera: Minolta CLE
Lens: Konica M-HEXANON 28mm f2.8
Film: Kodak UltraMax 400
