I recently got back from my first trip to Japan, and while I took a decent number of pictures, I found myself unmotivated and uninspired to really "do photography" on several days of the trip. I wanted to reflect on some possible reasons for this while looking at some of the pictures I did take.
I intentionally try to avoid watching too many Japan photography vlogs lest my Youtube recommendations be completely poisoned by white guys pogging at quirky storefronts, but the ones I have viewed usually describe Japan the same way: a mecca for photography, where every piece of the landscape is supremely photogenic. In Tokyo and Sapporo, at least, I didn't necessarily find this to be true. Like any city, the photo-ops available depend largely on the type of photography you like to do and what kind of scenery you take inspiration from.
Boisterous areas like Shibuya are difficult for me to exist in, as an introverted creature who hates to draw attention or get in the way. Photography is pretty much out of the question for me if an area is too densely populated as a result. I enter survival mode, so I can't even think about what would make a good photo, let alone actually take one. Crowds alone can't be the only answer, though, because I still couldn't find much I wanted to capture in the much less busy city of Sapporo.
Even now, I'm struggling to figure out what I was missing. I shot four or five rolls in Hakodate and four or five more the day after in Biei. The obvious answer is "those places aren't big cities," but when I'm home I usually look forward to going downtown to take pictures. Maybe part of it was my lackluster lens kit (for some insane reason I was only walking around with a 16mm and 50mm prior to picking up a 28mm later that day), but 50mm tends to be my favorite focal length. It's a bit zoomed in for an area full of tall buildings, but I've certainly managed in the past.
The days where I was most successful were when I stepped out with real intention to take pictures. Then again, that was my plan my first day in Sapporo... I guess even in a smaller city my survival instincts kick in when I'm alone? The less comfortable I am, the harder it is to shift in photography mode? Maybe traveling internationally is just tiring? I dunno! I was hoping writing this would give me some answers, but I'm just as confused as when I started. I thought about bailing on this post, but I do want to get in the habit of regularly updating this blog.
Regardless, I'm happy with some of the pictures I took on my trip. You can view those on my Flickr.