Last week I was very happy to catch up with photographer Robert van Koesveld while he was in town. Robert was kind enough to give me a copy of his new book, "Geiko & Maiko of Kyoto" which he self-published after an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign. If you are at all interested in the world of geiko and maiko then I would happily recommend this book. Robert's … [Read more...]
Photo Tips & Tricks with Javier Montano: Tip #1 Learning to wait…
Here is some expert photography advice from our good friend, Javier Montano... As a photographer, the most common questions I get asked are technical in nature. Which camera brand is better? Should I get a mirror-less or a DSLR camera? Is a 85mm lens better than a 50mm lens? And so on. It is not that these questions are bad. They are not. It’s natural for beginners to ask … [Read more...]
What is “Deep Kyoto”? ~ Some thoughts from Lonny Chick
In recent months the Deep Kyoto Group on Facebook has really taken on a life of its own, with members sharing events, photos, info, opinions and even fun little quizzes! It really does feel like it has naturally grown into a vibrant community and a center of friendly discussion. One of our frequent contributors is Lonny Chick, who is perhaps better known on Twitter and Flickr … [Read more...]
Introducing Deep Kyoto’s Photo Tips & Tricks with Javier Montano
Today I am very pleased to welcome a new contributor to Deep Kyoto. Javier Montano is well known locally for his group photo walks as well as his own stunning photography. Here on Deep Kyoto, he will be writing once a month with advice for would be photographers. Take it away, Javier! Hi, welcome to Deep Kyoto’s Photo Tips and Tricks. My name is Javier and I will be … [Read more...]
Honke Owariya with Sean Lotman
On Sunday Mewby and I had the pleasure of lunch with writer/photographer Sean Lotman. Sean's wife manages the Honke Owariya soba noodle business, a family company which is pretty famous in Kyoto. The business actually dates from 1465, though they "only" started making noodles Sean told me about 300 or 400 years ago, as they were originally a confectionary business. They still … [Read more...]
The Ryōzen Kannon, Kyoto, 1958
...suppose there are immeasurable hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, millions of living beings who are undergoing various trials and suffering. If they hear of this Bodhisattva Perceiver of the Word's Sounds and single-mindedly call his name, then at once he will perceive the sound of their voices and they will all gain deliverance from their trials. If someone, holding fast … [Read more...]
Kyotographie: International Photography Festival 2014
"The KYOTOGRAPHIE International Photography Festival blossoms in Kyoto for its second year in April 2014...during the height of Kyotoʼs booming tourist season. The festival celebrates art and culture, bringing a distinct dimension to the historic city. KYOTOGRAPHIE creates opportunities and events that bring people together of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Situated in … [Read more...]
Kyoto: the forest within the gate
Here is a new book project from the team behind Kyoto Journal. The ancient capital of Japan in images and writings Resting on the earth who needs satori or faith? Embrace what holds you! … [Read more...]
Exploring Kyoto with the Ricoh Theta
Click on the images displayed below to view them in fully immersive 360 degrees. Having played with my little Ricoh Theta camera for about a week now, I think it's time for a wee review with some example shots to give you an idea of it's potential. First though a few words on how it works. The camera has a double fish-eye lens that takes a simultaneous 360 degree shot of … [Read more...]
Climbing Mount Daimonji with Robert Yellin & the Ricoh Theta
When you write a blog, and a reasonable number of people follow it, sometimes you get stuff for free. Probably this is the best thing I ever got for free: Pretty, isn't it? This is the RICOH THETA - the first camera that can take 360 degree panoramic images in one shot. And as it isn't on sale yet, I'm the very first person in Kyoto who gets to give it a go! Soon after it … [Read more...]
The Photographs of Jane Lawson
Last year on Deep Kyoto we posted a short series of Kyoto-based photographer profiles. Each photographer was challenged to choose just five of their own favorite pictures from Kyoto and tell us a little bit about why they chose them. It's time to reboot that series! This month I've asked Australian foodie Jane Lawson to accept the challenge. Though Jane is not technically … [Read more...]
Three Kyoto Photography Collections for Disaster Relief
Here's another fine fund raising effort for disaster relief in East Japan. Dutch photographer Albert Kuiper writes, To raise funds for the relief of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake I have made a small series of books, with photos from my wonderful month-long stay in Kyoto in April 2010. All proceeds will go to the Japanese Red Cross. I have made three books: Kyoto, … [Read more...]
The Photographs of Chris McCooey
Here’s this month’s addition to our ongoing series of profiles of Kyoto-based photographers. Each photographer chooses five of their own favorite pictures and tells us a little about what those pictures mean to them. This time I asked a former Kyoto resident, Chris McCooey. Before leaving Japan, Chris was the photographer for the excellent Time Out Shortlist Kyoto … [Read more...]
The Photographs of Jeffrey Friedl
Here is the fifth in a continuing series of profiles of Kyoto-based photographers. Each photographer chooses five of their favorite pictures from around Kyoto and tells us a little about what those pictures mean to them. This time I asked local photo-blogger Jeffrey Friedl to contribute - and I am so glad that I did! Jeffrey's pictures are breathtakingly beautiful! Jeffrey … [Read more...]
