(Fuji X-T5) Street Photography in North Tokyo

[@andyhoov]

Turns out I've had this tab open and unwatched for a few weeks... That neighborhood filled with old buildings being torn down and redeveloped was a treasure trove of interesting shots and how important photography like this is. To people who are there every day it must seem so mundane and uninteresting, but that's all the more reason it should be documented and shared!

[@jamesford_jp]

Makes you wonder how they feel about it all eh? I have to imagine that some people who grew up around there must be a little sad to see their hometown change and develop into something else entirely. But I can also imagine many people there are just happy to see the old, hazardous buildings go to make way for new things that may help rejuvenate the area… idk, I wish we could strike a better balance between renewal and maintaining the historical/traditional atmosphere….

[@lkat5113]

Great video! Also love that denim jacket…looks cozy for fall/spring shooting.

[@jamesford_jp]

Haha it certainly is! Thanks 😄

[@monikabrandenstein5011]

For me, another very interesting, precisely filmed video, both the moving scenes and the moments captured in photos. Your black and white photos are always a feast for my eyes! The wait in the small alleys for people to come into the picture was definitely worth it! For me, your films are an exciting visual experience - almost like small feature films or, better yet, documentaries. I really enjoy following you. There are many scenes that I watch over and over again to get a closer look. For example, the scene with the magazine - 5:40 - as it lies there, the wind moves its sides, like a “personified thing” that wants to tell us something about the past. We're supposed to look inside, the wind moves the sides backwards ;-). A wonderful “quiet,” meaningful scene that I almost wished had lasted a little longer. The colored moving images with the highly brilliant black and white photos in between - a very nice, aesthetic combination! Also the photos from the festival at the end - very interesting insights. One question, that beautiful, photogenic cat at the beginning of the video (approx. 0:22) - did you also capture it as a black and white photo? In my opinion it was so appropriate as a black and white motif. Kind regards and have a nice day - but at this moment, as I write, it is already evening in Japan and so I can wish you a good night ;-).

[@jamesford_jp]

Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the cat 😅. That’s one of the downsides of hybrid shooting-I have to choose between capturing the moment as a video or as a photo and in that instance I chose video. And thank you! I hope you have a lovely weekend as well 😄

[@LM-Travels]

Hey! I really want to start editing videos, do you have any tips and recommendations since im also using the xt-5. Specifically, how were you able to change the aspect ratio during the video? 😮😮 Thank you!!

[@jamesford_jp]

Hey there, Depends on what software you use-I use Final Cut Pro. I would suggest using an adjustment layer over your video timeline in select places where you want to change the aspect ratio to wide screen. Depending on what software you're using, there might be some widescreen effects already built in that you can put on the adjustment layer or you can download some effects using something like FxFactory. I have an adjustment layer specifically to add a widescreen effect that I can place wherever I want on my timeline. Hope that helps :)

[@Brian444]

Super inspiring video, thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and videos. I have such trouble trying to find these wider scenes/streets to film establishing shots, but you have a real knack for it. Hope to see more! Do you do much in terms of color grading your videos, or do you get it right with the Fuji sims in-camera?

[@jamesford_jp]

I really appreciate that! Thank you! For establishing shots, my approach is honestly quite simple: I just look for little details that stick out to me. That could be an interaction between a shopkeeper and a customer, a banner blowing in the wind, or a dog perking up at its owner. Once I find something that catches my attention, it becomes a matter of trying to frame it so that you can see that detail in the context of its environment. As for the videos, mostly just fine-tuned Fuji sims, though I am starting to experiment more with Flog.

[@Brian444]

@@jamesford_jp I’m gonna give that a go, thanks again.

[@jamesford_jp]

Best of luck 😊