Old Tokyo Street Photography with Lee Chapman

[@art4eigen93]

Perfect Intro: "OOO! it's not slowing at all, holy shii- EYEXPLORE!"

[@EYExplore]

Haha, glad my sheer terror was worth it! :)

[@pratyushdhoundiyal8837]

These videos are therapeutic for me, the walks, the conversation and all that with getting to learn a lot about new perspectives. Also a shoutout to Axle, the unsung hero, capturing all of this with perfection.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! We're glad you enjoy such videos. It would a pleasure making it! :)

[@arturspribeiro]

Alright, I'll say it: I need more vlogs with Lee telling cool shutter-lady stories.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, I'm sure we'll have him back! He knows many more interesting places! :)

[@alhOOO2O]

The slide was sooo funny, and the rest of the video was absolutely proof that having more expensive equipment doesn’t necessarily create better photos

[@EYExplore]

Totally! Anything can work! :)

[@josephlai1078]

I love how both of you shared the rationale behind your photos. It makes the video so much more informative and interactive as if we are going on a street photo session with you guys.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad that comes across! :)

[@joe_tographer]

I can't lie I GUFFAWED at the slide, I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. The rest of the video was good too

[@EYExplore]

Haha, glad to hear my pain can bring happiness to all!! :D

[@slickhatter9812]

@@EYExplore but it was hilarious honestly lol

[@RayLombardi]

One of the best episodes! And for those that get hot and bothered about us photographers taking pictures of people, listen to the LAW, yes, the actual LAW that states that public places are fair ground. It is up to our discretion, not your choice. If you don't like it, change the law, not us, we're not doing anything wrong, the law is on our side, not yours. Period...as they say.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! And yeah, there is law, I agree. But also I think we as photographers have a duty to come up with rigorous ethics. So, obviously, I do take tons photos of people in public, but I do also draw a line for how I behave. Even if it's legal it does not mean I can be a jerk. But certainly nowhere in this video do I feel we were being jerks. And certainly Lee is one of the most respectful people I've ever met! :)

[@pdlagasse]

Between the shot of Bench Cat from behind, and the kid with the blue hat walking below the blue awning at 22:55, I’d say Axel was having a pretty good day too! 😄

[@EYExplore]

Wow yeah! You know, I never noticed the kid until you just mentioned him. He's perfect! :)

[@luminousremo]

I think this is the best video I've watched about street photography. Thanks a lot to both of you for sharing so much in this japanese flavored nutshell.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for saying so! :)

[@notsafefortorque9060]

Thia Video is one of the best i have watched about Photography. I watched many. Thank you to the three of you.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for your kind words! :)

[@jamessorby7688]

I've always loved getting shots of "the disappearing world". You come back a week later and it's all different.

[@EYExplore]

Yes, this is happening more and more these days in Tokyo!

[@taito.station]

One of the best EYExplore videos ever. I'm a big fan of Lee's work, and I loved the technical discussion you guys had in the video. Thanks!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for the kinds words!! :)

[@tokyographic]

Love Lee's Photos!!! Please do more content!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! Will do! :)

[@trferr]

Great story about the old lady and the shutters!

[@EYExplore]

Glad you enjoyed it!! :)

[@Schorti666]

Best intro ever

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@yakamo]

That slide moment was awesome! I have to say i agree with taking photos of people, i think its important for life around us to be documented! It also lets us immortalize a moment and the people we see. It lets us see how the world is, so we can look back on it. It lets us share an insight into the lives of others.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! I'm glad you agree! :)

[@davidpearson3579]

Really enjoyed the both of you just giving insight on a scene and sharing a love for the quirky side of life. And you're never to old to play in the park. You both come across as respectful gents. Very calming in a strange way. 📷😸📷

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Glad to hear our positive energy comes through the screen. :)

[@mattmosminaj2515]

What a fantastic episode! Great conversations, notes on craft, beautiful Leica, incredible Tokyo spot. Perfect!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@explorerfan]

A very great format! Please more of this and of Lee Chapman, he seems like a really nice person. I enjoyed the video very much!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! We will! :)

[@Varma3211]

Really enjoyed the mood of this video. I've seen Lee's photo's on IG and it was great to hear some stories of his photos.

[@EYExplore]

Very happy to hear that!! :)

[@jonoschen]

This is a great video, I like the commentary between you both, as a lone photographer myself, I find your conversation whilst shooting really interesting!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much!! :)

[@hewhotellsastory]

The more I watch about shooting in Japan, the more I am convinced this is the street photography go to country. The subject matter, and the fact as an outsider, I would be considered a tourist enables you to capture those once in a lifetime moments. Cool vid subbed!

[@EYExplore]

It really is a great place to shoot! :)

[@PhilippMeiners]

Nice video. Very easy to listen to both of you. Interesting stories behind the pictures.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@thegirlwholeftthefridgeopen]

no joke, that was the best opening ever XD

[@EYExplore]

Glad to hear my suffering was worth it, haha :D

[@FaithfulFrets]

That slide bro holy shit thanks for taking one for the team and going down that

[@EYExplore]

Haha, I had no idea it would be so painful!! :)

[@3082frank]

Baawaaahahha..that slide....was the star of this episode..😂😂. The cat was a boss...really enjoyed this style of video.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, thank you!! :)

[@marvinlee5926]

Great video... really enjoyed watching this video... good job guys 👏👏👏

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@yamaha893]

These videos are a real pleasure and its great to see the others from the eyexplore crew

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! :)

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Interesting place, good video and his photos are great. Well done, guys.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@Fedor_Tkachev_Music]

mind-blowing adventure, what a day!

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! It was super fun! :)

[@TheJanner11]

Nice, thanks.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@keimahane]

Wow, I totally enjoyed this episode. I teared up at a few of Lee's stories, he seems to care deeply about area and people he photographs.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Yes he does! We will have him back for another round in a slightly different area that he frequents. So many of his stories of people he encounters are quite moving!

[@DeanHNZ]

The best missed shot was of the cat sitting from behind watching the world go by.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, that would have been good. Well, at least Axel got it on video! :)

[@bill3117]

I think it is so wonderful that you have such an intimate connection to places, and that you revisit them. I've always wanted to visit Japan as I've been fascinated with the country and people since my cousin's family was stationed there immediately after WWII, and I viewed many home movies taken back then.

[@EYExplore]

That's amazing! Things have changed so much over the decades so it's like looking back in time. :)

[@Mindartcreativity]

Such a calm and inspiring video. I haven‘t been out in the streets in weeks but this video inspired and motivated me to go back to shooting.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! Glad to hear that! :)

[@andgainingspeed]

So many great shots from Lee who is making the 35mm focal length look like it's all you need. The bit of melancholy regarding this kind of neighborhood disappearing along with it's residents, was offset by seeing you get a bit of air coming off the middle of the slide. 🤣.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, always happy to play the fool. And yeah, Lee with that 35mm... keeping it classy. :)

[@jkingwhistler]

Really good video. Props to the sound quality which made the video feel somewhat immersive.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! And thank you for pointing out the sound quality. I worked hard to improve this time (with some good tips from Axel). We're getting better and better at this whole 'video' thing haha. :)

[@iDipTest]

The story with the old lady and the shutters is pretty awesome. This is what i like in photography too, enjoying the journey and not only the shots you'll get. I would had loved to see more of this area, it's look alike it have it own mood from the past and bring us back some decades ago.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for saying so! We will have Lee back again and explore this part of Tokyo more! :)

[@iDipTest]

@@EYExplore You're really welcome, thanks to you to share all those great areas in Tokyo though your videos. I'm really curious to see more of the area, I'll look forward for this next videos .. as all of your videos too

[@chrisrock340]

I just love this series! Thanks for sharing.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for watching!! :)

[@Seegurke.]

Like many others said before, great vlog, one of your best imho. Nice to see you two superb street-photographers at work and listening to your discussion. Great to see several shots from Lee, amazing photos (e.g. 5:42), also great usage of negative space in pw in his environmental portraits. Would like to see more vids with you two, its realy inspirating.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! I'm certain we'll do another video with Lee in the near future! :)

[@afromalone]

Really enjoyed this one.

[@EYExplore]

Glad to hear that!! :)

[@mistergiovanni7183]

14.04 Beautiful moment, very funny, I hope your tailbone didn't get hurt. Love that neko!

[@EYExplore]

Haha, thanks!! Luckily I got away unscathed! :)

[@Socatatobago]

I really enjoyed this video. The running conversation between Lee and Lukasz engaged me (also the slide was entertaining!). The stories Lee had on various shots were great, especially the old lady and the shutter. Technical tips are always useful as well

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for watching and glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@Socatatobago]

@@EYExplore I discovered eyexplore when I did a night workshop with Charles. I hope to be back in Tokyo again one of these days

[@EYExplore]

@@Socatatobago Glad to hear that! I hope so as well! :)

[@FedericoBarbagallo]

This is a great video! Loved to hear the stories, see the spots and, of course, your "I'm dead" face on the slide :D

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Yeah, I love the faces I made haha. You can see the fear in my eyes. :)

[@rpigeon8]

Great video! Loved the conversation, the exchange between two great photographers. Inspiring. Thanks for sharing experience.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@JimEmbury]

Nice thank you

[@EYExplore]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@LeMillmeister]

Great vid. Been following Lee's work for years.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@AlanHoey86]

Great video and Lee’s stories were fantastic.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! He's a great storyteller. His passion really shines through!

[@chrisharrison9500]

Excellent video - probably my favourite of yours so far. Please get Lee in again to do a part two(and make it longer)! Really interesting discussion on consent. And the slide? Hilarious! 🤣

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Thanks to the super positive response we'll definitely have Lee back at some point. I really love his work and I feel he's doing something important for the preservation of the history of this city and its people. Next time we'll probably start around Asakusa and head north. He knows that area extremely well also! :)

[@藤井愉三]

I’m a fan of your KZbin. This is best ever I’ve seen.

[@EYExplore]

Glad to hear that! Thank you! :)

[@epiicSpooky]

The separate mics 100% in separate channels works well on speakers, but it is a bit weird in headphones. Maybe mix L & R so some of the audio spills over

[@EYExplore]

Ah good tip! I didn't try on headphones. We're still learning how to do this best and in particular we struggle with audio. Will keep this in mind for next time!

[@philippeducros5315]

Thank you for the video .Like you I love to walk in the narrow streets of Tokyo there are full of interesting things .To avoid asking peoples if I can or I cannot take photo I use a ultra large format camera (5x7) .I don't hide me so everyone knows I take photos.

[@EYExplore]

Yes, typically I don't hide what I'm doing either. And if someone vehemently tells me off, I always respect their wishes. But I am bit pushy, for better or worse. I don't like hiding what I'm doing though, and try to be as transparent as possible.

[@rbn1528]

Very entertaining!

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! :)

[@hnguyen218]

Moar collabs with Tokyo photographers 👍👍

[@EYExplore]

That is the plan!! :)

[@robinsanphotography]

Wow awesome video, I didn't know Lee Chapman and his pictures, also the stories is telling, there is something really nostalgic

[@EYExplore]

Yes, I'm a huge fan of his work so it was a pleasure to have him on the channel! :)

[@AlexOnStreets]

Fantastic work guys. This is the kind of work I have been doing on film these days here in Fukuoka.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! :)

[@l.r.g.philpotts4863]

The little places Lukasz finds make me think of "Midnight Diner."

[@EYExplore]

Ah, I've heard of this show but have not watched it! :)

[@LeoMaglieri]

21:32 aww so cute! n.n

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@TheSchnauzie]

Enjoyed your video

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@lmglange]

Awesome video and conversations 👍

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! :)

[@maximewong3415]

Very good 👍 enjoy 😉 👍 a lot good old days 😀 👍 👌

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@FacesOfLA]

Amazing video !!!!!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@emanuelabel8712]

Awesome video

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! :)

[@raphroxas]

the woman at 15:35 is filipino, she said "you are taking pictures, and you liked the cat"

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for the translation. she is totally correct! I do like the cat. :)

[@ChritsianBucic]

This is a super cool topic, I like it very much, it reminds me of shootings of some of the old houses in Tokyo I did too, and a really good story too behind. Interesting approach how your guest craft the picture and stories.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@SoundMediaVibes]

Great collab video! :)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@yakkun1926]

You guys are awesome! Hope to be able to participate in one of your workshops soon.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! I hope we can start doing them again soon!! :)

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Damn, I love this!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! :)

[@devinsomnia366]

10:10 The street photographer reflex

[@EYExplore]

Yes! :)

[@egornovok3767]

Wow. T his video is somthing special! )

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@philcarter9421]

One of your best! I learnt so much but the best part was you on the slide. Had a really good laugh! Sorry!

[@EYExplore]

Haha, glad to hear that!! I've watched that slide part so many times while editing the video and it makes me laugh every time haha. :)

[@simonbuse434]

I gave it a thumbs up right after 5 seconds 😂

[@EYExplore]

Haha! Well-worth the back pain lol. :)

[@glennsuki8440]

You ever go to Osaka? I live there and have a Nikon Z7 II

[@EYExplore]

Sure, many times! In fact, we posted a recent video from Osaka. :)

[@SKSK-rz7br]

Really enjoyed this video- fascinating .... you two gelled really well ... some great content there .... Was just curious in how Lee ended up living in Japan all this time ???

[@EYExplore]

Thank you! I don't recall, but we can ask him! :)

[@SKSK-rz7br]

@@EYExplore even u guys come to that ... find it fascinating

[@repHAWAIIxJPN]

“Sorry sorry” “No , help me lift these” Not what you usually expect from those moments

[@EYExplore]

Haha, yeah, but that's the beauty of putting yourself out there for these kinds of interactions. It often turns out better than expected. :)

[@rtpwyk]

An old coach of mine once told me 'If you feel like you are cheating, you're doing it right.'

[@EYExplore]

I love it! :)

[@orbital2001]

16:40 that is the good angle for a cat shoot :-)

[@EYExplore]

It is!! :)

[@anatomicshutter3975]

I literally choked on my food because of that slide bit lmfaooo

[@EYExplore]

Haha, that was my goal!! :)

[@shaunsanders5401]

A lovely video. Thank you.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@cotron]

Lol Caught crazy air! Like the buddy shooting video format, could be a trend? ;)

[@cotron]

Nice use of stereo with the audio too!

[@EYExplore]

Haha, yeah! That's the plan. But the video took quite a bit more time to make than a solo one, so it will be a once a month thing or something like that.

[@EYExplore]

@@cotron Glad you noticed!! I had to sneakily flip the channels sometimes when we switched sides haha.

[@dbugatto]

Nice vid .

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@aquilifergroup]

That cat was cool.

[@EYExplore]

Totally! :)

[@linusfotograf]

Are these pre-war or post-war buildings?

[@EYExplore]

I would say most are post-war. Very few buildings survived the war. Also, the generally shoddy construction (corrugated metal on a cheap frame) is a post-war thing. Resources were scarce and things needed to be built cheaply. Also, building codes we not really enforced in the those early days after the war.

[@linusfotograf]

@@EYExplore I suspected as much. Thanks for a great video as always

[@robertstacy8438]

I generally do not ask people if it is ok to take their picture, as I see it is as public space and I am documenting what I see; however, if I ask someone because I sense I need to or I want that person to collaborate with me in a more specific way, such as portrait, then if they say no, I think I am honor bound to respect that, regardless of how great it would be to make a photo of them. You can certainly push by cajoling them forward, but your specific discussion made it very clear your agenda of "preserving their image for posterity," outweighed their dignity and right to be respected. Sorry, I think that's is ethically wrong because if you ask, you are looking for consent, which you did not receive. Lots of ways to look at this, but no picture is worth sacrifices someone's dignity or your self respect.

[@EYExplore]

Same here. Sometimes people do say 'no photo' quite firmly, whether I ask or not, and in those cases I respect their wishes. But there is this gray area where I think people are just shy and go their automatic instinct to say no. I think where we differ is about dignity. I don't think it disrespects someone's dignity to take their photo. You yourself take photos without asking. I'm sure in at least some of those cases if you had asked, they would have said 'no' and yet you took a photo anyway. I think the important thing is not consent, since legally you actually don't need consent in a public place. I think what really matter is whether you are photographing people with respect or not. I think portraying the beauty of people as they are in candid scenes is not damaging their dignity. But of course I respect anyone's opinion who disagrees. This is certainly a topic for debate! :)

[@dale.gallaza]

that lady in the "Cat" scene... Filipina.. "papano ba makita?" "how can I see it?" "Baka ibang lahi" "maybe foreigners" are the words I can catch..

[@EYExplore]

Hehe, yeah I wasn't sure where she was from but figured somewhere in Southeast Asia. :)

[@dale.gallaza]

@@EYExplore hehe. She was speaking tagalog and the Unmistakable friendliness. Anyway, amazing video man!! I just wished i knew about that area when i was still there! It's like a street photographer's paradise..

[@EYExplore]

@@dale.gallaza Thanks!! You'll just have to visit again someday!

[@TaipeiGeek]

We need more Lukasz on the slide videos.

[@EYExplore]

From now on, every time we encounter a slide I will give it a test run! :)

[@foodrushdelivery8950]

The lady beside the cat is a filipino 😁

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, that's what I thought too. :)

[@supermarkomarkomarko]

The only thing that should be better in this video is the sound of the Lee. He was too quiet and, in compare to him, you were too loud. So, next time, just balance it a little bit. Great video as always

[@EYExplore]

Thanks! Yeah, it's tough to balance the two channels because of background noise.

[@jonoschen]

The slide....😁😂 Holy..💩

[@EYExplore]

Haha!! :)

[@SatanSupimpa]

Whoever built that slide probably didn't like kids that much.

[@EYExplore]

Or, kids are fine, but idiot street photographers, not so much, haha. :)

[@DonFather]

If you ask for permission, you're essentially shooting portraits on the street. That is not street photography. Also, it is pretty much the default answer to say NO because what's in it for them? Should news journalists ask every person in their frame for permission?

[@EYExplore]

Totally agree!! :)

[@pept6267]

Bit bizarre the conversation about it being ok to take someone's photo anyway after they've said no. Why ask then. Far less offensive to not ask and take it, than to ask and ignore their request, which is basically disrespecting. Really think that needs a rethink. Otherwise enjoyable vid.

[@EYExplore]

We weren't filming when we got a shot of the lady we were discussing, so it's not clear. But as I explain in the video, we didn't ask. We just took photos, but in the process she bashfully hid her face a bit, though she smiled at us as well. This is what we are discussing. Surely, we would respect an emphatic 'no' but this was not the case here.

[@pept6267]

@@EYExplore Fair call but you were both saying that often in general you "will take the picture anyway, even after they say no" ... unless I misunderstood it. Each to their own and I hope I misunderstood it because each action of street photographers reflects on the genre more broadly. Try taking a photo of someone after you've asked and they said no in somewhere less forgiving haha.

[@EYExplore]

@@pept6267 Again, we're saying some people say 'no' but it's just shyness. Of course, we could be wrong. An emphatic 'no' results in no photo. Also, we could simply not publish it later. There is little harm in taking a photo. Anyway, we all have to choose our own ethics. There are no universal ethics when it comes to street photography.

[@sofadhana1289]

Rationalizing taking the photo anyway when they say no when asked if you can take a photo of them is absolutely the wrong way to go. All your talk about 'it's the price you have to pay' and 'you miss out on great art' etc are all YOUR viewpoints and not theirs. I'm quite honestly appalled.

[@EYExplore]

You're right they are my viewpoints, but this is the right I and all photographers have: to take photos of people in public places. This is a legal right in Japan (and also the US). So, the only question remains is despite the legality, is it ethical? The truth is that this issue has no universal answer and you have to make your own ethics. I believe my ethical code is sound. You may have a different one. I don't believe I hurt this lady in any way, but you are welcome to believe otherwise. In fact, I don't believe photographing someone in a public place is in anyway infringing on their privacy. You don't know anything about this lady. Only her face. How does this harm her? I am not trying to convince you or anyone, just sharing my beliefs on the matter. You may disagree if you want, and you have the right to be appalled! :)

[@aquilifergroup]

Take the shot

[@sampledude8846]

14:27 It's because of all the vaseline you have up there. ;-)

[@EYExplore]

Haha :)

[@kaid3566]

Mostly a good video, though I must say I CRINGED when I heard both of you say that you will take a photo of a person after asking them for permission, after they tell you NOT to. First of all, why do you even ask, if their answer will have no bearing on your actions? It's one thing when someone's being shy, but quite another when they flat-out say "no." In this world of increased surveillance, people's right to privacy should be preserved, I think, *especially* when you've made a personal interaction with that person. Imagine how you'd feel if you were sitting out on the street and, for example, someone close to you had just passed away. You're in public, but you're having a private, sad moment. A happy-go-lucky photographer comes up to you and asks for permission to take your photo, you say no, they take the photo anyways and walk away. I would be PISSED! So: please try to convince me why, as a photographer and in more broad terms as a person (and a male at that), you feel that you ever have the right to turn a "no" into a "yes" in order to take a photo.

[@EYExplore]

I feel like we explained it pretty clearly in the video. As you say, if someone is very firm, of course I leave the alone. But as Lee and I discussed, sometimes if you push just a little, people open up and are okay with it. We also said that we wouldn't want to portray people in a bad light. So, to go with your example of a sad moment, I wouldn't take that photo. I feel like you didn't really hear what we were saying, jumped to a bunch of conclusions and made some straw-man arguments. Also, what does me being male have to do with it? Anyway, I explained my ethos clearly in the video and I stand by it. I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with me and I'm not trying to change your mind. You are welcome to believe what you want. :)

[@harryp6312]

Muffled voices, no facial expressions 👎

[@EYExplore]

Um... what? Are you referring to our masks? It's funny because some other people complain when we don't wear masks. You just can't make every one happy. :)