Street Photography in Japan is HARD (at the moment)

[@rosemarygovan6180]

I do not usually comment on photography videos that I see, but I just wanted to say, this is the best video I have seen in a long time.

[@LukaszPalkaPhoto]

For me it is simple: I don't go out to shoot with ANY preconceptions of what I'm going to shoot. When I want to shoot I just choose a place and go. I can see how if you *want* something in particular, it can be frustrating when you don't find it (a I certainly use to carry this mentality). But if you go out with an open mind and accept whatever the city has to offer, then you will be rewarded with remarkable things. Openness is key for any kind of artistic discovery. "Empty your mind... be water, my friend."

[@ivunchow]

There's nothing easy about street photography, it's always a constant struggle to find the motivation to do it. Even when you do get off your ass to go shoot, you're not guaranteed results. You just have to be stubborn AF to get good at it. What Alex said though, if you're not feeling it, just stop, there's no point forcing it. Another great video, a lot of wisdom shared. Stay safe!

[@stuartmeador8993]

Glad to see you three out there. When you are bored... 1)buy more equipment 2)Make large prints 3)change venue 4)do a 1 lens-1 subject type assignment 5)watch videos of other bored photographers

[@eddewes8409]

not bad advice

[@kaeru_sami]

What helps me a lot of times on a bad day is just: A) turn of my display B) just walk around and take picture C) when I'm feeling done i grab a cup of coffee and look through the images, if nothing's "good enough" I at least had a nice walk

[@AlexOnStreets]

Thanks for making us speak up about this. Another point I want to make is just like any country you have to make your own opportunities to take good photos. Very rarely does it fall into your lap by just being outside. So having a plan of attack for what exactly you want to shoot before going out is the best approach.

[@fellowcitizen]

Ulysses' eye movement reactions add important inflection to the conversation

[@timsaputo306]

I don’t usually ever comment, but this video was really great. A very human and real take on what we’re all going through. Really refreshing to hear the honesty.

[@AlexSinclair]

This is such a fascinating and specific time capsule for the future. A lot of these frustrations suck right now, but it will be interesting to see how everyone's work develops in reaction to it. The honesty of this video had a much greater impact on me that what I expected when I clicked.

[@UlyssesAokiPhoto]

Great video with local insight! I remember when I was just starting photography, there was so much I learned from these more conversational videos. Hopefully this video can serve something like that for some people... Great stuff 倫太郎！

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Cheers man

[@hippo_hq]

Your shots, or rather, your solutions to not having human emotion are very interesting and I enjoyed seeing them. It's amazing how creativity really flourishes through difficulty - or how limitations can push creativity (as you mentioned). I always say that comfort is the true enemy of creativity. Keep going, man! Excited to see more. Cheers to all of you.

[@fellowcitizen]

Really enjoying your conversation :) Saw a Meyerowitz interview from December in which he discussed his similar challenges, and stated that he had decided to take daily self-portraits for the first time as a result of the lockdowns etc (not sure of the channel; a Swedish gallery with a NYC presence)

[@Igor_Velin]

4:09 Absolutely the masterpiece! Positive shot with beautiful japanese eyes, eyebrows and hearcut! Thanks for sharing.

[@-grey]

To improve my motivation, I give myself a challenge. Some extra parameters to game-ify my process. Recently I put electrical tape on my X-70 to shoot only 2:1 crops. Giving my eye something new to look for is something new to appreciate. Shoot only vertical for a week. Shoot only red things for a week. Shoot light in black and white. Shoot for maximum layers. Shoot houses at night. Shoot from the floor, with a flip screen. Compose for colour. Shoot only details, roof tops, texture, pieces of life, etc.

[@_parkphoto]

Dude, this was such a good conversation. I’m not sure when this video was recorded, but last Friday I was actually in a Clubhouse room with Ulysses (was Alex there too?) and Gajan and Stockezy. I spoke on Patience in photography and really hit on the same points that Ulysses is talking about in this video. Early on in my photography I would get very anxious about making each photograph a “work of art.” It took me years to learn that it’s okay to go out and shoot without that focus. To relax my mind and just be drawn to what speaks to me. Another facet of patience: I’ll drive by a scene, a potential composition, 8 times sometimes without taking the shot until I feel that I’ve figured out how to make it work. But the patience has its reward when I finally find the composition that speaks to me. It’s at least better than taking a shot because I feel like “I have to,” without really feeling the emotion that drove me to that shot in the first place. Great points in this video, I love conversations surrounding the philosophy of how we shoot.

[@Sarielify]

Yes photography is therapeutic, it’s the peace of framing, stopping, thinking about doing something beautiful

[@abrooklyngirllinda]

i appreciate this video so much, samuel. its good to "keep it real" and that is why you have so much integrity in what you do (+ why people love/ respect you). anyway, this was all good + appreciated.

[@todd92371]

Ulysses Aoki - Man... please don't be too frustrated. Your work in this phase is amazing.

[@reisgc]

This video reflects the mood of these times. In fact, it brings the spirit of the street photography. It is the registry of our moment. Very human and appropriate. I can assure that the feeling is the same all around the world.

[@TkyoSam]

This was actually really informative. Thank you for uploading this.

[@JosephEhrenpreis]

I really like Uly's comment about randomizing your limitations to be more productive. That was great advice! He really thinks like a composer

[@gabequezada2066]

One of the best and few videos on "not feeling it" when it comes to a bad shooting day.. This really needs to be talked about more...Thank you Samuel, you brought up a very good topic that I think most people feel..

[@Acoustiguns]

Thanks for this. Hearing that a lot of photographers are experiencing this right now makes me feel less alone in these feelings. I've been so absolutely bored when walking around the streets of my City with a camera lately. I already live in a very cautious, reserved city (Victoria, Canada), which makes it a little more difficult at the best of times. But right now the streets are empty and desolate.

[@kevinchen2856]

Thanks for making this video! When having a bad day doing street photography, taking a break has always been a great solution for me. I would just put down the camera and walk around without thinking anything about photography. Just trying to see the world with a different mindset. I often feel relieved doing this and sometimes even start to appreciate the beautiful aspect of the world that I didn't really notice when taking photos. It's not always about photography I guess, sometimes it's about enjoying and appreciating everything.

[@julianheritage6436]

The last 15 months I've not done any street photography like many folks. I headed into the woods to focus on landscape photography. For the first 3 months of 2021, I took no photos at all. The last month I've ventured out to try street again and to my surprise found it way more difficult. Comforting to see I'm not the only one, great video.

[@jmbaug1229]

Thanks ! Probably the best photography KZbin content ! 🤍

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Much appreciated Javier!

[@ZoneFocused]

Man this is EXACTLY how I feel here in Okayama. I mean it’s already a small city, and not many people, so all of the covid on top of all of everything yall spoke of makes it extremely hard to shoot people. My photography has gone the same way, more architecture, more light, inanimate objects. I find myself not shooting as much the same way. But yea it sucks. I try to tell people from living here that like you said, Japan isn’t the massive street photographers dream that it has been painted as. Hopefully it will get better and people will really open up when life gets back to normal. Thanks for the video!

[@CheapCharlieChronicles]

My thoughts on Japan, been going there since 2001 though never did much street photography there. The nighttime is the best time for street photography, daytime in Japan is just people going to and from work. But in the evening the bars and restaurants are open people start to let their hair down and there are neighborhoods all over Tokyo where people are doing just that. Also nighttime draws upon that mystical blade runner quality of the urban environment. Another point is that Japanese cities are so vast its easy to be in a boring area and miss the cool areas which are often just some random, non descript neighborhood. Every neighborhood has it's own sort of "downtown" centered on the train station. Most of these neighborhoods are beyond the Yamanote Green Line. A third point is avoid the actual downtown when doing street photography, as that is mostly miles of office and government buildings. A final point is that Japan street photography can draw upon the unique Japanese urban environment, the endless cities, the impressive train system, much of Japan street photography is capturing this everyday rhythm of life in what I think are some of the greatest cities in the world.

[@rashikgmc9141]

Thanks a bunch for this man! It’s so relatable even from the point of view of a beginner like me. There are often days where just don’t feel like it, hearing your thoughts and experience is really a lot inspiring moreover a nice relief.

[@johnfretz1938]

I think I got this tip from one of your guests Samuel, and it's helped me break out of tough times creatively. Shoot through a different keyhole. Change your perspective, or subject matter, or camera, or location, or the time of day you shoot...something. Go out with the intent to look for something different than you normally would. Do a series on Japanese vending machines, or car culture, or whatever you think is special or different, or just catches your interest.

[@JayRegular]

Truth spoken in this video, it really is hard to force it if motivation or creativity isn't there. If it wasn't for creating content for youtube, I would skip heaps of street sessions and chalk it down to being uninspired. And even though the restrictions in Australia isn't as bad compared to the rest of the world, it's the same that there still isn't a lot of interactions or interesting things happening despite the increase in pedestrians. Great video and nice pep talks from all of you guys!

[@bqfilms]

This is great, I havent been feeling, had bad days on the street lately and having other people expressing their frustration makes me realize there's nothing wrong with me

[@tom_corremans]

I've completely stopped doing street photography since the pandemic hit. I'm focusing more on the professional side of photography which is a whole new challenge. Building a business and getting your photos up to snuff for a client to pay for it, that's just a whole new precedent, but it's also very fun. There's so many sides to photography, everyone has things that they can get excited about to have in front of your lens. It's all one big journey!

[@AlexOnStreets]

So true man.

[@tom_corremans]

@@AlexOnStreets also please don't die Alex ❤️😄

[@RuggeroCarrara]

Extremely interesting video. I appreciate so much your honesty doing these kind of videos. You’re always one of the best Samu, my compliments!

[@jacobnathanielhicks7750]

Great stuff as always. I’ve been trying to put together some interviews about street photography in Bangkok lately, but even that is hard to get done. Your videos are an inspiration and shooting street has been incredibly rough. Hope you find some fun days of shooting soon!

[@amitsh71]

Awesome you guys opened up and shared your stories. This was an honest chat and I am sure many will relate to it. 📷

[@MoodyDen]

Real talks. Really refreshing and a great remind why we are out on the street

[@RohamBroccoli]

I think (looking at my own photojourney) that frustrations comes often with inappropriate expectations. If you look historically at the most important and the greatest photographers, we see that sometimes they did not even live when their images became "iconic". I think social media does not show you the "behind the curtain" . You often only see the "success". There is a lot of wear and tear before success comes. In any case, you have to do what you want to be good at over a longer period of time. Often longer than you think. Even then, success is no guarantee. So, I go more then often for a walk, it happens that I have a camera in my hand. Whether I'm capable of capturing a decisive moment or not, I've at least gone for a walk. With low shoulders. Because, when I want that one picture SOO much, I tend to take my worst pictures.

[@seongslee]

Although I'm not really a street photographer, I can totally relate to the dilemmas mentioned in the video as a current resident of Japan!

[@hnguyen218]

Moar of these talks. Great outside perspective vs local viewpoint regarding the lack of emotion of Japanese people. Btw, I love the direction Ulysses is heading. So inspirational 💯

[@eddie_g]

Alex and Ulysses are like the two personalities on my shoulders speaking to me. But we all agree with each other.

[@-grey]

I spent a few months living in different places around Japan since we were locked in, and there were no flights out. I found street photography is hard outside of certain times and certain areas. Osaka was quite difficult, because there is a lot more space in the street downtown, it feels almost like an American city. And Kyoto is pretty empty outside of the promenade or the University area off of the river, and even then you need to be around for rush hour or the bar crawl. If you go out at midday for sunny 16 street photography you'll only see one or two old ladies shuffling around, buying a few ingredients. Also, sunrise is at 3:30 or 4am, so if you want to beat the Kyoto summer haze that the mountains trap in, you've got to be up pretty early for nice light. Tokyo is way easier, but it's still possible to go one street over from the main shopping street and be in a ghost town.

[@jamesamoh7340]

It’s nice to see this side of yours. We all need to embrace failure so we can learn and adapt. I for sure I have experienced failure multiple times in my life before bouncing back to an acceptable achievement I set for myself. Good luck and blessings!!

[@hendrixg]

Crossing my fingers that everyone's street photography instincts and flow come back with a vengeance when the time comes. I relate with regards to it being healthy for you. It creates mindfulness and walking reduces stress.

[@peregrinacarlos]

"Take a break, don't force yourself". I really liked that.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Florida is street photography paradise 😎

[@fellowcitizen]

William Klein and many others trained as artists and then became photographers, perhaps at this time it's worth exploring other media, like collage (with laser-raptors, of course) or vignettes/cinemagraphs of scenes (Sigma fp has special features here, I think; your b footage reminded me of this). Also, boring subjects can be sequenced and curated into an arc (harmonic or disruptive) which is interesting or representative.

[@AlexScene]

I live in Tokyo, and I fully agree with the first part! Finding people interacting is really difficult here. I thought I was the only one.

[@davidsaylors]

I have had similar issues lately. Thanks for sharing this with us. 👍📸

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

This was surprisingly cathartic. Yet the pandemic (for me) has also been a catalyst to focus on what matters creatively (and otherwise). It may be somewhat boring outdoors in terms of our liveliness and expression (on the streets)-but there is so much intensity of life happening inside each of us right now ✨

[@mb-watches]

It’s interesting how these times change hobbies or passions in many ways. A really interesting perspective, again, great you decided to upload this one. It’s not every time about some epic shots but also about the struggle. Thanks for sharing, cheer up, summer is coming. have a great weekend, best, Konstantin

[@TitoSlack]

Thanks for the video, every day can't be a banger day 😁

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Exactly😁

[@jinx49080]

I'm taking pictures in Osaka. I learned how to take street photos, which was a great learning experience.

[@yakamo]

Great video!This past year has been so difficult for photography, i keep going out but i feel like im on auto pilot and not getting that same buzz as before. Hope you get your mojo back soon!

[@dylanhill6736]

I love capturing images in Japan not far from my home.

[@MIikel17]

i liked this a lot, i been struggling with my photography for months bc i can't go outside due to the lockdowns and it's so frustrating not be able to do it and see videos of people in other countrys doing it without problems sometimes gets me excited and sometimes makes me mad bc i want to do the same and can't. i try to stay positive but it's hard, i'm not a big fan of self portraits but i'm doing it more often bc i can't do nothing else.

[@mitchelljonesjr.6602]

I sometimes feel the same way and I live in nyc this was a well appreciated and relatable video

[@demazy]

Very interesting matters Sam! Everyone has to decide for themselves, consciously or unconsciously, wether they want to expect and reach a certain result despite the nature of the situation, circumstances and environment or embrace and adapt to what is and try to capture what is which is in itself, the challenge.

[@deannebalas1077]

The commentary during the focus troubles was the perfect ending to this video.

[@michelleungkut2628]

Why should we expect things to be as they were 2 years ago ? It is certainly not and the reality you experience may be hard but it is reality. What is the aim of street photography ? Is it just to depict lively emotions or to show what we find in the street. Currently, a sense of depression is what we find in the street and what a lot of us are experiencing individually as well. So maybe it is what has to be shown. Anyway great video, there’s a lot that can be said about the feeling of failure and how failures help us to find new ways. And art always find its way, especially in hard times.

[@milesmatic2872]

Awesome take on street photography!

[@matthewbell7014]

If I am having a bad day while out taking photos and not finding any good shots I just carry on walking and forget about shooting, enjoy the walk knowing tomorrow it’ll be different.😊👍📷🎞

[@larrysalaets7088]

Nice listening to the talk, but, I have to be honest -- the little girl dancing at the end stole the show!

[@thisisforhermusic]

I could relate to pretty much everything that was said in this video. Definitely strange times, even still, it's not really got any easier. My own photography has taken a shift, I just feel more uncomfortable taking pictures of people on the street and I definitely feel people have become hyper sensitive. I've had more run ins with people when I've tried to get back into shooting people than I ever did before and now I just feel a bit weird doing it these days

[@Whunter20th]

I live in a rural area in Japan. Going to the city to take photos sometimes seems like I am putting myself and those close to me at risk for my hobby. It would be awesome to go out every weekend and shoot something. I definitely have been feeling frustrated so it is nice to see even people who have much more experience and skill still are trying to find ways to deal.

[@rafski123]

Alex has a point - take a nap. I got my second Covid shot this week and it knocked me out for two days, didn't want to do anything other than lay down, drink tea and dream about lifting my camera and going out and shoot. Just hoping that this all works out and we will be dancing like the girl at the end of the clip soon!

[@paulrigas]

I also noticed that "Void" has not been posting much. The alternative could be city scapes, night neon, or drone work.

[@dustinroderick]

Myself and most of my friends here in NYC feel the same way. It’s not easy right now, even with restrictions lifting, the city is much less alive. People are much more aware of their immediate surroundings and much more cautious of people entering their space. So even if there is a good moment or character, it’s much harder to get close. The timing on this video is uncanny, I threw in the towel early yesterday, after having one of the least productive and frustrating weeks in recent memory. Glad to know I’m not alone.

[@my_obscure_epoch9346]

I always try to remember; the potential for great photographs is all around all the time, it is up to us as street photographers to see the beauty, the sorrow, the human connection, the neon, the underbelly, the whimsy, see whatever it is we're in search of. It's all a matter of finding the right mindset which granted, is easier said than done.

[@geastman]

After a few months of the lockdown in Seattle, I went out to photograph the murals on boarded up buildings and empty streets. As people began to go out more, I went back to shooting some street photography and forced myself to stay out for a couple of hours. (I have a long-term project so that also gave me a reason to go out.) I moved to a smaller city in Dec, so far, not much street photography...trying to find projects for myself.

[@benbarling3790]

Thank you guys. I'm based in Bangkok and haven't been out to shoot for months. :-)

[@karoadlmanninger1112]

Again, your video(s) is helpful, consolingly...... so THANK YOU for cheering everybody up even if you had a bad day. You turned a loss in a victory.

[@wafa1253]

Can definitely relate to the loss of inspiration. Try out different types of photography like b&w vs color helps me see things differently. Really love seeing these videos, it would be awesome to be able to go to Japan to take pictures when everything is much safe.

[@streetphotography]

Great video! Hoping for the best with Japan and that the streets go back to normal

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thank you man! Summer is close so lets stay positive! :)

[@artemutrov5027]

Thank you for honest conversation~

[@Teckle_Biscuits]

Thank you Samuel

[@janek7745]

Hey Samuel! Do as Alex has said, take a break and enjoy it :-) if you expect to get a banger photo every day, somethings wrong with your mindset. Every day is a great day for taking photographs, but maybe not for street photography. But so what!? Personally I love crowded streets as well, but my Berlin sweet spots are rather empty at the moment. My advice, enjoy the silence and capture the beauty of it...

[@aramdavid]

Man I feel this. I think I took one photo I like in the last year. I used to shoot every day. I sold all my gear. My Leica, my GR, everything. Im trying to break this feeling by having no outlet and hoping to break back in with a vengeance.

[@catherinejoanpiazza420]

I appreciate hearing the struggles and frustrations which can be experienced everywhere really. Try Arkansas for the new GOLD Standard in frustrating street photography, LOL. Seriously, it makes me more interested in Hansen's style of street work.

[@gabrielthomas9482]

I live in France and i tottaly agree with you

[@etiennelinder]

Great video ! It was really interesting. Thank you

[@vitthavasniponkit4513]

Keep shooting, Even you just only got 1 fantastic frame in that bad day. You still have 1 frame!!!, It's better than nothing. Hope to see you guys in Japan after the pandamic. Cheers

[@gii_vannile]

Street Photography in Japan is HARD . Yes , it is . Thank you very much . May 8th 2021 Sat. 19:50 from Yokohama City Japan

[@detroitgagt]

this was really good content, something different...I think every shooter is going through it some type of way. I personally just came to Yokosuka jp and I love the energy but some places I've been look nice for the architecture but I don't feel connected by the people and not knowing the language it really sucks but time will heal this wound look at the states

[@ferencbodor]

damn, what a beautiful video. thank you for being so real!

[@DarkstarDarth]

Awesome content guys, staying positive and patient in this zombie mask apocalypse is stressfully but we must be resilient and keep marching on. Yes it's more challenging to get a good shot but that's what makes photography a test for the dedicated shooters who don't see surrender as an option.

[@RalphStriewski]

Wonderful honest video! Thanks!

[@bill3117]

I haven't traveled in over a year due to the Pandemic. I feel more comfortable doing street photography outside the city in which I live. I wear a mask, and of course most people wear masks. I do understand the importance of mask wearing. However, the mask thing has pretty much killed street photography for me. Also, I never realized how much we communicate with each other via facial expressions! Even the simplest verbal communication (especially with strangers) can be misinterpreted without people seeing my face. I know I need to adapt socially and adapt to the new normal in reference to my amateur photography. It is a hobby to me, but it is such a big part of my life. In a few days I've been asked to shoot a retirement BBQ. Even though this in in an outdoor environment, it will be a smallish patio. I'm wondering how to approach taking photos while in theory social distancing is in effect. Thank you for sharing your very personal thoughts this "new normal" restrictive environment!

[@Teeum5]

😂 "I can't wait to go back to lockdown Germany." This was the best message at all! 😂 Thank you guys for sharing your thoughts. Greetings from Mainz!

[@PavelSvyadosts]

Thanks for sharing this theme!

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the topic!

[@lorenzocatena6377]

The streets are different at the moment, should we adapt and change our approach while waiting for what we consider normal and more engaging? Great video 🙏🏻❤️ I found that trying something different gave me reasons to explore more and to see even more possibility around my “environment” - everything / everyone can be photographed with your vision! This could help!

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Great advice man! This is a rare opportunity to try new things and allow oneself to experiment. If there is nothing to miss out on, then there is no fear of missing out anymore lol. It will be interesting to see what we will do post-covid in terms of art & photography.

[@lorenzocatena6377]

@@SamuelStreetlife can’t wait! 😅😅😅

[@syamirulazim3784]

Photography keeps my sanity in check, I guess photography is apart of my world and without it, it’s like I’m not able to function

[@Caiusky]

This is the time we are living in. The challenge is to portrait the changes, portrait detachment and lack of feeling. So, no excuses :)

[@KonSimpl72]

["I sold all my videogames recently, yeah ... most, a lot of them".]

[@hendrixg]

He just bought pokemon snap...

[@KonSimpl72]

@@hendrixg I mean, how can a grown man resist.

[@LC-nd9hv]

You have to have a fishing mentality rather than a hunting mentality with street photography. Great video.

[@ruberedfield8349]

I shot street is Japan for 20 years, and did not find it very difficult at all. My wife did, though, because I am a rather large gaijin, and she a small Japanese. But we left for Spain 3 years ago, before the pandemic so I cannot comment on that. Spain is great for street photography as well, though.

[@billybolang7052]

You probably should try Nashville 'TN ... Try hangout with Joe Greer.. That was crazy sick down there! billion of emotions

[@Fuzzbrause]

Actually I see a certain advantage in this situation… all interesting places (at least here in Berlin) used to be crowded … now they are abandoned… since I love putting people into relation to their environment it is easier to get good composition for instance with one person framed by a nice building… it’s suits me since I don’t like to get to close

[@AZUXQ]

I am Japanese and have a camera as a hobby. Looking at overseas street snapshots, Japanese people feel closed. When you talk to them and take a picture of them, they often give you permission. The police may come without permission. The Japanese don't really like being able to point a big SLR camera suddenly.

[@matazor7760]

light conversation for hard themes :)

[@Randuski]

God damn i miss the street. I live in Reno NV, and the only time people are out is during events, which are rare, and now it's just a ghost town. Just homeless people, and i don't like shooting em. Some day. Haha

[@aboutphotography]

Great video, thank for sharing!

[@MarkPuke13]

Can’t wait love your work

[@SamuelStreetlife]

Thank you🙏