This shot was taken in Tokyo from inside the Yurikamome elevated train. After taking all the classic shots everyone takes in Japan, I went in a chase for my bucket shot, and I wanted a shot nobody had ever taken. So why not mix a long exposure with two famous landmarks from Tokyo? It's easier thought than done.
It was my last night in Japan, and to get the photo the exact way I visualised it, I had a 2-hour window from the moment the Tower lights would go on till 8 pm when they would change colours.
This shot took countless attempts. I needed two conditions: a train on the opposite track and a clear spot at the front window. To align everything, I had to exit one station past the location, take a train back one stop, and then re-board the next train toward the tower, repeating the process for two hours.
Even with the perfect setup, the real challenge began. I had to shoot handheld at 191mm, from a moving train, capturing a static background while another train passed by in motion—all at 0.4 sec shutter speed.
The final image had a slight ghosting effect due to the train’s movement (*191mm 0.4 sec at 2.8 and ISO 200). To ensure perfect sharpness, I took a second shot (1/60 sec, at 2.8, ISO1000. 200mm) of the background and blended it with the motion frame, creating the final image.
I ended up with two photos from this location and a third from a different spot.
That is the second composition.
*The original photo (single shot) is in my portfolio.