I typically try to avoid the "iconic" shots, as they have been shot by everyone and their dog, thus any image taken there will be compared to those taken before it. However, upon my 4th visit to Yamanashi, I decided to try my hand at (probably) the most photographed location and composition in Japan. This Pagoda with Fuji is basically Japan's Kirkjufell and has been photographed by the likes of Elia Locardi and Brendan Van Son. However, while they both photographed it in Spring, I decided to take a spin at a winter shot. Unfortunately I missed the snow by one day, but I did get a few interesting clouds to make up for it. This definitely isn't the best image taken from this location, but it's a better image than I expected to get, given the lack of super interesting conditions. I'm on the fence about it's portfolio worthiness, but regardless, it was worth the trip.
I'll eventually return to grab some spring photos, but given the increase in hotel prices during peak season and the unreliable weather in spring, I don't expect that will be this year, haha. Let me know what you think.
I like how the sun highlights only the left side of the pagoda! I would try to even darken the side in the shadows to give it a more dramatic look.
Looks like there's something like a mist in the lower part of the mountain - it can be emphasized a little, as it could add some more interesting thing in the picture.
Maybe removing the cable from the pagoda would be a good touch :)
All in all - it is a beautiful spot with a fantastic scene! Cheers!
Luckily the sun rises to the left, and the dark side is protected by the forest, it gives it the natural contrast during sunrise. I was super excited when I saw that side start lighting up.
As for the mist, I think it's more of a haze, it's more or less a constant in Japan, especially around Fuji. It tends to standout a little more in photos than in real life. I'm not sure if I like it or not, haha.
As for the cable. I thought about getting rid of it, but since it's a religious structure, I'm wary of adding or removing anything, since I don't know if it's just a cable or if it has some significance to this particular location. I haven't seen a cable/rope like this on other pagoda, so I'm not sure what it's for. Also, when I asked my wife (who is Japanese) she said it's probably best to leave it as is just in case... though she also had no idea what it's for, so it is possible it could just be a cable, haha.
Thanks for your thoughts!
love that view Jordan have you tried this shot doing a 2 or 3 shot pan so you can see the rest of the mountain taper off?
I was thinking of doing a pano, but to the left of Fuji there isn’t much to see, so I changed my mind upon arrival. It just kind of continues to go left at a slight slope. Despite popular belief, Mount Fuji isn’t quite as symmetrical or prefect as depicted in art. On top of that a wider shot would make Fuji and the pagoda look less prominent due to the empty space that would be added.
how about planning for a foggy morning would that do anything for it or even a night shot
I actually did a star trails photo, because I’ve never seen anyone do them from this location.
However, due to a combination of my lack of experience (first time doing star trails), zero hours of sleep, blood loss (I get a lot of nosebleeds in Yamanashi), the freezing cold and exhaustion, I completely botched it. My cheap gear didn’t help either. This is a prototype of something I’ll hopefully try again when I get my D850. This one is instagram worthy, but so far 4 hours of processing hasn’t made it look useable at a bigger size.
As for fog, they do apparently get fog and cloud inversions, but I’ve been told they are very rare, and even the hotel owner I talked to has only photographed it twice, despite living there his whole life. The weather in Japan is the dictionary definition of unpredictable. I’ve literally been looking at a weather app telling me is sunny while standing in the rain, haha.
If I had more time I would, but that would either require someone to pay me to take the photo, or a divorce, I’m sure you understand, haha
lol that last part made me crack up...this is an awesome first attempt you know im in a worse boat than you im not sure if im going for the 850 but at least a 750 i have to try this in the summer though
Well, to be honest the D850 is wishful thinking. However, luckily my wife doesn’t really care about me spending money, as long as I don’t spend all of it. Plus, I’ll be getting it used, so I’ll be shaving off about 700 dollars of the price right there. I was thinking about the D750, but the anti-aliasing filter is kind of a deal breaker for me and after owning a camera with a touch screen I can never go back to not having a touch screen (I’m honestly shocked at how much I rely on it). Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a solid camera, it’s just not for me, personally. I hope you’re able to get yours soon!
dude this 3300 is killing me in low light lol same to you
Yeah, I think the D3300 has more than a few limitations, haha.
I’m also looking into the Nikon Z6, I know nothing about the quality, but the lighter weight and lower price tag, even with an adapter, is very appealing.
im waiting on mirrorless to be perfected