So from tomorrow we have a bit of a holiday, only a couple of days but welcome none the less. Sue has an assignment in Kyoto for Visit Japan and seeing as how her budget would cover a trip there for me as well, she’s taking me along with her. It’ll probably be the last time we visit Kyoto, so I’m looking forward to it.
I could easily pitch some ideas to different people to get an assignment when we’re down there so we could make some more money from the trip, but to be honest I want to just enjoy the trip. We’ve already been to Sapporo, Osaka and Kanazawa on assignment/holiday this year and that has meant traveling with lighting gear, back up cameras, most of our lenses…..this time I just want to enjoy the trip as it’s probably going to be the last time we visit Kyoto. Last year we went to Kyoto for 4 days, had a bit of a holiday but probably spent a bit too time taking stock photos, this time I just want to enjoy the trip and not think of any of it as being about work. To that end, we’re packing lightly and quite differently from usual. At the moment it contains the 5DmkII, 50mm f1.2L, 100mm macro 2.8L, the Mamiya 7II and 65mm f4 lens(which I think I haven’t used in 3 years), Sue’s old lomo LCA and a canon S95 which we borrowed from our friend as we recently sold our S90 (we are going to get an S100 when it comes out) and some film. As I’m writing this though I think I may even just take the macro lens out:
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot of what I am as a photographer. The last few years it’s mostly been about photos for work, either I’m on assignment, or when we book a holiday I then try to find a client to give us work, or take lots of stock images that can be used in guidebooks etc. I’ve really loved doing it all, I’m really happy about all that I’ve accomplished, but these days I don’t carry a camera unless I am thinking about work. 10 years ago I had a camera with me everyday, taking photos of really random stuff just for myself and I got as much pleasure from that as I do now when I’m doing it for a pay check. I kind of want to feel like I’m going to take more photos for me before I leave Japan, some images in film as well as digital which will be solely for our memories of our time in Japan. I’m planning to have some days when I just go out wandering again, camera in hand taking photos of whatever catches my eye. That’s what I did when I first arrived here and I want to have a little bit more of that in my life again before I leave.
Anyway, for those who haven’t seen many photos of Kyoto, here are some I took last year to give you an idea:
Since I started writing Sue’s decided she doesn’t need her LCA, so a bit less in the bag now as well…wonder if I’ll take something out as well.
6 Comments
Have a nice trip! Great images from Kyoto
When are the move over seas taking place?
Cheers Goran, we will have a good trip.
Back to Scotland late March/early April next year. Fingers crossed we can get enough work there too
With your brilliant team efforts it will be no problem getting plenty of job!
Beautiful series of Kyoto Will–the extracted portrait of the girl is breathtaking
Great images Will. I always liked your statement – A journey through a lens. That is so appropriate to your outstanding and professional work and all the places your photography has taken you and shared to us. Visiting your site is always an adventure. I personally have not traveled much and to see and read about your travels is like reading a book, so very interesting. You have experienced photography and life that most of us can only dream about. Best of luck in your future endeavors and hope you continue to share your adventures with us.
Thanks for the kind words Christopher. Kyoto is a real photographers dream, it’s hard to go there and not get a bad photo.
John, thanks for the time you put into your comment, I really appreciate it. I really enjoy sharing what I do and it really means a lot to me that you enjoy it so much.
Many thanks everyone.