Symbolizing loyalty and longevity in Asian culture, the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is an elusive creature. Tall and majestic, these birds can live up to 30 years in captivity, but their habitat has been severely restricted. To see them, photographer Alex Yazlovsky made the long journey from the United States to the Japanese island of Hokkaido, which is home to a growing non-migratory population. Documenting these elegant birds against the white snow, Yazlovsky provides a rare glimpse into their behavior.
In taking his photographs, Yazlovsky was inspired by the minimalist approach of Japanese sumi-e. This tradition of black ink painting focuses on the essence of a subject, with a monochromaticism that he found alluring. “Sumi-images often depict landscapes, flowers, birds, and other natural themes, meant to evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature,” he tells My Modern Met.
Thanks to the snowy white background that Hokkaido provides, Yazlovsky achieved his goal. His photos capture the grace, elegance, and form of the red-crowned cranes, clearing away any outside distraction. By stripping away the exterior noise, his images also allow us to focus on their behavior. Social, yet monogamous, movement plays a big role in the lives of red-crowned cranes.
Dancing and calling inform all aspects of the cranes’ lives, from mating and playing to shooing away other members of the flock. Yazlovsky captures these moments in images with the cranes’ beaks open and wings outstretched. Often shown solitarily, or in pairs, they cut a mesmerizing figure against the white snow.
“Against the serene, snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, red-crowned cranes performed a breathtaking winter ballet,” Yazlovsky recalls. “Photographing these graceful dancers not only celebrates their beauty but also supports vital conservation efforts, raising awareness for this endangered species.”
Scroll down to see more of the photographer’s enchanting photos and stay up to date on his adventures by following him Alex Yazlovsky on Instagram.
Photographer Alex Yazlovsky flew from the United States to Japan to photograph red-crowned cranes.
These large birds symbolize longevity and loyalty in Asian culture, but are unfortunately endangered.
Yazlovsky’s photographs were influenced by the minimalism of Japanese sumi-e paintings.
Alex Yazlovsky: Website | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Alex Yazlovsky.
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AloJapan.com