We went to the famous Shinto Shrine in Kyoto, and I struggled with composition in my photography a bit.
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I’m not great with composition. As a professional photographer, that’s not even something I’m ashamed to admit. I struggle with it, and as a result I really lean on the rules of composition to make it work.
On the Japan photography vlog today, I found myself in a battle with not only composition, but also crowds of tourists.
I’m impressed. In Japan, the tourists are up at the very first light. In fact, they’re up before it. It used to be the case that only photographers came to places like the shrine in Kyoto this early. But, I think instagram and other social medias have changed that. Now, everyone is a photographer, and everyone knows that to get the best light and the lightest crowds, you need to go at sunrise.
So, being rushed by tourists pushing through the shrine definitely didn’t help me with my composition.
But, it was still a fun Japan photography vlog to film. This Japan series in general has just been a blast. I’ve loved every minute of it. Even with the crowds.
45 Comments
Hey Brendan, based on what you said at the temple about your composition skills, is there anything that you actively do to improve? I would really like to hear your thoughts on this as it had been a struggle of mine for quite some time.
What a building. And the walk was cool. Thanks!
For that escalator you should have got your helper to set up the tripod like 10 ft in front of you and then had a long exposure of you going down…
This is really cool, thank you for explaining what you are using! It really helps to visualize the differences.
Loving these blogs!
if your still in kyoto make sure you eat in the tiny restauurant calld Modern Times. The Owner is so cool and most times pretty drunk, very fun location
💖💖💖
Very true. Once you had sushi in Tokyo, it will never be the same in another country…
Some great shots at the temple(gates) but please don't use that music again, could not stop whistling to it AH!
You are way too cheery to be uo at 445. Lol. I dunno how ya do it. Even when im excited to be up for something thst early, im still not THAT happy. 😂
i totally agree with you-i think these 50mm shot is the best…of course 35mm looks ok too. btw-say hello to jodie from me 🙂 you had great model .. i still think your vids from norway and japan are the best thing you did so far
I think you have more energy than the duracell energizer bunny BvS!
haha @alajode face in the last few frames. Funneh girl. No glass floors please, I don't like heights at the best of times!
You feel rushed with composition….try wild life photography….LOL. You're shots were good. I think you did good with the compositions. Showing closer in the bend of the walk way for what's on the poles to patterns in the long shots showing depth. I think you nailed it pretty good for a crunched time shoot.
Your comment about not being able to buy a hamburger from a vending machine in Japan made me chuckle. I can remember when you could do that in NYC, even after you were born. Google "Automat" or "Horn & Hardart" sometime. Basically, all-machine restaurants. It was the "wave of the future" from the late '40s or so into the early '80s. Looks like Japan really took to that idea and is still running with it.
To think I almost didn't subscribe …… now your vlogs are a big part of my evening viewing 👍🏻📸 great stuff Sir !
Jodie's coat blends in too much – she needed a contrasting colour coat (Green, yellow).
So glad I found your channel! Fellow Canuck (Montrealer) and leaving for my first trip to Japan in 2 days. Your photography tips will help me a lot, thank you!! I have really enjoyed your series and have told so many people your story of finding your host family, it added a whole new dimension to the series. You’ve got a new fan and am looking forward to seeing where your career takes you in the future. Great Job!
Chinese are a 21-st century travel disaster. Any place we go, they are coming in huge groups and are super loud. Really sad reality.
I think with places like this that are all over IG the challenge is to find a new angle. It's tempting to shoot down the path with the orange at the side, but everyone does that. That is one spot I'd love to go to, and I've heard you should go early, but obviously everyone else has heard the same thing! A real challenge to photograph!
50mm was a winner thats exactly what I used there as well nice work
Cinematic vlog!
very entertaining video
I miss Kyoto 🙁
Considering you hate that 50mm you've been using it a lot lately.
Has become a musn't miss vlog really interesting. Well done you lot!!
Jim
Quick tip for the busy tourist areas – as people move around your composition, take several shots keeping all your settings the same. Then in photoshop you can go Layer > Smart Objects > Stack Mode > Median.
Photoshop will remove basically anything that is moving throughout the frames and it works pretty well. Definitely saved a few of my shots in busier areas.
https://photoshoptrainingchannel.com/remove-tourists-stack-mode/
きよど。。。
Damn, I wish I had that camera equipment. The stabilization is wonderful. Wonderfully shot by the way (of course). We all know that it's not only about equipment.
I was going to say "dude you're being way too hard on yourself about composition". Then I felt, actually, keep on keeping on. You're really pushing yourself. You can't do that while being easy on yourself.
been there at Fushimi Inari all the way to the top, if you run, it doesn't take much time ) my bro didn't make it even to the third. That is a tough place to find a good composition, that is different from millions of others. I would recommend going there in the evening, less visitors.
Nice cap! 🙂 Saludos desde México
So busy running around trying to get set ups and shots and moving to the next attraction, no time to really soak in the atmosphere.
13:30 you can see the highway through a building
This is so unbelievably helpful. I'm leaving in about a month and have some issues with composition as well. I had no idea how large this place was. I feel so much more prepared after watching this. Good job!
what background music did you have going on around 11:30?
We ALL struggle with SOMETHING, Brendan………I think mine is with solid technical skill. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRING ADVENTURES, and I believe your shot at 6:32 is right on! Make your trip great and thanks again Brendan!!!
oh man was there as well and it is true so many people there!
thanks for sharing this with us really enjoyed watching this.
I'm was exhausted just watching this video. You're like the damn energizer bunny
I have trouble with composition, myself, and good shots for me much of the time end up being lucky chances.
Hi just a quick question would a 17 40 canon lens on eosr for vloging be fine. Also camera body and lens dont have image stabilisation thanks.
Chinese tourists are the worst, super loud and I've seen them defecating and peeing in public spaces, sad.
"orange gates" lmao
I watched many Kyoto YouTube video
But you are the best👍
I hope more many people watch your channel
Love From Osaka,Japan 🕺🕺
dude i found hot pizza, curry rice, ice cream vending machine a lot in sendai.