Yoyogi Park’s Rockabilly Revival Shines in Striking Black and White
A canceled photoshoot led to an encounter with the iconic Harajuku rockabilly dancers. I hope I captured their energy in timeless monochrome.
An unexpected photoshoot
The last-minute cancellation of a planned photoshoot presented an unexpected opportunity. With time to spare, a choice loomed: the serene Meiji Shrine or the bustling Yoyogi Park. The unmistakable sound of powerful rock and roll music echoing from the latter made the decision an easy one. The legendary Harajuku rockabilly dancers were back.
A post-pandemic observation
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, crowded areas like Harajuku had been largely avoided. Previous visits to Yoyogi Park in 2020 had been quiet, with the dancers notably absent. This 2021 encounter, however, revealed a different scene. While the park was busy, the crowd around the dancers was smaller than in pre-pandemic times. Most people passed by without stopping, perhaps a lingering effect of social distancing. The absence of some greasers with their signature pompadours, a significant draw for spectators, may have also played a role.
The creative decision for monochrome
Initially, the intention was to capture the scene in color, a departure from the usual black and white approach for this subject. However, upon reviewing the images, it became clear that the vibrant hues were not working as intended. The colorful attire of passersby created a visual distraction, pulling focus away from the dancers. Furthermore, the cluttered background vied for attention, failing to isolate the performers.
The solution was a return to a classic aesthetic. Given that the rockabilly subculture originated in the 1950s, black and white are appropriate. This artistic choice aimed to strip away the distractions and place the sole focus on the dynamic movements and style of the dancers.
Post-processing with Fujifilm Acros
For the post-processing, the Fujifilm Acros film simulation was the clear choice. Acros is renowned for its ability to emulate the classic black and white film, offering a distinct tonal curve and natural-looking grain that adds depth and texture. This simulation is not merely a desaturation of color but a design that enhances detail and produces a rich, print-like quality. The resulting images, while not what was originally envisioned, hopefully capture the energy of the performance. The ultimate success of this creative pivot, however, lies in the eye of the viewer. Another session with the full crew is anticipated to explore this subject further.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Fujifilm Lenses: XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.
