Shadow photography at Aoyama Cemetery
Shadow photography is about drama and mood. Mystery enters images. Photographers have used the technique to build reputations. I want to be one of them, but I need practice. My first attempt was the Shinjuku skyscrapers. I also shot Tokyo International Forum. This time, I explored Aoyama Cemetery.
Why do I like shadow photography? The poet Thomas Durfee sums it up:
How much of Earth’s beauty is due to its shadows!
The tree and the cliff and the far-floating cloudlet,
The uniform light intercepting and crossing,
Give manifold color and change to the landscape.
How much, too, our life is in debt to its shadows
Durfee was spot-on with his words. Shadows bring interest to the world. Without them, the world would be mundane. They highlight what light shows. Art has used them so well.
Where are they? Do you know the Italian painter Caravaggio? He lived from 1571 to 1610. History says this volatile artist was a genius.
Caravaggio was a prominent practitioner of chiaroscuro. This painting technique uses the contrast between light and dark. Check out his paintings. Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy is a great example.
Fan Ho used the technique. This Chinese photographer worked in the mid-twentieth century. He created stunning images employing chiaroscuro. Look at his website for examples.
So I wanted to shoot Aoyama Cemetery in this style. I’ve photographed the graves and cherry blossoms many times. You might have seen the photos on this website.
So I wanted to shoot Aoyama Cemetery in this style. I’ve photographed the graves and cherry blossoms many times. You might have seen the photos on this website.
Why do shadow photography at Aoyama Cemetery?
- Cemeteries are dull. Tombstones are granite or marble. A few bronze pieces exist to break the monotony. Color photographs aren’t critical.
- These photographs are from winter 2024. Most of the leaves were gone. Only the pines had them. Drab and dull colors surrounded me. Black and white was perfect.
- Color gives away the era of a photograph. Black-and-white photos are different. They are ageless and bridge generations. Isn’t that perfect for cemeteries? They come from the past and stay forever.
- Tombstones and graves are a dark subject. That’s reason enough for black and white.
Why are shadows beautiful?
Caravaggio and Chiaroscuro show how to use shadows. They create depth, contrast, and drama. Peace and tranquility are also possible. Compare them in horror movies to Christmas specials.
Conclusion
Aoyama Cemetery was perfect for shadow photography. I wished that afternoon had continued forever. Clear skies and bright sun created areas of strong contrast.
I didn’t nail the chiaroscuro in these photos. Actually, I didn’t get it at all on some. Some are here because the subjects (like Mount Fuji) grabbed the eyes. What do you think? Please tell me. Yes, my technique needs work. I’m such an amateur!
Well, that is it for this article. Enjoy the photos. Leave comments and questions below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more cemetery articles:
External related articles:
The complete Shadows poem by Thomas Durfee: