Shadow Play is great at Tokyo International Forum
Tokyo International Forum is great for shadow play. It was something I had never paid much attention to years ago. I only used to shoot there for the architecture. That is something I regret. Well, I’ve seen the light. Pardon the pun.
Was the Forum built with shadow play in mind? It can make so many of them with its beams and bars. Glass covers the walls and there are blinds in regular places to let light in or block it. There are catwalks in the upper area. During daylight hours, you will have much to work with.
And this is so apparent in the afternoon when the sunlight streams in, and the place comes alive with shadows. They cover the walls and floors. As the day gets older, they move around. Photographers love it.
The shadows can help you make your stories. Look at the lobby gallery. It is huge. As soon as you walk into the building, you’ll see the space. You can use it!
At times, many people walk over the floor. But not everyone walks in a group. Wait, and you can capture one solo person crossing the lobby. Indulge yourself in minimal photography. You’ll be able to catch one person walking in or out or between the shadows. It is a place for minimalism. Black and white pictures have the advantage.
Photography is all timing. We need to be like Henri Cartier-Bresson and his decisive moment. It is a waiting game, be patient. Don’t hit that shutter button too early or too late. Think before you touch it.
You could even sit on one of the lobby gallery sofas, or stand on one of the upper floors and photograph people. And you can catch them walking in or interacting with the shadows. Tokyo International Forum is great for shadow play.
And the type of people you’ll see is so varied. There are cleaners, hall staff, and visitors. The building is in Yurakucho so many business people visit it. And you’ll occasionally be able to snap photographers and their models. They’ll probably be taking their own photos on the catwalks above.
As Tokyo International Forum has plenty of windows for light. It also has many internal features to block it. So there are areas of bright light with dark shadows next to them. The building creates so much contrast. You need to be there at the right time. It is perfect for shadow play photography.
What camera gear did I use for these shadow play photos?
- Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR and XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Do you like these photos? If you do, or even if you don’t, let me know. Constructive criticism is appreciated.
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