SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO
SHIRAHIGE
PROTECTION
Many ports in Hokkaido feature protection barriers like this one - built from tetrapods and making really interesting structures, especially when seen in winter when it snows.
These are fascinating to look at but also stark reminders of the risks in the region from offshore earthquakes and the tsunami that can result from these. As someone who lives in a country where these kind of things never come to mind and where safety is pretty much taken from granted, it's something that makes me respect the people of Japan who find ways to live even in the presence of these risks but also always striving to use technology to stay safe.
The resulting utilitarian structures take on a sense of function as their primary goal, but nevertheless achieve beauty even so.
EXIT
EXIT
I loved visiting these fish drying racks in northern Hokkaido in the snow. Once again these are purely functional artifacts of the local fishing industry however they have a presence that can't be ignored - made more clear by the snow. They allow the creation of almost graphic photographs, with the heavy and dark sky floating low overhead. These scenes are tonal and luminosity perfection (to a photographer) - there's almost nothing required of 'post processing'. Just be here, compose and capture. The real trick is to be here first and foremost.
EXIT
EXIT
SILOS
SHIRAHIGE
SŌYA
I loved visiting these fish drying racks in northern Hokkaido in the snow. Once again these are purely functional artifacts of the local fishing industry however they have a presence that can't be ignored - made more clear by the snow. They allow the creation of almost graphic photographs, with the heavy and dark sky floating low overhead. These scenes are tonal and luminosity perfection (to a photographer) - there's almost nothing required of 'post processing'. Just be here, compose and capture. The real trick is to be here first and foremost.
BIWA
NASCOSTA
SHIRAHIGE
MEOTO IWA
UKIMIDO