Years after I took this image in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, I realised that it still remains one of my favourites. Even though it might not be the “perfect” image and goes against all my normal reasons of why I would like an image.
The search for strangers
It was one of those days I was roaming through the city of Tokyo and was looking for photographs. Around that time, I challenged myself to photograph more people with my Hasselblad XPan, especially strangers. Even though I was following Japanese classes at the time, my Japanese was near non-existent and at the time, English was not very widely spoken. Meaning, I really had to step out of my comfort zone to get images of strangers.
The monk in the middle of Tokyo
Whilst roaming the city, I stumbled upon a monk doing his prayers in the middle of the city. He instantly caught my eye, he was at total peace whilst being in the bustling city. The contrast couldn’t have been bigger, the city of Tokyo thrives on technology and nothing ever stops. He was there completely at ease saying his prayers.
Asking for permission
In the entire city I stumbled upon him and to me it was out of the ordinary and therefore worth trying to capture. However, in Japan you do not take photos of strangers unless they approve it. Therefore I had to excuse myself to him and disturb him during his prayers and ask him in my best Japanese whether I could take a photograph of him. Luckily he said yes.
Why the image still stays with me
With the harsh sun overhead at slightly past mid day, it was far from ideal to take a portrait. Luckily his hat protected him from the harsh sun. Additionally, the light bounced between the buildings and still lit his face evenly underneath his hat, allowing me to use ISO 160 for the portrait.
Imperfection on film
Technically, this photograph is not my best and often I would actually disapprove a photograph like this, because the focus is slightly off. His eyes are not the sharpest point in focus. However, in hindsight what mattered most here is the framing and the moment. I caught him praying, with his Shakujo in his hand (out of focus in the frame).
What makes this photograph special to me is that it goes against my usual rules. The focus is not perfect, and his eyes are not the sharpest point in the frame. Normally, that would be enough for me to let an image go. But here, the calm in his posture, the timing, and the contrast between his stillness and the movement of Tokyo around him mattered more than technical perfection.
A lesson in seeing
If this photograph taught me anything, your best images on film are not necessarily the most technically correct images. It is about catching the moment, the feeling in its simplest form. Luckily, with film I also allow myself a little bit more room for error, because the image can not be instantly reviewed.
Looking back, I feel that I captured a moment of peace in the middle of a city that never slows down. That is still what I feel when I return to the image. If you want to read the deeper story behind photographing in Tokyo, Japan, you can continue with my From Tokyo Metro to Panoramic Photo Prints post.
