Week 49

The Ume Blossoms

Most photographers (and everyone else for that matter) tend to focus on the ever popular cherry blossoms around Japan this time of year. Here are some shots of the underrated plum blossoms around the park which are equally beautiful and bloom a lot earlier than the cherry trees. These particular trees seemed very old, but were holding on with a few blossoms popping out here and there.

The cherry trees should start any day now. Also, here is a great book on snow and the cherry blossoms from Risaku Suzuki called Yuki Sakura.











All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 48

The Bag of Tricks

Something about the plastic bags these volunteers were holding attracted me to these shots after I scanned them. They almost seem to be moving or pulling the subject along like a dog on a leash. Also, I've always wondered why they use those tiny cooking tongs to pick up trash here. Can't be good for the back.






All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 47

The Need For Space

Highway built directly over the famous Nihon Bashi and
a man rushing somewhere.


Not the most pleasant walk, but very Gothic looking dragons
and light posts along the bridge.


Homeless box cart stuffed beyond the rim with cardboard and
other pieces of collected junk.

The Ramen Corner near Nihonbashi. Standing only. Also,
my reflection strangely looking like that man's legs.


All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 46

The Portraits

I recently picked up a copy of Deja Vu Volume 8 featuring the complete works of Gocho Shigeo.
His disability took his life at the age of 36, but he left some very interesting books and photos.
His height kept his perspective at nearly eye level or lower with the most of his subjects...children.

These first shots where just a couple young kids with cameras taking photos of the pond. The other shot is a portrait of a woman in an ad. I liked how the street sign looked like part of the woman's microphone and that she seems to be looking right at me. Also, several other signboards in the evening from the train platform...







All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 45

The Fan

I've been taking live photos for years here in Tokyo. I usually focus on the band (of course) and try to get in as close as possible, while keeping the shots in focus amongst the either thrashing or half sleeping crowd. Usually depends on the type of band whether or not people dance or chill. This band called SF ,who kind of reminded me of Promise Ring or The Sea and Cake, has a great little emo/dance/pop thing going on and this guy felt the same. It was great to see an enthused fan letting go and not caring that everyone else was just sitting there. Could have been his Premium Malts he was downing, but you can almost feel the music pulsing through him in this little set of images...





All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 44

The Streets

As if their aren't enough shots of this city already...





All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 43

The Barge Under the Eitai Bridge

I was torn this week on what to post. I got a few strong images of the Eitai Bridge itself and I've always liked it. But as I was walking over it, I notice this approaching barge. I took a quick set of shots as it went under me. I was really really really happy with the horizontal shot. Couldn't have asked for a better timed and framed shot.... (unedited with no cropping!) Makes me wonder why I didn't shoot all horizontally!?






Reminds me of the Universe Kuwait (Tip of the hat to Nate)


All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com

Week 42

The Shots I Can't Remember

These we're the last few images of a night of drinks with friends. I barely remember the train ride home. It's interesting how when I saw the images, my memory of the moments instantly came back and I could recall taking the photos. But before that, nothing. I was apparently a bit bolder with the camera, taking shots in the toilet and on the train. So quite a surprising if not revealing set this week.








All photos are the property of Tyler Ensrude at
www.tylerensrude.com