Japan looms. In April of next year, we will return to teach a second workshop. Elena, Amy, and I, because of course, Amy will be there. Our first Japan class was good. Some would say really good, exceptionally good, or stellar even. Japan provides quite the canvas. Japan is unique, and challenging, and frenetic, and peaceful, and alluring in a myriad of ways that translate through cuisine, sound, pace, density, and kindness.
There is a reason why so many want to venture to The Land of the Rising Sun.
Believe it or not, I love finding stories at home. I do. In fact, I just started a new project within walking distance of my house, and it will force me to learn a few new tricks. I already have the book cover design in my head. This is often how it works for me. I see a cover and work backward to find a project that fits the design. And yes, you know by now, there is always a book. But I also love to travel, so when I get a chance to board a jumbo liner supertube with a foreign land out the windscreen, well, I tally ho.
One of the things I’m most looking forward to on next year’s trip is an extension to Hokkaido. I’ve read about this place for many years, so finally getting a chance to see it feels good. We are hitting some of the places we hit last year, while also adding in some new stops. We will end the main workshop during the photo festival in Kyoto. I’ve also been thinking about how I want to add to what I made on the last trip. I shot mostly black and white with fill strobe, which was fun, and I might continue with that theme, or do something entirely different. Am also thinking about ambient sound and adding watercolor to my journal.
Secretly, however, all I want to do is make a new round of selfies for TikTok. I’m trending hard on the Tok, and am about to spread my wings to Snapchat because that’s what all the cool people are doing. I’ve been practicing my one-arm technique with the Nikon/Fuji because it’s not as easy as it looks. I refuse to use the phone, as that is a sure sign of impending doom. I’ve learned that the only thing that can make Japan better is me in the foreground. Wish me luck.
THIS JUST IN: It looks like I might be traveling to Hong Kong after Japan. On tap would be a book talk, then a two-day workshop. I will know more about this soon.
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Sounds amazing! Would be amazing but have a graduation to attend soon after. Hope paths can cross in the “further out”, near future.
Author
Yes, let’s make it happen!
Oh Japan is definitely on my to do list! 2026! This second Japan workshop looks like quite something and with good copany you’ll have a blast I’m sure!
Author
It’s gonna be epic.
Japan is on my list for 2026 or 2027 hopefully! Currently reading Craig Mods Things Become Other Things, walking through Japan, highly recommended!
All of his books are great. I’ve been walking a lot here thanks to being inspired by him.
Author
Yes, I posted about that book. https://shifter.media/read-things-become-other-things/
Dan, you did too, sorry I missed that one!
Hopefully we can meet up again in Kyoto. That sumo photo reminded me of a photo I can show you sometime. You might like it.
It also reminds me that I need to make a Hokkaido book. I went there three or four times pre-Covid purely to photograph (not trees in snow). I need to go back soon in the depths of winter again.
Author
Yes, you do. And yes, let’s connect again. We are in Kyoto for a bit longer this time.