(Translated from the original post on April 17, 2024)
This is Ara.
Cherry blossoms were in full bloom around Tokyo in early April.
Although this is an annual event, I could not resist pointing my camera at them as they bloomed in the gentle spring sunshine.
GR IIIx, P mode, 1/125s, F2.8, ISO200, EV+2.0, Negative Film
When photographing cherry blossoms, you need to be careful with the exposure setting.
When white-colored subjects such as Someiyoshino cherry blossoms are photographed with automatic exposure, they tend to appear darker than they really are.
In such cases, you can move the ADJ. lever to the right to compensate for the exposure (+2.0 in the example above) to produce a photo that more closely resembles their actual appearance.
You may also want to adjust the white balance to emphasize the “cherry blossom” color.
While shooting, you can fine-tune the color by pressing the WB button on the back of the camera and then pressing Fn again. In the example above, the WB is adjusted two steps toward M (magenta).
GR IIIx, Sn mode (∞), 1/200s, F7.1, ISO200, EV+2.0, Positive Film
The branches of an old cherry tree are also very photogenic.
If you want to capture the strength of the trunk and branches, winter, when the leaves have fallen, is better, but only in this season can you capture the contrast with the pretty blossoms.
It would be even better if there was a supporting character, such as a bird, to accentuate the image.
GR III, P mode, 1/5s, F7.1, ISO500, EV-2.3, Soft B&W
Shooting in black and white is also great.
By eliminating the color element, you can depict a different aspect of the blossoms, such as their fragility and ghostly feeling, which is different from the spectacular nature of the blossoms.
Cherry blossoms have been the subject of many photographers from all ages and cultures. American photographer Lee Friedlander's black-and-white photographs of cherry blossoms taken in Japan are famous.
GR IIIx, M mode, 1/80s, F8.0, ISO320, Negative Film
The interesting thing about snapshots is that the impression they give can be dramatically changed by capturing the surroundings.
The photo above shows a train approaching a station near a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Beyond the window are cherry blossoms in full bloom, and in the foreground are passengers on the train.
The silhouettes of the four people look like people watching the cherry blossoms from special seats, which made the result a bit humorous.
(Ara)
