Advice from Tokyo Candid
- The Global Photography Community
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
I’m Hal S., a photographer based in Tokyo, navigating life in my mid-forties while balancing a full-time office job, family, and my passion for capturing the world through my lens. My journey into photography began with Sofia Coppola’s film Lost in Translation, which struck a chord with me as a Japanese person who spent two and a half years living in the US.
Advice 1: Discover Your Unique Perspective
Photography isn’t just about snapping famous landmarks or chasing postcard-perfect shots. When I started, I asked myself whether I should capture Tokyo as a local or an outsider. The answer was neither. Instead, I sought a perspective that reflected my own experiences—moments that carried personal meaning. My advice to you is simple: trust your own feelings and be honest with yourself. What makes your story unique? Whether you’re at a tourist hotspot or a quiet street corner, look for the angle that resonates with you. After taking a shot, pause and ask: “Is this the moment I wanted to capture today?” If it is, you’re building a vision that’s truly yours.
Advice 2: Embrace Solitude and the Freestyle Approach
I love shooting alone, often after a long day at the office. That time behind the camera is my reset button—a chance to find solitude and reconnect with my surroundings. While shooting with friends can be fun, I find that company sometimes pulls my focus away from the scene. My advice? Give yourself permission to explore solo. It lets you tune into the environment without distractions—listening to the hum of the city, noticing how shadows shift, or spotting a fleeting expression.
When I head out, about 80% of my shooting is freestyle. I don’t always plan specific shots; instead, I let the world guide me. Photography is full of serendipity—those rare moments when lighting, weather, and timing align perfectly. It’s like buying a lottery ticket every day: you won’t win often, but when you do, it’s pure magic. Don’t overplan—leave room for the unexpected. Some of my best shots have come from a sudden rain shower or a stranger stepping into the frame at just the right second.
Advice 3: Develop Your Own Editing Style
Editing is where your photos come alive, transforming raw captures into stories. I use Adobe Lightroom with custom presets I’ve crafted over time. My process is straightforward: I pick a preset that matches the mood of the image—say, a cool-toned look for a rainy Tokyo night—then tweak the color grading, contrast, and shadows to make it my own. My advice is to experiment with editing until you find a style that feels authentic to you. Start with presets if you’re new—they’re a great shortcut—but don’t stop there. Adjust the sliders, play with curves, and maybe even dodge and burn to emphasize key elements. The goal is to enhance the emotion you felt when you pressed the shutter.
For a technical tip: pay attention to white balance and split toning. A slight tweak—like adding a warm tint to highlights and a cool shade to shadows—can give your images a cohesive, cinematic feel. It’s a small adjustment that can make a big difference.
Advice 4: Find Gear That Fits Your Vision
I shoot with a Sony A7RV paired with Sigma Art series lenses, like the 35mm f/1.2 DG DN, which I love for its wide field of view and creamy bokeh. That shallow depth of field—where the subject pops against a dreamy blur—is perfect for isolating moments in Tokyo’s chaotic streets. But here’s the thing: gear is just a tool. I used to shoot with a Canon EOS R5, and I’ve rotated through plenty of lenses over the years. My advice? Invest in equipment that supports your creative goals, not just what’s trending.
If you’re starting out, don’t feel pressured to buy the latest flagship camera. A solid mid-range body and a fast prime lens—like a 50mm f/1.8—can take you far. The key is to understand your tools: learn how aperture affects depth of field, how ISO impacts noise, and how shutter speed freezes or blurs motion. Once you master that, any gear can work magic in your hands.
Advice 5: Balance Photography with Life
Here’s a truth I’ve come to accept: you don’t need to be 100% motivated all the time. Life is busy—work, family, and everyday stresses often take priority. Some days, I’m more focused on helping my kids with homework than picking up my camera, and that’s okay. I don’t force photography when I’m not feeling it. Instead, I wait for the moments when I can fully dive in. My advice is to find that balance for yourself. Let photography be a joy, not a chore. When inspiration strikes, give it everything you’ve got—but when it doesn’t, step back and recharge. That ebb and flow keeps the passion alive.
