If you haven’t traveled solo or experienced a trip without family, I’m here to guide you through this daunting and thrilling moment. On these pages, I’ll be recording the journey as I attempt a trip that is not about tourism and is more about being IN a place.
I’ll start this journey in Asakusa and will stay in one location for the entire trip. I’ll provide updates on my experiences. My plan is to photograph street scenes in Tokyo, and, as Photographer Ruth Bernhard said, to “let the photograph find you.” To open my eyes to the places and people.I will see and try and capture a slice of life in the city.
As you can imagine, I’ve had a bit of trepidation knowing that I’m in a place that I am both very familiar with and completely unfamiliar with; I’ll not be leading a group of people through the city and instead leading myself around. More importantly, aside from the photography, I’m not planning on visiting tourist sites in the city…I want to just see what I see as I walk a series of paths through Tokyo.
My first day will follow city streets and neighborhood alleys from Asakusa to Ueno. My path meanders and we’ll see what comes up. In the subsequent days, I’ll refine my steps to seek out spots that are both interesting from an architectural perspective and a human one. Again, finding a way for the photograph to come to me.
I realize this approach is an unusual one and I’m hoping to capture images that reflect what I see using the tools and skills I am accustomed to.
So, what will I be using to photograph in Tokyo? First, I’ll use the camera I got in high school: a Nikon FE. I’ve used this camera consistently since 1979 when I purchased it. Since I’m trying to travel lightly, I’ll only have the unusual 36-72MM Nikkor lens as my companion. This E Series lens is not great AND it works well in the F8-11 range for sharp photos. For the film, I’m bringing HP5 and a couple of rolls of Wolfen 100. I’ll also head over to Champ Camera in Yokohama to grab some other more unusual films on my adventure.
In addition, I’ll be taking my used Hasselblad X1D II with a 40mm lens. I’ve experimented with this slow autofocus camera and am pleased with my work so far. While the autofocus is contrast only, I love the way the images pop off the printed page and am really excited to see what I can capture!
I’ll post images and videos here on this site and link to http://www.youtube.com for a channel on these adventures. Stay tuned f you’re interested in watching some random guy fumble his way around Tokyo.
May You Be Happy, May You Be Well
gentryfunkblog 
This sounds fascinating, Tom. I’m looking forward to it; thanks for letting us come along for a peek!, Susan
Sounds like you will have a great time. My kind of trip! Kate