Hostelworld Travel Blog

1. Our photo of the day: Playing around with exposure times at Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

   posted by Colm Hanratty | 2 Comments

   Jun082011

   Maybe I'm wrong, but as famous as Tokyo is, it doesn't have one iconic landmark that so many other cities have. There's no Eiffel Tower, no Opera House or no Statue of Liberty. If I was pressed to pick one landmark though, which is more recognisable than any other, it would have to Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

   I took this with a friend of mine called Cillian, a mate from my home town who now calls Tokyo home (I left him waiting 45 minutes on the night if I remember - sorry Cill!) To get this particular effect I used a tripod and a long exposure time. This means the signs are visible but the people are blurry as the shutter lens was open for a few seconds. Those of you interested in photography will know what I'm on about. Those of you who aren't, buy yourself a tripod and you'll get cool shots like the above.

   While it's good taking photos of the crossing with people walking, it's best to actually get into the shot. This way you're still and the people behind you are moving, showing the business of the place. This is what we did with the below photograph.

   

   But then if you want an even cooler effect, rather than having people in the background have cars. This is what we did in this next shot.

   

   When I think of the world's ultimate cities, like what really epitomises what a city is, I always think of three places - London, New York and Tokyo. I know Tokyo (and Japan in general) has had its fair share of problems recently, but you should visit it if you can.

2. 2 Comments so far.

   cillian bourke said on 09/06/2011 at 7:24am

   “ Tokyo is still standing...back to normal now.

   Paddy Comyn said on 08/06/2011 at 10:05am

   “ Nice photo Colm

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