I just got back from a mini-vacation in Japan and to say that I left inspired is an understatement. I had always heard that Tokyo was an amazing city but to see it first hand was quite the experience. My sister and I decided on a more “organic” approach to tourism and did very little research before we left. We just hit the ground running and made every day an adventure. After 3 days, we pretty much had the place figured out and the locals were certainly a great help.
This trip to Tokyo also inspired me to dabble in a form of photography I had never tried before, known as “Street Style”. Popularized by Scott Schulman (aka “The Sartorialist”) and redefined by amazing street photogs, like William Yan, Fred Egan and others, Street photography has built a huge cult following. Even big name designers like Marc Jacobs and Dolce & Gabbana have been pulling inspiration from everyday stylish people for years.
It was a little nerve-wracking approaching total strangers and then throw in a HUGE language barrier — I was terrified. Luckily, my sister wasn’t shy at all and before I knew it we were stopping people left and right. We only shot for an hour in one location (OmoteSando) but these pics should give you a small inkling of the type of crazy styles we saw.
I live in New York (which is arguably the fashion capitol of the world) but I would honestly have to give the crown to Tokyo. Their fashion sense is so innate and their style has a voice that I have rarely seen in the states. Needless to say, I have taken a look at my own personal style and I’m a little less scared to try something new.
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:
1.) Get a Long Lens – A 70 -200mm lens is perfect for street style. Not only can you catch some amazing fashions from far away but you can also capture people in their natural element.
2.) Be fearless – The worst thing anyone can say to you is no, so why be scared? I certainly got rejected a few times initially but once I showed confidence people jumped at the chance to be in front of my camera.
3.) Be engaging – This is a no brainer, but a smile goes a long way especially when there is a language barrier. I used a lot of hand gestures but I made sure to compliment them before and after taking the picture. My background in sales didn’t hurt either.
4.) Mix it up – Remember to play with angles and composition. Great pictures should always tell a story.
5.) Dress the part – A successful street style photographer always looks pretty ‘stylish’ himself. One of the best style lessons I learned is to buy timeless pieces and mix them in with any trends that you may like at the time.
**NOTE: Every time they threw up the little Japanese “peace sign” my heart smiled.
My favorite outfit of the day. This dude owned his look and he even designed the shoes himself.
A nice stranger snapped this shot of my sister and I before we went off to lunch.
Another Tokyo post coming tomorrow!
Great story Elton! The lady in the tan dress under the ‘SECOM’ sign reminds me of Sarah Jessica Parker. Anyone else getting that vibe?!
GREAT shots!! I read The Sartorialist every single day (as well as your blog-I’ve been anxiously awaiting a new post, but it was worth the wait! lol). Glad you had a great trip-thanks for sharing the awesome pics!!
i always knew they were cooler than us. nice shots, elton!
WOW.. very interesting… I think the dude with the leopard shoes was my favorite…
AMAZING.
Amazing shots….I love the freedom of expression over there! No one is trying to conform to a certain style like over in the US.
Niiicee pics! I love streetstyle photos. So you live in NY now??
Dope. And the dude with the beard is my fav shot.
ELTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!When I tell you the ASIANS GIVE ME THE BUSINESS WHEN IT COMES TO EVERYDAY FASHION..!!!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG!!!!! YOU JUST MADE MY LIFE WITH THESE PICS!!!!!! AND LOOK AT ERIN!!!! YA’LL LOOK ADORABLE!!!!!!!
LOVE!
Too dope my dude.
Nice! It seems like each picture could have it’s own long unique story.
Omg! I love it the way you captured this experience. I can’t wait to see more!
Awesomeness, thankful for another blog post from you. Great return post!!!!
Well. Wow it was worth the wait afterall. You and your sis were not to be outdone by the most stylish of them on the streets of Tokyo! Looking fierce and all. Lovely work as usual!
OMG!! I agree, I can’t wait to go to Tokyo myself, the style and people look amazing. Looking forward to seeing the next set of pics (even though they make me oh so jealous!
)
Amazing shots! Crisp and clean!
+1 point for you!
Whats your camera set up? f/stop iso.. lens body.. things of that sort.
LOVE This!!! I feel like I was there with you! Great clothes and excellent shots!! xx
Dear My Damie,
Re: this post, thank you!
Elt!
Thank you
*sigh*
Great post man. I’ve been wanting to get to Japan forever. Love the photography.
I hate how you make me want to do everything I can to be better with a lens. These are strikingly dope. Maybe you should change your blog to a street blog since you’re getting into fashion photographer full-on these days. Good stuff man .
These pictures are great! You found some real jems in Japan…love their style.
I cannot believe how stylish they are in Japan! I love the beauty and indiviuality you have captured in your pictures. I am eager to visit there. You are right they do take the crown.
Hi Mr. Anderson, I am Sabrina A. Dennard, spoken word artist and author of my first published book, “Extra, Extra Read All About It! Evening Street: The Beginning”
I saw your information on the site of Coldfinger Productions and I trusted you had to be magnificent. I am desiring a photo shoot that will be glamorous and worthy to accompany me on my journey to success in filming my spoken word, I know you are master of this.
Please check out my book details at Authorhouse by copy and pasting the link below. I am so excited.
I can be reached at email or cell: 662-271-4439
Mr. Anderson, I would like to be photographed by you. What must I do?
http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000425770&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4cf461d7340acb0c%2C0
Is it me or are all Japanese people fly. From young to old, I now see why this city is an inspiration for so many..
Yet again, it’s worth saying…Elton’s one of the dopest photographers because real life doesn’t happen in a studio.
I’m taking notes…thanks for the tips and inspiration!
NICE, my problem is I need that fearless mentality I totally agree. The worst they can say is NO lol. Hot shoot
NICE! Tokyo is definitely on my list of places to visit.
I went to Tokyo in September and I live in NYC as well. You are so right. They’re fashion is so organic and creative… I fell in Love with it. And as usual your pics are amazing…
One of my ‘places to go before I’m old’ destinations… Tokyo has a certain vibrancy and people there have a very unique take on style. Awesome photography.
As always, I am drawn to and captivated by the skill you have with photography. Just consider me your photo groupie..and its purely out of respect and admiration for the images your talent captures. Please do, keep the photos coming..the world needs more of what you do..
Allia