Day 15/365: Neon Nights and Custom Presets – The TOKYO NEON Story
Shot using my new TOKYO NEON Ricoh GRIII Preset
There's something magical about neon. It cuts through the darkness with purpose, telling stories of the places where life happens after sunset. Today marks Day 15 of my 365-day project, and I'm genuinely excited to share my first colour image.
The Shot
This vibrant neon sign in Dadong, Kaohsiung, caught my eye on a night walk. The interplay between the green and red neon against the deep black sky felt like the perfect moment to push beyond black and white and explore colour in a more intentional way.
The Challenge
Neon photography isn't straightforward. The colours are intense, the contrast is extreme, and getting the right balance requires more than just pointing and shooting. I needed a preset that could handle the specific characteristics of neon light—preserving the glow without blowing out the highlights, maintaining colour saturation without looking artificial.
The Solution: TOKYO NEON
After several test shots and adjustments, I created a new preset for the Ricoh GRIII called TOKYO NEON. This preset is designed specifically for neon and night scenes, bringing out the vibrant colours while maintaining detail in the shadows. The key to success with this preset is a sturdy tripod—neon photography often requires slower shutter speeds to capture the full range of tones.
At the end of the video, I've shared the exact camera settings so you can experiment with this approach on your own gear.
Why This Matters
This project is about growth—not just as a photographer, but in understanding light, colour, and the stories hidden in Taiwan's streets. Each day pushes me to see differently, to try new techniques, and to share what I'm learning.
If you're interested in exploring night photography, mastering your camera's potential, or discovering the hidden gems of Taiwan through a lens, I'd love to work with you. I offer photography workshops throughout Taiwan, flexible global and online mentoring sessions tailored to your skill level, and exclusive content on Patreon.