Day 31/365 - Finding Beauty in the Blur of Yanaka

Day 31 brought me to Yanaka, one of Tokyo's most atmospheric neighborhoods, where I had the pleasure of walking with my friend Blair. Blair is a truly talented film photographer who shoots with both a Rolleiflex and a Leica—the kind of photographer who understands the craft deeply and approaches it with intention.

During our walk through Yanaka's charming streets, I captured what started as an out-of-focus shot. In that moment, I could have dismissed it, moved on, and taken another photo. But something stopped me. I saw potential in that blur, in the softness, in the dreamlike quality of the image. I saw something I could make beautiful.

This is an important lesson in photography that I often share with my mentoring students: technical perfection isn't everything. Sometimes the most compelling images come from embracing imperfection, from seeing beyond what the camera initially captured, and from trusting your artistic instinct.

The soft, ethereal quality of this portrait—shot with my Leica D-Lux8—captures a moment of quiet reflection in Yanaka. It's the kind of image that reminds me why I'm passionate about street photography. It's not always about sharpness or perfect exposure; it's about emotion, atmosphere, and the stories we find in unexpected places.

If you're interested in developing your eye for photography and learning to see beyond technical rules, I offer photography workshops throughout Taiwan, as well as global and online mentoring programs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, I'd love to help you discover your unique voice. Follow my daily 365 project on Patreon for more insights and behind-the-scenes moments.