Think your amateur photography skills stand no chance amongst the internet's maze of amazing imagery? Well, if you spend a day with EYExplore, a photography tour and workshop company in Tokyo, you can learn how to rival the pros while capturing some of the most photogenic spots around the city.
Maybe you own a camera, but have no idea how to use any of the functions other than the auto setting. Maybe you’re already a professional photographer but you're new to Tokyo and would welcome an intro to its most interesting spots. Or maybe you're like me and you fall somewhere in between these two categories. Whatever your photography skill level or style, you're bound to enjoy the EYExplore experience. They offer three different group tours for ¥11,000 each, varying from capturing salarymen mingling in bars to exploring Tokyo's subcultures. Group tours range from about four to six people, so you get plenty of one-on-one time with the guide photographer if you have any burning questions. You can also book private tours from ¥26,000.
I went along to experience their street photography and night tour with directors Axel and Lukasz. With camera in hand, I joined them for a walk around Harajuku and Shibuya, learning a great deal of camera tips and composition techniques, and even mustering up the courage to approach strangers to take photos of them. I also learned that street photography is often more about 'preparation meets opportunity' than just sheer luck. Axel and Lukasz know every nook and cranny of Tokyo, which means they're not going to take you to clichéd locations. Their aim is to help you ‘see things in a different way’ and teach you how to take more personal, interesting photos. When I asked them what their favourite shooting location is, they answered ‘Ginza’ in unison. ‘There are a lot of rich people here, and rich people tend to do crazy, interesting things. They’re very eccentric'.
Also, don’t worry if you don’t own a camera. You can rent one from EYExplore for ¥4,000, as well as a tripod for ¥1,000. In fact, you can even go on the tour with a smartphone. All you really need is a passion for photography. Check out some of the shots I took on the tour below, and to book your own tour, visit eyexploretokyo.com.
