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NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8 TC Z S Review

Jun 05, 2025

 My latest article, just published on "The Luminous Landscape," discusses my thoughts on the Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 TC Z S and why it has become my primary lens for fieldwork. In this article, I explore the journey of this lens and its predecessors, detailing the evolution of the lens and camera, as well as what I do with my aging gear. Below is an excerpt from the article. If you're interested in reading the whole piece, please check it out on The Luminous Landscape. The Luminous ...

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Autumn Colors Japan Tour

Jun 04, 2025

Every year, as the cherry blossom season comes to an end around late May, I start looking forward to my annual Essence of Japan autumn leaves photography tour. Autumn truly is a magical time. The Japanese maple tree, along with other plant and tree species, transforms into vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange due to decreased daylight and cooler temperatures, providing a welcome relief from the summer heat. The trees achieve a natural balance, and for over 28 years as a local, I have been ...

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Powerful Raptor Photography

Jun 02, 2025

Experience the Power of Hokkaido Raptors - Powerful Raptor PhotographyJoining a Hokkaido photo workshop or Hokkaido photography tour means stepping into the realm of one of nature’s most powerful raptors: the White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). With wingspans reaching nearly 2.5 meters (over 8 feet), this magnificent bird is just one of many awe-inspiring species we encounter on the pack ice of eastern Hokkaido during my annual winter birding photo tours.Capturing the perfect ...

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Hokkaido Photography Tour: A Journey into Wildlife and Landscapes

May 28, 2025

With over twenty-seven years of experience leading photography tours throughout Hokkaido and across Japan, I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge and passion for photography with fellow photographers. Throughout my thirty-five-year career as a professional photographer and expedition leader, I have traversed the globe, cultivating a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and the art of photography. Each Japan Hokkaido Photography Tour I lead is a prime opportunity to connect, exchange ...

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Capturing Nature’s Splendor - Hokkaido Photography Tours

May 26, 2025

Today, I have been revisiting my 2025 Hokkaido Photography Tours photographs from January to March, showcasing the island’s stunning winter beauty—snowy mountains, shimmering plains, abundant wildlife, oceanscapes, and tranquil lakes. Among these were captivating images of Hokkaido’s wildlife, including the majestic Steller’s Sea Eagle and the elegant Red-crowned Crane, Shima Enaga. One image that stood out was of a solitary Steller’s Sea Eagle, seemingly lost ...

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Exclusive Hokkaido Photo Tour 2027: Limited Spots Available!

May 22, 2025

I invite you to join me on an extraordinary Hokkaido Wildlife Birding Photography Tour. You'll experience unique encounters with some of the world's rarest bird species, including the majestic Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus). My goal is to ensure our group is fully prepared for action, heading out well before the sun rises so we can make the most of every moment.Fondly, I remember one magical morning last year. The conditions were ideal for photographing raptors on the pack ice, with ...

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Ultimate Guide to Birding in Japan:

May 14, 2025

Ultimate Guide to Birding in Japan: Photographing the Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) and Other Endemic SpeciesJapan is a premier destination for birders, and my annual Hokkaido photo tours and workshops attract wildlife enthusiasts and professional photographers worldwide. With over 600 documented bird species—60% of which are migratory—Japan offers a dynamic and diverse avian landscape. The country spans over 3,000 kilometres latitudinally in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, with ...

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White-Tailed Eagles vs. Steller's Sea Eagles

May 04, 2025

White-Tailed Eagles vs. Steller's Sea Eagles: Epic Winter Wildlife Photography on Japan's Hokkaido Pack Ice One of the most exhilarating highlights of my annual Hokkaido Winter Wildlife Photography Tour is witnessing the breathtaking aerial duels between White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Steller's Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus). Both raptor species belong to the genus Haliaeetus, which dates back to the Oligocene Epoch—over 30 ...

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Mt. Fuji Hakone Japan Spring Photo Tour

Apr 27, 2025

Exploring Hakone's Hidden Cherry Blossom Photography GemsJoin me on my annual cross-country cherry blossom photography workshop, where we uncover Japan's most breathtaking and lesser-known Sakura spots. This year, our journey took us from Okinawa to Aomori, deep into authentic Japan, culminating in stunning landscapes. I just completed leading a several-day private Hakone Mt. Fuji Private Cherry Blossom Photography Tour. Hakone is a historic onsen retreat cherished before the Edo ...

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Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossoms

Apr 16, 2025

I am leading my annual cherry blossom photo workshop tour across Japan to one of my must-see locations for any visiting photographer: the iconic peak of Mt. Fuji. While most of us locals think of the five Fuji lakes—Yamanakako, Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Motosuko, and Shōjiko—there's a sixth lake, which my participants and I photographed this morning. There are several varieties of cherry blossoms in bloom, including the faintly pink Somei Yoshino (Prunus yedoensis) and the wild mountain ...

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