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Photographing Mushrooms in Japan

Jul 14, 2025

On my latest Mt. Fuji private photography Tour, I was in the Aokigahara forest, known as the Sea of Trees, when I discovered this photogenic mushroom species. Fomitopsis pinicola, commonly known as the red-belted conk or red-banded polypore. It is a type of mushroom, but it's generally considered inedible due to its tough, woody texture. While not typically eaten as food, its' texture is tough and leathery, making it difficult to chew and digest. It has a bitter taste. The beauty ...

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Japan Rainy Season Photography Tour

Jun 27, 2025

In my more than twenty-eight years of leading photography tours in Japan, I have only organized a handful of rainy-season photography tours on Japan's main island. Hokkaido, however, is a different story, as it doesn't experience the rainy season. For a long time, I believed that the rainy season was a terrible time to visit and photograph south of Hokkaido. However, I spend about four months a year leading photo tours in Hokkaido. While I wasn't entirely wrong, I will never lead another Mt. ...

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Essence Japan Autumn Photo Tour

Jun 11, 2025

As cherry blossom season comes to a close in early June, my family and I are happily settling into our handsome historic Japanese Kominka, built in the Meiji period. It's such an exciting time! I love summer in Niigata along the Sea of Japan. We also spend time at the cottage in Hokkaido, and our family does plenty of camping. But always on the back of my mind is my next group Japan photography tour workshop and route, which happens to be in Autumn, and I can't wait to capture the breathtaking ...

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Birding in Japan Hokkaido

Jun 10, 2025

Ask any nature photographer, and they'll tell you that it's often the smallest subjects that leave the biggest impressions. During my annual Hokkaido Birding Photography Tour, one of my favorite subjects is the Shima Enaga (Aegithalos caudatus japonicus), which is Japan's third smallest bird. These tiny birds measure between 12 to 16 centimetres in length (about 5 to 6 in). Just a bit larger than the Goldcrest (regulus regulus) 8.5-9.5 cm (3.3-3.7 in) or the Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes ...

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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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