On a crisp mid-October afternoon, I found myself wandering the scenic paths of Minato-no-Mieru Oka Park (Harbor View Park) in Yokohama’s Naka Ward. With the refreshing autumn breeze gently rustling the leaves, I aimed to capture a unique perspective of this iconic park, focusing on its elements rather than the harbor itself.
Photo Description – A Distinctive Frame of Yokohama
The photograph showcases a harmonious blend of nature and urbanity without directly capturing the harbor. Amidst the lush greenery of the park, the distant white structure of the Yokohama Bay Bridge stands tall. To the right, two signal flags, steadily becoming symbols of the park, flutter in the wind. These flags, representing the international signals U and W, convey a wish for safe voyages. Their presence in the park is reminiscent of the Studio Ghibli film “From Up on Poppy Hill,” where they play a significant role. Since the movie’s release, these flags have been hoisted in the park, symbolizing Yokohama’s flourishing history as a port town.
Story Behind the Photo – A Deliberate Perspective
I had an errand in Yokohama that day and arrived a bit early. It had been decades since my last visit to Minato-no-Mieru Oka Park (Harbor View Park), so I decided to take a short stroll. While the harbor is an obvious choice for many photographers, I chose to focus on the park’s other elements, crafting a frame that encapsulates the essence of Yokohama without directly showcasing the port. The result was a photograph that offers a fresh perspective on a well-known location.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Crafting the Frame
Initially, I tried to capture the typical scenes of Yokohama, but they felt somewhat bland. I then decided to incorporate elements that truly represent the park’s current charm: the Bay Bridge, the verdant park foliage, and the signal flags. By deliberately excluding the harbor, I aimed to present a unique viewpoint that challenges the conventional. What do you think?
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Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: NIKON Df
- Lens: NIKKOR-H C Auto 50mm F2
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000 s
- Aperture: ƒ8
- ISO: ISO 400
- Exposure Value: 0 ev
Location
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