As dusk settled in mid-December, I ventured into Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo, to witness the enchanting Tokyo Christmas Market 2023. The sky, now a deep night blue, set the stage for the Christmas Pyramid, a golden beacon drawing in crowds with its festive glow.
Photo Description – The Glimmering Heart of the Market
Under the darkened sky, the Christmas Pyramid shone like a jewel. Its tiers, adorned with an array of wooden figurines, each seemed to tell a story of Christmas joy. This iconic structure of the market was not just a decoration but a gathering point, where visitors paused to immerse themselves in the warmth of the holiday spirit.
Story Behind the Photo – An Evening Wander at the Market
After arriving at the Tokyo Christmas Market in the late afternoon, I found myself alone, wandering through the festive environment as evening set in. Surrounded by the bright lights and cheerful sounds of the market, I discovered the Christmas Pyramid, a beacon of the festive season. While navigating through the crowd, I captured the pyramid’s intricate details and the surrounding festive atmosphere with my camera. The experience was a reminder of the joy and spirit of Christmas, an atmosphere of celebration that transcends community and becomes a universal experience of warmth and cheer.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Capturing the Festive Glow
Night photography presented its usual challenges, particularly with managing white balance in the artificial lights. Shooting in RAW, I was able to adjust the images later to reflect the true colors of the scene as I remembered them. This process allowed me to relive the joyous moments spent at the market, reminding me that photography is not just about capturing a scene; it’s about capturing a feeling and the atmosphere that you can revisit and cherish.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: FUJIFILM X-T4
- Lens: XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
- Shutter Speed: 1/8 s
- Aperture: ƒ4
- ISO: ISO 3200
- Exposure Value: 0 EV
Location