In the early afternoon of December at Kotoku-in, Kamakura City, I was greeted by the serene presence of pink sasanqua flowers. The vibrant blossoms stood out against the backdrop of the late autumn sky, heralding the start of winter with their delicate beauty.
Photo Description – Capturing the Pink Sasanqua
Centered in the frame were the pink sasanqua flowers, set against the green foliage and the deep blue of the winter sky. These blossoms, typical of Japanese winters, gave a splash of color to the serene temple grounds of Kotoku-in.
Story Behind the Photo – An Unexpected Winter Whisper at Kotoku-in
During my late autumn visit to Kotoku-in to photograph the season’s tranquility, I stumbled upon a gentle harbinger of winter — the pink sasanqua flowers. This unexpected encounter was a delightful surprise that shifted my focus. Amidst the autumn’s final hues, the sasanqua’s vibrant pink whispered of the impending winter. I was instantly drawn to capture this delicate transition, a moment of serendipity that underscored the natural beauty and ever-changing landscape of Kotoku-in.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Challenges and Delights of Floral Photography
Photographing the sasanqua posed both challenges and joys. The wide aperture I used allowed the blue sky peeking through the leaves to blur softly, creating a gentle backdrop for the flowers. While aiming to capture the sasanqua’s vivid hue, I navigated the intricacies of lighting and composition, each shot a learning curve, culminating in an image that I feel captures the quiet warmth before winter’s full arrival.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: NIKON Df
- Lens: Ai Nikkor 50mm f/1.4S
- Shutter Speed: 1/800s
- Aperture: ƒ2.8
- ISO: ISO 400
- Exposure Value: 0 EV
Location