In the mid-January afternoon, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura City stands out with its vibrant vermilion color under a grey cloudy sky. Displaying the characters ‘Geishun’ (Welcoming Spring), the shrine’s main hall reflects a serene post-New Year atmosphere, with sparse visitors on a weekday after the festive season.
Photo Description – Tranquility Amidst Tradition
The photograph showcases the main hall of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, adorned with ‘Geishun’ characters, against an overcast sky. Despite the gloominess of the weather, the bright colors of the shrine bring a warm and welcoming contrast, capturing the essence of a quieter Japanese New Year.
Story Behind the Photo – A Brief Kamakura Getaway
With an evening plan in place, I used the time beforehand to visit Kamakura for the first time this year. The visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, though past the peak New Year period, offered a chance to experience the site in relative calm and to capture a moment of Japan’s New Year spirit.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Capturing the Moment
After securing a charm for business success, I equipped my camera with the recently purchased M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8 lens. Wandering the shrine’s grounds, I aimed to capture the festive ‘Geishun’ scene. The timing might have been slightly off the main New Year rush, but the photograph successfully captures a peaceful yet significant moment of the season.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: Olympus PEN-F
- Lens: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm F1.8
- Shutter Speed: 1/500s
- Aperture: ƒ3.2
- ISO: ISO 400
- Exposure Compensation: 0 EV
Location