Bon Odori 2013 – Part 5

The night ended with fireworks. I noticed with the recent spate of 4th of July fireworks pics on Instagram, majority pointed to the sky alone. I know it is not always possible, but try to include the surroundings, skyline or a landmark.

Think about it. Fireworks in the dark sky alone is quite meaningless. It can be Nagoya or Norway or someone else’s backyard. It is the juxtaposition that makes the picture and makes it more meaningful when you look at it years later.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f16, 13 sec.

Bon Odori 2013 - Part 5

Bon Odori 2013 – Part 4

In the centre of the field is an elevated bandstand known as the yagura. Around it, in a cordoned area, is the first revolving circle of dancers. This is the more serious side or the business end of the festival.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f4, 1/13 sec FL-50R flash.

Bon Odori 2013 - Part 4

Bon Odori 2013 – Part 3

You can say the Bon Odori dance is infectious when bystanders start dancing from the stands into the pitch.

Photography Tip: While the crowd is your centrepiece here, include little elements that enhance the story when you compose the picture. The lanterns represent festivities and the stadium’s grandstand indicates the scale of the celebrations. A tilted angle complements the chaos and energy.

Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f4, 1/8 sec with FL-50R flash.

Bon Odori 2013 - Part 3