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.
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.
Tudung and Yukata. Slow Flash and Grunge Filter.
I like how the Bon Odori Festival takes on a multi-ethnic theme, locally. The trick in photographing the Bon Odori is to dance or glide the camera alongside the circles. Move at the same pace and turn around in between to shoot.
Don’t stay in one spot to photograph, fire on the fly instead. The crowd was really enjoying themselves, it shows on their faces. Enjoy it yourself and the good shots will come naturally.
Olympus OM-D, ISO 200, f4, 1/13 sec with FL-50R flash.
