Photography can be very simple in its form yet contain a powerful message. It is not how many or what type of elements you decide to frame with your lens but how all of them composed together will make the viewers feel, or what they will make them think of. Photography, or even art in general, is like flirting, you either click immediately or not. You either relate to what you see or you don't. Art is there to make you feel, not think. Once you start analyzing it it loses its charm and elegance. Leave thinking and pondering for snobs.

I took this image yesterday during private photography workshops in Tokyo. I like to challenge my students bu placing them in front of tricky to compose views, or just asking them to find me a photo in surrounding chaos. We were inside Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba and I have noticed this salary man resting on a couch. He was checking his phone and I took a few shots, but I was not fully happy with them. Then I saw him pass out and that was the moment I was waiting for. Perfect image to summarize Tokyo, with faint and very organized geometrical pattern (symbolizing Japanese life style by the manual) in the background, lots of negative space (traditional simplicity), a tiny bit of white shirt sticking out suggesting an office worker, bald spots on the head - a result of stress perhaps, and the plant that slightly resembles bonsai (traditional pass time), tucked in a corner because no one has time here in Tokyo for having fun.

The fewer the elements on the photo the less distractions for the mind. Viewers are immediately drawn to where you want them. Eyes do not wander about and subjects really stand out. It is a bit like writing in capital letters. Such images are harmonious but at the same time striking and powerful. There is no room for error or unnecessary elements. Even that reflection plays a role of an anchor that helps you to bounce back and forth between that highlight and easily recognizable shape of human head. Square to the top right of this guy's head is contrasting with its roundness, helping to frame it but it does it in an abstract and misaligned manner. The couch top provides a slide for the eyes to move left and right.

Always look around you because great photographs are happening everywhere, it is just a matter of being able to see them. Some of them can be anticipated, some need time to happen so you will have to be patient, and some just happen right in front of you. If you feel like something would make a good image then take it, do not waste time on thinking, your inner child's intuition is most likely right.

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I am a multi-genre artist and consequently I have a few websites and few portfolio's. It was all too scattered so I decided to put all of my best work together in one folio, in separate categories. It took me a few days to update my entire portfolio on Smugmug. I went through all of my photos and picked those that I personally think represent what I do as an artist. New portfolio holds all types of photography: portraiture photography, architecture photography and cityscapes, street photography, photoshop manipulations and digital art, black and white photography, nature photography and landscapes, boudoir and body art photography, and Chinese and Japanese calligraphy art.

All photos are in their original size at 300dpi. Some of the files are as large as 160MB, so if you are viewing them in original size it may take some times to load them up. All of the images are quality edits which is exactly why I uploaded full size files. Enjoy!

Portrait photography service, Tokyo - website
http://www.portrait-photography-tokyo.com/
Photography workshops in Tokyo: http://www.ryuurui.com/photography-workshops.html
Hire a photographer in Tokyo: http://www.ryuurui.com/hire-a-photographer-in-tokyo.html
Photo blog: http://www.japan-in-photography.com/
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For more tutorials and how to videos check out my photoshop and photography tips and tricks YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOVGZ2rpLhR7gSPvaexxxQ

Street photography is based on two elements: a moment or mood, which is the kinetic part, and the environment or scenery, which is often very static and forms a structure, sort of a framing, to which all the strings are attached. Even the most emotional or candid street photography must have some sort of static reference to bring balance into the composition. However, what is static and what is kinetic does not have to be so clearly defined. If you look at the photograph below, you will notice several things. There is a dialogue between certain elements that create balanced composition. The tree to the right is quite heavy visually, but it is introduces intimacy into the photo. The diagonal branches and deep shadows create an illusion of a shelter. The shoe, the guy the second tree behind the car and the car itself create an off weight to that tree. All photo elements are static. The guy sitting upright like in a church, the trees, no wind, even the car seems static and that is because we can only see the rooftop. Stillness is further emphasized by parallel horizontal straight lines running across the photo from top to bottom. From the shadows on the ground, wood planks the bench is made of, folds and layers of dissipating horizon and so on. The shoe also suggests a pause. Hard sunlight adds warmth and sensation of relaxation. The kinetic element of this photo is indirect. It is hidden inside knowledge of the viewer that this guy is on a short break outside the office. He is taking a breather and will soon rush back to work. This is Tokyo, there is no such thing as rest here. To be able to capture great street photos you not only have to learn how to see photos in your surroundings, be able to predict what is about to happen (things happen in patterns in real life), but also be very patient. Patience is a sign of certainty. People do not wait for no reason. You find a great spot, and you know that there is a photo about to happen, and you know what you are waiting for. That skill of envisioning images is so important, especially if you wish to venture deeper into the realm of photo retouching. All those elements are interconnected.

Private photoshop workshops via skype - http://www.ryuurui.com/photo-retouching-lessons.html
My portrait photography service, Tokyo - website
http://www.portrait-photography-tokyo.com/
Photography workshops in Tokyo: http://www.ryuurui.com/photography-workshops.html
Hire a photographer in Tokyo: http://www.ryuurui.com/hire-a-photographer-in-tokyo.html
Photo blog: http://www.japan-in-photography.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ponteryuurui
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PonteRyuurui
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PonteRyuurui/posts

For more tutorials and how to videos check out my photoshop and photography tips and tricks YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOVGZ2rpLhR7gSPvaexxxQ

Street photography is not easy. You have to be observant, patient but at the same time quick and precise if needed. You have to know your gear inside out to be able to act fast. You should have good understanding of human behavior and psychology, just like in portrait photography, although street photography is not all about capturing people. Running around like a rabid dog with your camera will probably not grant good results. Most of the time street photography is all about finding the picture with one element that is missing. Then all you do is wait for that element to appear. Things happen in patterns, so if you saw something you liked, but it was too late,there is a good chance it may happen again. When I visited Narita temple complex north of Tokyo, there was some sort of traditional event going on. I did not really care what it was, all I cared about was that it was a feast for a photographer. So I found myself a spot, with a small shrine framed by a massive branch, and small stone figurines lined up along the path, and the only missing element was someone passing. I saw a few people pass but they did not fit the scene, so I waited some more. And then I saw this guy, not only was he dressed to match the noren (banner) on that shrine, but he even turned his head towards the light in a perfect moment. Patience really pays off when it comes to street photography. If you are looking for a photographer in Tokyo to take you on street photography workshops, then feel free to contact me.

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
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Check out my new portrait photography services in Tokyo website! 

When I was younger I hated school with passion. Not because I do not like to learn, quite the contrary, simply school was too intellectually confined, lacking finesse, and rather dull. I teach photography art the same way as I would like to have learned when I was a kid. I teach not what I know but whatever is that interest you, bearing in mind your current level and skill. I also teach with the vision of post processing and image retouching, as I believe that post processing is equally, if not more important than taking photos, and I really mean that. The technical side of photography, like setting proper ISO, shutter speed and aperture is not that complicated, and sooner or later you will pick it up naturally with practice.  Photography is an art, not a geek show. Leave the technicalities to those who cannot see a bigger picture. The most essential thing to master in photography is understanding the light (with the exception of portrait photography, in which case you also need to understand human psychology, to be able to evoke or comprehend their body language and reactions). You have to fall in love with light, learn how to adjust to it or control it. Light determines compositions, both during night and day. Photography does not exist without light, and good photography does not exist without understanding of how to capture it. I put a huge stress on composition, not in a technical sense, I rather emphasize the artistic  feel of composition and how to sense balance in the image. I teach how to find a photograph in a mess of nothingness, a scene that is loud and convoluted, how to appreciate art in what you thought was mundane, how to see and compose with energy and aura of a scene, rather than place items on the crossing lines of rule of thirds, because the book or article told you to do so. In addition, I also teach post processing and advanced photoshop manipulation online via desktop sharing, so once you return home with your images that you took in Tokyo or any other place, we can continue the education through the internet. My experience and scope as an artist goes far beyond photography, which allows me to see a much bigger picture. I do not just teach photography, I teach art. Contact me for details here. Available photography workshops:  portrait photography, street photography, architecture photography and night photography.

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
Hire a photographer in Tokyo
Buy original Chinese and Japanese calligraphy art
Check out my new portrait photography website!

In this photoshop tutorial I will show you how you can easily edit and convert a photo inside Adobe Camera Raw without having to do absolutely nothing inside photoshop. Adobe Camera Raw is a very powerful tool, and it has many amazing options. In fact Lightroom editing options are build around Camera Raw functions. This tutorial will teach you how you can control contrast and colors of your photo, perform some simple dodging and burning, manipulate with light to direct the viewers attention to the place you want them to go, and finally how to convert the photo into a nice crispy and punchy black and white. 

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
Hire a photographer in Tokyo
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Tokyo is like a vision generator for anyone who is a fan of science fiction. Spaceships, hovercrafts, cyborgs, lasers - yes please! And Akihabara - the Electric City of Tokyo - is N.U.T.Z. God I love this place. When I was taking this shot, in my mind, it was a cut-scene from a sci fi flick. I mean come on, just look at it, it asks to be digitally meddled with. Anyways, the point is, when you shoot, always shoot with a vision of post processing, ALWAYS. And if you cannot post process your shots - learn it how to do it properly. No one is going to do it for you the way you would like to see your final photos. Got to have a vision guys, that is so important to your evolution as an artist. Taking photos is 50% of the fun, the rest happening inside your PC. There is a reason we all shoot in RAW, or at least you should, and it is to get the best ingredients possible and the most flexibility for your artistic cooking. So, learn how to cook, chicks dig it!

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
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I am so busy recently I can hardly find time for posting on my blogs, and what is worse, I might be launching another site with another blog soon. God help me, haha. Anyways, I was out scouting for a good location for an engagement photoshoot for one of my clients and , and on the way, I was capturing interesting images that were constantly happening around me. Here is one of those, I absolutely love it, strongly backlit summer scene, and so rare too, both couples actually walk together as in holding hands, or at least the girls do hold their guys by their arms. They are not holding smartphones, mind you, they are holding each other, shocking!

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
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Every day you are passing by things that never catch your attention, as they are plain and ordinary. Even views and scenes can seem usual and boring, but as a photographer you need to learn how to snipe and eye-crop those little precious things and convert them into art with your camera. Whenever I teach photography I try to point out those little diamonds, and teach how to train your eye to find them in a mess of every day of the usual. Here is a great example, it is a side of a fire engine that I took a picture of the other day. The truck and the surrounding were not really that special, but when I saw all those switches and pipes, my brain cropped the image in real life and I saw this shot. Photoshop and photo editing knowledge is very helpful in such situations, as you know what you can do with the photo. A bit of color management and dodging and burning and it suddenly looks great. As a photographer you should always be alert and keep your head turning in search of the image.

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
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Out again today to the streets of Tokyo for capturing some night portraiture. If you follow my blog you know that I love night in the city, and consequently I love drama and deep strong shadows in my photos. Portrait shots are no different. So we popped outside today to capture a few urban portraits, in a semi glamor slash fashion feel to it.  This portrait was shot at a funky angle, with one speed light lighting my model, the rest of the lights are reflections or ambient light on the scene. If you wish to have your portrait photo taken, feel free to contact me directly. To see more of my work, simply browse my portfolio.

My Youtube channel with free photoshop tutorials
Photography workshops in Tokyo - click for more details.
Hire a photographer in Tokyo
Buy original Chinese and Japanese calligraphy art

model: Eccaia