A Melbourne based architectural photographer in Japan.
While traveling around Japan I knew that I had to take an hour or so to capture the stunning International Forum building in Tokyo. Although I did have a tripod with me on this trip, I did not use it for the following images because I had not sought permission prior to my arrival, coupled with the fact that I did not want to carry it around with me all day!
The International Forum building was designed by architect Rafael Vinoly to represent the sweeping curves and graceful lines of an elongated boat; completed in 1996, it is a major exhibition centre which also happens to be open to the public if you wish to wander inside and admire the stunning structure. Upon stepping inside armed with my Canon 5DSR and much-loved 17mm TS-E, an hour and a half flew past in a heartbeat as I composed several panorama’s on my quest for the optimum light, shape and tones…pure heaven for an architectural photographer.
I would very much have liked to spend a little more time shooting the exterior at dusk, however unfortunately my itinerary was just too full. Certainly I would love to return to Tokyo and spend more time documenting this fascinating city; given its size I always knew that 3 days was going to be a compromise, but at least I saw a little of what I originally set out to photograph.
The above images were all captured using the same camera and lens combination and are composed of 3 exposures per still shot, with 3 shots per final image to create a wider view with a subtle HDR feel.
Further examples of my architectural and panoramic images can be found at www.michaelevansphotographer.com
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Spectacular, breathtaking, lovely…all of the above! I like that you included the human factor to the one shot, it provides scale to this enormous structure.
Hi Elisa, thank you so much! It really was a magical hour spent photographing while Melinda waited patiently…the problem as always is that you keep seeing new angles and possibilities long after promising that you have finished, while wandering very slowly to the exit…! If you are ever in Tokyo, this place is worth the visit in my opinion. Thank you for your comment, I hope you are well (and planning another trip to Paris!!)