rachelle_m.

What's the purpose of your trip - sightseeing or photographing? For me, if it's the former, I bring my camera with me and hope for decent light and interesting situations whenever I can get it. If it's the latter, then I make that a priority. For example, on a trip to Borobudur in Indonesia, I knew I really wanted to get some beautiful sunrise/sunset shots, but that it would be iffy with the weather. So even though the area (and the site) isn't worth much more than half a day, I spent two days there, so I could get 2 sunrises and 2 sunsets. In a way it was nice to slow down and even be able to experiment, something I can't really do when photographing on the fly. So for me, when photography is main purpose of the trip, I do tend to slow down and spend more time in certain places when I can, because I know I'll be frustrated (photographically-speaking) if I don't. I also try to avoid checking in and out of hotels as much as possible - I find you can lose so much time doing this while travelling - if the place is not worth 2 nights or more, then more often than not, I don't bother, or try to make a day trip out of it. Of course, there are some exceptions.

<p>I went to Aoi Matsuri many years ago and did not have paid seating. I went early, to the Imperial Palace I believe, and was able to get a "front row" spot right behind the rope that keeps the crowds back. This allowed me to photograph the procession without anyone in front of me (important, since I'm pretty short!). It did get very crowded though, so I was glad I went early. The procession is long, and is pretty easy to see along the city streets (no need to go early) but not as atmospheric.</p>

<p>Wherever you get it processed make sure they turn off the infrared sensors in the machines or it will all be for nothing...<br> <strong> </strong><br> <strong>From the Kodak EIR PDF:</strong><br> Note: Do not process infrared film in labs using equipment with infrared sensors. The infrared sources used by photofinishers, such as night vision goggles, infrared cameras (used mostly on rack-and-tank machines), or infrared replenishment sensors (used on some roller-transport, continuous and minilab machines), will fog EIR Film. The photofinisher must be willing to turn off their infrared cameras and not use infrared goggles while this film is out of its magazine. Labs using roller-transport processors should first verify the presence of infrared sensors, which detect the length and width of the film for replenishment calculations. Many of these processors have a manual replenishment mode, which will turn off the sensors. Film fogged by infrared radiation in the lab will have an overall crimson red appearance. (It completely fogs the infrared layer, leaving only an image from the red and green sensitive layers.) Labs receiving film for processing with the leader protruding from the magazine should rewind it into the magazine or keep it in a black plastic can until it can be opened in the dark. Some labs’ equipment will not operate if all infrared emitters are disengaged. </p>

<p>Beautiful shots Ron. I tried to go to Skellig Michael both times I visited Ireland (2007, 2008) and both times I couldn't do it because the boats wouldn't run with the wind being so strong (which it wasn't on land, but apparently was much worse at sea). I even waited a couple of days for the winds to die down to increase my chances, but it was still a no-go. So it still remains on the bucket list, although I imagine a lot of people will be wanting to visit as a result of seeing them in <em>The Force Awakens</em>.</p>

<p>The backing has changed, but I haven't noticed any differences in the tightness of the rolls. The only film that gives me problems like you are describing is Acros, and that's a fairly recent development.</p>

<p>Hi Martin,</p> <p>Lots of good advice from Kyle and Hector. I'm still living in Japan but I now live in Kyoto. As per Hector's suggestion for the old thread (totally forgot about it!) I thought I would try to update and add to the information.</p> <p>For Kyoto, you might want to look at these sites: <a href="http://www.insidekyoto.com/">Inside Kyoto</a>, <a href="http://www.kyotoguide.com/">Kyoto Guide</a>, <a href="http://kyototraveler.org/">Kyoto Travel,</a> and <a href="http://www.deepkyoto.com/">Deep Kyoto</a>.</p> <p>Kiyomizudera is currently being renovated so there will be limitations on the kinds of photos you can take there, although it's still worth a visit. The Arashiyama area in the northwest is also worth visiting, as are temples and shrines south of Kyoto station (this area, other than Fushimi Inari Shrine, tends to get overlooked by most tourists and guidebooks/sites). I live very near Daigo-ji temple, which is a World Heritage Site, and well worth exploring. Like Ginkakuji, it's possible to hike up the mountain behind it. I am planning a visit to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saih%C5%8D-ji_%28Kyoto%29">moss garden</a>, as I have been unable to get there yet. But it can be expensive - if you want to see other moss gardens in the city, <a href="http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/thismonth/Hydrangea-and-moss.html">this guide </a>has some good suggestions. As you'll be there in June, which is the start of the rainy season, any moss garden would be a great to visit. </p> <p>As for day trips from Kyoto (or in the Kansai area in general), Nara is a good bet, and Osaka is worth a day. If you want to go further (or perhaps on your way to Hiroshima) stopping off at Himeji to view the castle would be worthwhile. The castle has been under wraps for renovation for years and it just opened two weeks ago. It's stunning and definitely the most beautiful, and one of the most interesting, castles in Japan. Another day (or better yet overnight) trip from Kyoto would be to Koya-san, a beautiful temple complex. The cemetery there is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever been to.</p> <p>There won't be any sumo tournaments on while you are here, but I would highly recommend a Japanese baseball game -- it's fun and different to watch and experience. You could see the Giants in Tokyo or the Hanshin Tigers in Osaka, or the Carp in Hiroshima. You can buy tickets <a href="http://www.japanballtickets.com/index.html">here</a>, and more information <a href="http://www.japanball.com/baseballjapan.htm">here</a>.</p> <p>I don't have much to say for Tokyo, except to say that it will provide endless opportunities to get great street and architectural photos. Visiting Yodobashi Camera, the mecca of all photo stores, should also be on your list. If you want to do Fuji (Five Lakes area), 1-2 days would be the minimum. Try to get at least one sunrise, and it's worth renting a bicycle to explore the areas around the lakes.</p> <p>A good day trip out of Tokyo (one of many) could also be to Kamakura - you can see the large <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3100.html">Amida Buddha</a>, and several temples, including <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/06/24/the-beautiful-flowers-of-hydrangea-temple-possibly-the-best-thing-about-japans-rainy-season/">Meigetsuin</a> and <a href="http://en.japantravel.com/photos/hasedera-hydrangea-garden-kamakura">Hasedera</a>, will be stunning with thousands of hydrangea in bloom. In fact you'll find hydrangea all over the country since their blooming coincides with the rainy season. Japan is a country very in tune with its seasonal variations, which includes flowers, blossoms, and turning leaves. Regardless of whether or not you like photographing those things yourself, I find it hard to photograph Japan and not include those kinds of seasonal elements to it.</p> <p>Well, I think this is more than enough for now. Let me know if you have any other questions.</p> <p> </p>

<p>I travelled to Keukenhof a few years ago and was there in the third week of April - and I have to admit the gardens were at their just hitting their peak then. I felt very lucky to have been able to photograph them at that time. There are crowds, but as mentioned above, earlier is better than later. I was there right when the gardens opened and was able to take a lot of pictures without any people in them. However, by late morning the numbers had swelled and it was more difficult to get any nice shots, but that also coincided with the sun coming out and having a lot of harsh light to deal with.</p> <p>I got there by bicycle - was able to ride through the tulip fields before and after going to the gardens, which was rewarding as well. That being said, I would not photograph the fields over the gardens as an either/or proposition -- if you have to choose one, I would go with the gardens. But of course it's possible to do them both.</p>

<p>I've lived in Japan for over 10 years and have never had an incident, other than being asked for sex. In all cases, telling the guy to f--- off or even just saying no usually works. Most guys don't want to attract attention to themselves. That's not to say that bad stuff can't happen, but the odds of it happening to these two girls is extremely unlikely. Japan is extremely safe. Using common sense and trusting your instincts is usually the best way to deal with most situations.</p> <p>As for travel, having some Japanese helps, but you absolutely don't need it. The girls may be "backpacking" but I imagine they'll hit mostly well-known tourist places in Japan, most of which will have English-language signage (and some English speakers). I've also found that (especially in off-the-beaten-track places) writing my request down in English seems to work better sometimes, as quite a number of people lack confidence in understanding spoken English. Either way, the girls will be fine here.</p> <p>As for film, it's still available (compared to the western world) -- almost any photo store will still carry some. That being said, the best places are <a href="http://www.shootingfilm.net/2013/01/inside-yodobashi-cameras-film-coolr.html">Yodobashi Camera</a> (in any major city, but Tokyo is the mecca and has the best selection -- please look at the link) or BIC Camera (Toyko and Osaka are good, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka are not in my recent experiences). Colour neg, slide, black and white, everything from 135 to large format is available.</p> <p>PS. I just went through the photos for the Yodobashi Camera link that I listed above -- the photos at the top of the page are more representative of what's there now, that is, a long single cooler with all brands of film in it. The photos at the bottom are older (5 or more years) when that store had up to three massive coolers -- one mostly for Fuji, one mostly for other players (Kodak, Ilford), and one for "other" films including disposables, instant film, etc. Or maybe the difference was colour film versus black and white. Either way, those coolers are gone now and it's just the one. Another clue is the presence of now-discontinued films in those bottom pictures.<br> <br /> Yodobashi camera stores in smaller cities will have much less selection than the Tokyo store, but they still cover all the basics.</p>