By Gil Maker
From January 14-28, 2025 I went on a photo tour to Hokkaido, Japan with a group of 8 photographers. Our group was led by two instructors from aspect 2i, a photography group from England, that provides international photography tours and workshops. I chose this adventure because Hokkaido, the northern most island of Japan, is known for stunning natural beauty, particularly during the winter months. The island transforms into a serene, monochromatic wonderland, providing an ideal backdrop for black and white photography. The interplay of light and shadow, the stark contrasts, and the minimalist look create a captivating place for photographers.
In Hokkaido, the winter landscape is characterized by vast expanses of snow, barren trees, and icy waters. These elements, when captured in monochrome, evoke a sense of solitude, stillness, and purity.
There are three elements that helped me photograph the island’s winter scenery.
1. Composition: I focused on the structure and form of the landscape. Using leading lines, symmetry, and patterns I tried to create a sense of harmony and balance. The stark contrast between the dark, leafless trees and the ground can create visually striking compositions.
2. Lighting: The quality of light and how it interacts with the landscape changes quite a bit during the day. Early morning and late afternoon light, when the sun is low on the horizon, can create long shadows and highlight the texture of the snow. Overcast days can also be advantageous, as the diffuse light can create a soft, even illumination that enhances the minimalist aesthetic.
3. Mood and Emotion: Hokkaido’s winter landscape evokes a wide range of emotions. I tried to use the elements of composition, lighting, contrast, and texture to create images with an emotional tone.
Hokkaido offers a wealth of locations that are perfect for black and white photography. One of my favorite stops was Shosanbetse. At Shosanbetsu we spent the day photographing the sea ice and the famous Torii Gate.
Black and white photography in Hokkaido offers an opportunity to capture the island’s winter landscapes. This trip inspired me to shoot some of my best work. Over the next months I will show my photographs at the gallery. I hope you will enjoy the photographs as much as I enjoyed photographing there.
For more information about aspect2i tours, click on the link below:
https://www.aspect2i.co.uk/tours-and-workshops/view/hokkaido-winter-landscapes-of-japan
2 responses to “My Trip to Hokkaido”
Very Interesting.
Love the photos from your trip, especially the use of black and white. You spur me to experiment more in B&W.