Stunning Japan photo gallery from Mark Lloyd-Ruck

Mark Lloyd-Ruck is a lovable and talented fellow. I've known him for a many years now, though it's been a long time since we lived in the same city – or even country, for that matter.

The last time I met with him was in Bangkok at the tail end of last year. He was taking a brief sabbatical after finishing a job as a Creative Director in Tokyo, and before commencing a new role in London. He showed up with an impressive looking camera, and told me he'd been cataloguing his experience in Asia through photography.

Not long afterwards, I started seeing some of his wonderful pictures popping up in my Instagram feed. I asked him if he'd be up for sending a small collection of his favourites to publish on Cosmic Tiger, and thankfully he agreed. He sent in these excellent shots from his time in Japan, alongside brief descriptions, and it’s an absolute pleasure to present them here.

Zebra crossing

“I bought a camera when I moved to Tokyo. Being in a city new city and knowing no one, photography gave me a way to explore my new home”.

Mt Fuji

“There are a lot of spots in Japan that have been photographed a million times. If I can capture a moment of people’s lives in those places, rather than just replicating exactly what’s been seen before, I’m happy”.

Shinjuku Sta

“It took me a while to find a style. But I’ve noticed a pattern in exposure and tone that’s darker with a slightly muted vibrancy”.

Trains

“I’m still not great at knowing when to take a shot, but the luxury of digital cameras is you can take hundreds and learn from your mistakes”.

The Tori

“If I have the time, I’ll go to a spot twice. It’s a chance to scope out the best angle, time of day for light and get a feel for a place. This shot took two visits to get the long exposure right”.

Geisha in Kyoto

“I’m trying street portraiture now. I’m always aware of invasion of privacy and not treating people like a tourist attraction. This geisha kindly gave me a nod to say taking a photo was ok”.

Ueno

“I love those serendipitous moments when everything seems weirdly staged. Like when there’s a specific colour pallet that appears between the space and the people within it”.

Kannondori

“Japan is a place of such incredible contrasting cultures, traditions and aesthetic. I count myself as very lucky to have had the opportunity to experience living in it”.

Mark is still taking pictures of his journeys around Europe, America, and Asia. You can see more in his Instagram, here.