The Japanese Cemetery I do love Kyoto and the quaintness of Japanese design. Of course, cemeteries all over the world are different, and each one is kind of like you expect. I don’t really know what I mean by that, since you don’t know what you will see. But it is never surprising when you finally lay eyes on it. Of course, you don’t know what any of it means, or the traditions involved, but you can sort of intuit the inner meaning of it all. And that is kind of nice.- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Japanese Girl with Mask The white mask is a popular meme in Japan. It’s pervasive and it affects all ages. I see school children wearing masks, old people in the subway, and everyone in between. I was waiting to see a new trend where the face masks have designs — quirky, cute Japanese designs. If no one has done it, then there’s a great idea for you.I like them, I suppose. In a way, it makes everyone look a little bit mysterious, and that is sort of interesting. - Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
The Restaurant in Tokyo that Inspired that Crazy Scene from Kill Bill When I was in Tokyo, I had a great time out with Altus! He stayed with me here in Austin, and we were able to meet up for a fun time of photography out in Tokyo. That’s one of the BEST things about having a blog, I must say! It gives me the chance to meet all kinds of nice people like YOU that extend gracious invitations for photography! After dark, Altus took me to this cool restaurant (btw, the original sized version has nice details on Flickr!) The manager was very nice and let us sit where we wanted and then a carte-blanche for taking photos. He asked if I would send him photos and if I charge… and I told him no… I do this stuff for fun! So, we have a smart and well-movied community here – who can tell me the name of this restaurant? - Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Tokyo Tunnel During a fun photowalk in Tokyo, we were doing our best to get a city shot around sunset.  We speculated that perhaps the best way to get from Point A to a mysterious Point B was to go through this tunnel.  It didn't quite get us where we wanted to go, but we did arrive someplace different.  - Trey Ratcliff The full post is available here.
The Spaceship of Tokyo Maybe after the workshop Alfie will take us over to this place!  The architecture inside is amazing and It's a dream come true for hundreds of interesting compositions.  Alfie took me here the first time because he thought I would like it -- I think he regretted it later because I stayed so long to take too many photos!- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
The Golden Pavilion (or Kinkaku-ji for my new Japanese friends)This is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, so of course I had to go.  It's sort of like going to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Rudy's BBQ in Austin.It was originally built back in 1397 and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times.  The building itself is as meticulous as the gardens around it.  The Japanese really know how to tend a garden!  There was a fleet of workers all over the grounds, sweeping up and rearranging little bits here and there.  It was all very quaint and wonderful.- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
The Secret Spots in Tokyo  What an amazing place.  Now, knowing the crowd around here, you will be able to identify this secret spot in Tokyo.  I really thank everyone out there for being so kind and introducing me to these great spots for photography.  I feel quite lucky that when I travel, I have instant friends everywhere.  I can't believe it!  Anyway, the gentleman who ushered me into this incredible lair was Alfie.  Be sure to hit that link if you ever visit Tokyo and want to get some lessons WHILE seeing great places around the city.- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Ripping Through the City Streets of Tokyo This photo was taken on my final night in Tokyo.  It was rainy, cool, and perfect for street photography.  It's hard to explain HOW clean my sensor was in this photo.  I had the privilege of taking it to the Nikon Headquarters in Tokyo and having the sensor cleaned by a real Japanese guy.  It was a religious experience -- and it only cost $10!  What a deal!- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Exploring Kyoto at Night I think I could stay in Kyoto for a few years and go out taking photos every day and night! What a picturesque place… I feel like someone designed it a thousand years ago just for HDR! Now, I think this is a pretty darned good example of HDR. When you are there, you do see all these colors and light levels. Absolutely! Thank goodness for the sweet lady HDR and all her little tricks.- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

The Japanese Cemetery


I do love Kyoto and the quaintness of Japanese design. Of course, cemeteries all over the world are different, and each one is kind of like you expect. I don’t really know what I mean by that, since you don’t know what you will see. But it is never surprising when you finally lay eyes on it. Of course, you don’t know what any of it means, or the traditions involved, but you can sort of intuit the inner meaning of it all. And that is kind of nice.

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog." href="javascript:openLB(1444394854,'',XLarge,'',1024,675);">The Japanese Cemetery I do love Kyoto and the quaintness of Japanese design. Of course, cemeteries all over the world are different, and each one is kind of like you expect. I don’t really know what I mean by that, since you don’t know what you will see. But it is never surprising when you finally lay eyes on it. Of course, you don’t know what any of it means, or the traditions involved, but you can sort of intuit the inner meaning of it all. And that is kind of nice.- Trey RatcliffClick here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.

The Japanese Cemetery


I do love Kyoto and the quaintness of Japanese design. Of course, cemeteries all over the world are different, and each one is kind of like you expect. I don’t really know what I mean by that, since you don’t know what you will see. But it is never surprising when you finally lay eyes on it. Of course, you don’t know what any of it means, or the traditions involved, but you can sort of intuit the inner meaning of it all. And that is kind of nice.

- Trey Ratcliff

Click here to read the rest of this post at the Stuck in Customs blog.
See photo in original gallery.