Gear and clothing suggestions

Camera Requirements – Street Photography

All camera brands are welcome. Digital is of course preferable, but if you'd like to bring a film camera as a secondary option, that's totally fine.

For street photography, both Giovanni and Lee shoot with a 35mm lens, which is the focal length we recommend. Any kind of lens is welcome — we’ll help you work around any limitations. A 28mm or 50mm is also perfectly acceptable if that’s your preference, but we strongly suggest traveling light and committing to just one focal length. We’ll be walking a lot and the goal is to see the world through a single lens.

If you don’t have prime lenses, there’s no need to buy new gear. Just choose the focal length you want to use on your zoom lens, and stick with it for the duration.

Down here some picture Lee and Giovanni took with a 35 mm

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Osaka (3).jpg
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Osaka (8).jpg
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Osaka (1).jpg
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Osaka (4).jpg
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Camera Requirements – Landscape Photography

There’s no tough trekking involved in the landscape portions of the workshop — we will mostly move by car, so don't be too afraid of the weight.

Zoom lens setup

  • Recommended: 14–24mm for wide shots and 24–70mm for mid-range.

  • Optional: 70–200mm for more reach, if you don’t mind carrying extra weight.

Prime lens setup

  • 14mm: great for wide compositions and skies.

  • 35mm: excellent for mountain villages like Gokayama.

  • 105mm: for isolating details and creating more abstract frames.

Tripod & Filters
A tripod is essential for low-light situations — it's the only way to ensure sharp images when the light is low.

Filters are not mandatory, but they can be a great creative tool. We recommend bringing a circular polarizer and ND filters (3-stop and 10-stop, if possible). These are particularly helpful if you're interested in long exposures by the sea. We'll be happy to help you use them effectively.

Cold Weather Tips
Don’t forget to pack extra batteries — cold weather drains them quickly.

Down here some examples of different focal lenghts and the results

14mm + ND filter

14mm + ND filter

35mm

35mm

50mm

50mm

70mm

70mm

130mm

130mm

200mm

200mm

Clothing & Footwear Recommendations

Street Photography

For our street sessions in Tokyo and Osaka:

  • Wear urban-style clothing — something comfortable and discreet.

  • Use comfortable walking shoes. We'll be spending long hours on foot.

  • Be prepared for possible rain. A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is a good idea.

Temperatures

The weather in February in the Gifu and Toyama regions can be cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Average temperatures:

Toyama:

  • High: 3–5 °C (37–41°F)

  • Low: –2 °C (28°F)

  • Frequent snow or rain

Gifu:

  • High: 7 °C (44 °F)

  • Low: –1 °C (30 °F)

  • Chance of precipitation around 30–50%

What to Wear for the Landscape Days

  • Insulated, waterproof boots suitable for snow and slush

  • Thermal base layers

  • Fleece or insulated mid-layer

  • Waterproof and windproof outer shell

  • Warm gloves and a hat or beanie

  • Neck gaiter or scarf

  • Wool or thermal socks

  • Optional: extra socks, hand warmers, and cleats (if you're worried about icy paths)