Capturing a quiet moment on film amidst the bustle of Ikebukuro
This black and white image, shot on a Canon 630 SLR with Kodak Tri-X 400 film, is more than just a building in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. For me, it captures a rare moment of stillness in a place that’s usually all about constant movement.
Each morning, this was where I’d park my bike before heading off to catch the train to work. Down below, the streets were a blur, alive with thousands of people caught up in the daily rush. Yet, amidst all that chaos, this particular building always stood out. It had a unique symmetry of squares and circles, offering a quiet, almost calming contrast to the city’s relentless energy.
I was really just finding my feet with photography back then. This was well before digital cameras and the world of instant results we know now. Black and white film quickly became my go-to for street photography, and this photo really stands out from those early days when I was first exploring what I could do with it.
I remember it was a cloudy morning, but the light filtering through was just perfect, casting the shadows exactly where they needed to be. I took a single shot – no filters, no edits later on. Just pure film goodness, as they say.
It’s a simple photograph, really, but it remains one of my enduring favourites.
Camera: Canon 630
Film: Kodak Tri-Max 400
Location: Hiratsuka, Japan
When: March 2002
