![Photo of komainu](https://i0.wp.com/lestaylorphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Frozen-Protector.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&ssl=1)
Frozen Protector
This is another photo from one of the big snows we had around Japan in February. The statue here is called “komainu” – a lion/dog which is believed by some to protect the nearby shrine from evil spirits. I don’t know about that, but I do know it makes for an interesting photographic subject and I’ve often been interested by this particular angle, but until it snowed I had a hard time getting a shot...
![Photo of Plum Blossoms in Japan](https://i0.wp.com/lestaylorphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Better-Days-Are-Coming.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&ssl=1)
“Better Days Are Coming” – Plum Blossoms In Tokyo
For the past week or two, my camera was with Nikon, being repaired for the damage it received during one of Tokyo’s recent snow days. I finally got it back this past Sunday, but Sunday and Monday were too busy to get out and use it again. So this afternoon after some morning duties I took a trip down to Tokyo’s Minato ward to see what I could find. I was lucky enough to run...
![Photo of Tokyo snow](https://i0.wp.com/lestaylorphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Solitary-Snow-Day.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&ssl=1)
Solitary Snow Day
Today, Tokyo had a real snow day. It’s been snowing all day long – I don’t think it has stopped at all. It has accumulated pretty well, and it’s making transportation around the city tough. But, used to snow or not, the Japanese are a tough bunch, and they continue to get their business done. I’m sure this lady was cold (I sure was!) but she was roughing it through the weather, heading somewhere important...
![Photo of snow in Japan](https://i0.wp.com/lestaylorphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Ride-Is-Over.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&ssl=1)
The Ride Is Over
Here’s another from the snow yesterday. In Japan where many people use bicycles, if it starts snowing and/or getting icy, that can pose a definite problem! Hope this guy didn’t have too far to go, though. By the way, I’d like to talk a minute about cropping photos. For a long time I didn’t realize the importance of this aspect of photography, but how you crop can totally change the look and feel of a...