When photographing people, I generally feel reasonably confident I can reproduce what’s in front of me. Landscapes, on the other hand, are a completely different proposition. Without a person in the frame, I never really know what to focus on, and as such the results are almost always underwhelming.
Presented then with the atmospheric scene of clouds coming in over this lake, I stood there as usual, completely unsure of how to try and capture it. Wanting, more than anything, for somebody of interest to act as a focal point. And then, as if by magic, a man in an animal costume rather amazingly came running along the road.
Felipe S. says
I’d love to know his story, like, was he training for a marathon that he intends to run in that costume?
Lee says
That was exactly what I thought. It was just so unexpected. Later we saw some signs for a running event that was based on Strava data, so people could run alone, and on any day within the set schedule. Possibly a plan introduced because of the the pandemic. But needless to say there was no mention of runners being required to wear a costume!
YTSL says
Would it be correct to assume that you were in Gunma prefecture since the costume looks to have been inspired by Gunma Chan? ;b
Lee says
I was indeed. My mascot knowledge is fairly minimal, so I had no idea at all. I’m impressed you recognised it, and also pleased, as it now makes at least a little more sense!
YTSLw says
Confession: I am a big fan of Funassyi, the (unofficial) mascot of Funabashi. Among other things, I’ve attended its band (Charamel)’s concert in Hong Kong — and even lost my voice at it!
https://webs-of-significance.blogspot.com/2018/09/funassyi-and-friends-served-up.html
Lee says
Haha, that’s brilliant. And yes, you really are a fan! It’s always so nice to find out unexpected things about someone when you least expect it. It makes the appearance of the fella in the photo even more of a treat now.
john says
I don’t think that you were there for the ‘golden hour’, but you did manage a golden opportunity albeit with a bit of yellow in it. It’s a nice change from having a rock as ‘foreground interest’.
Lee says
It really was a golden opportunity. A most amusing one too. And yeah, definitely a nice change from some rocks!