2006 Wave Patterns in Habushiura Beach, a photo from 東京, 関東

Photographer's Note

I expect this will not be the most popular of my photos on TE (展hy, oh why did you not choose one of the WS images as the main upload?� I can hear people ask). Grainy, dark, monochrome landscape with not much in it, the actual seascape relegated somewhere far, to the distant background at the top of the frame...

I wrote about my 2006 trip to the Izu archipelago in my last post. While the many onsen are a big attraction of that region of Japan, the account of my stay in Niijima would not be complete without a mention of a particular type of stone called 徒oga� which is a kind of a volcanic rock. Niijima is one of the only two places in the world (the other being distant Sicily) where that mineral resource can be found.

Two obvious uses of stone are as building material and the stuff to create the works of sculpture. I have already posted an example of koga-based architecture. As for the latter, Niijima is sometimes referred to as the 摘aster Island of Japan� and for a good reason. There are stone statues everywhere and one of the biggest tourist attractions is the so called �Stone Zoo�.

But that痴 not all. When stone gives in to erosion, sand is formed. There are two first class beaches in Niijima � 4 km long Maehama and the 6 km stretch of Habushiura, popular with surfers in the summer.
Fortunately, it being early April, my visit did not coincide with the influx of water sports lovers and I had the beaches virtually to myself. I spent 4 many hours wondering Habushiura, enjoying the softness of the distinctive greyish-white 徒oga sand� under my feet. I found it somehow uninspiring for 澱ig view� landscape photography but full of detail suitable for almost abstract shots like this one.

That痴 not all still. The sand is used to produce glass. And not just any glass but the vivid-green glass of Niijima. Another big tourist attraction is the Glass Art Centre where you can admire art made of glass, watch glassblowers in action and purchase a souvenir or two.

I did visit the Glass Centre and bought a glass necklace which, unfortunately, broke to pieces two years later having been dropped on the floor. But I still own another piece of Niijima glass � a small green plate � a present from the owner of the minshuku where I stayed. I have already mentioned the hospitality I encountered in the traditional Japanese guesthouses but I would like to add � there are several places in Japan where I happened to be the only visitor from the west and I immediately became the favourite guest showered with little presents and favours. It was very nice. More about it in a later post.

I also promise I知 going to write a little bit more about Japanese onsen at some point.

Two more photos in WS. You have already seen them if you clicked on the links while reading the above note.

holmertz, ChrisJ, PaulVDV, freedahu, pajaran, macjake, jhm, ktanska, PiotrF, bukitgolfb301, alvaraalto, worldcitizen, dragonslayero, COSTANTINO has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

rychem (72187) 2019-08-10 6:20

Nie wszyscy dostrzegaja graficzny wydzwiek takich zdjec, dla wielu musi byc widokowka i koniec, a takie zdjecie skomentuja: nie ma na co patrzec. A ja lubie znajdowac takie graficzne zjawiska, brawo
Ryszard

holmertz (102800) 2019-08-10 6:52

Hello Kasia,
There are a few, maybe several, photos on TE showing patterns of wet sand along a shore from above. This angle could perhaps be regarded as less spectacular, and so it is probably less frequent, but I find this spectacular enough. The narrow slice of splashing waves is enough to explain what could otherwise have been an abstract composition. The grainy grey tones are just as important as the shapes created by the water. You must be joking to think anyone would prefer any of the WS as a main upload. They are amusing complements as parts of the story, but that is all.
Best wishes,
Gert

Silvio1953 (221751) 2019-08-10 7:40

Ciao Kasia, great view of fantastic beach, beautiful B&W, excellent perspective, good clarity and splendid light, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Royaldevon (85932) 2019-08-10 7:43

Hello Kasia,

I always look forward to reading your notes as well as seeing your photographs, it's a bit like reading a personalised travel book! Thank you for the interesting details that you impart.
I like your main photograph. It has the strange qualities of a science fiction film, where some strange plant is emerging from the tide, completely unstoppable and spreading in every direction!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

abmdsudi (95869) 2019-08-10 7:55

Hi Kasia
Very impressive high horizontal line and low shooting point directing our eye to main focal of interest. Well noticed and I am surprised how the pounding waves have created such an interesting smooth shapes on the sandy beach - a resemblance of stretched or elongated maple leaf! It works very well in mono, Great image and tfs.
Best regards

ChrisJ (171888) 2019-08-10 8:57

Witaj Kasia

The pattern formed on the sand reminds me of giant leaf. Good sharpness, texture and tonal range. Also a nice decisive moment capturing the breaking wave in the bg. Tfs!

PaulVDV (62978) 2019-08-10 9:07

Hello Kasia,
My preference clearly goes to your main photo.
The patterns in the sand remind me of the inverted top of a forest while the upper part shows a nice contrast between the white foam of the crashing waves and the dark sea.
Best regards, Paul

freedahu (824) 2019-08-10 12:16

Good evening Kasia,

Wow! A beautiful pic, incredible shape and excellent light/colours. I like the architecture and forms of your picture. Well done.

Serge

lousat (139342) 2019-08-10 16:15

Hi Kasia,for me this is surely the best pic of the 3 so i agree with your choice! This is a great composition,it needs a lot of class and fantasy to take this show on the beach in this way,great capture for an unique and original post,i like it! Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

Nicou (193806) 2019-08-10 22:12

Hello

fantastique cadrage et vue quelle trace et forme sur ce sable le NB colle parfaitement et en fond ces vagues quelle compo superbe effet et image
Bravo et amiti�
Nciou

jemaflor (147248) 2019-08-10 23:42

Hi Kasia,
Great photo,bravo ! So nice effect like a big leaf on the sand, interesting contrast and version in b&w, good angle to give depth at your photo, tfs.

macjake (98456) 2019-08-10 23:57

Hi Kasia
Oh I think this photo will be very popular for you, or at least it should be, its a cracker! Funny how I just typed that and now i JUST read your first line saying how it won't be popular...that is SOOOO Funny. Honestly, i hadn't read your note until now. Why would you think that? your shot is eye catching, its so funky, its unique (unique is ALWAYS best), Think about it, we never see a scene like this. I would love to have posted it in my gallery :) and I like the glass street scene, thats hilarious. cheers
Craig

emka (158204) 2019-08-11 0:15

Witaj Kasiu, To zdjecie jest zdecydowanie najciekawsze, chociaz Pnda z kamienia też wyglada ładnie. Niesamowity kształt fal, nie bardzo wiem, jak powstaje. Jak zawsze fascynująca notka. Duzo czytania, ale ciekawe :). Takie żurawie z origami to lubi robic moja synowa.

Pozdraiwam serdecznie

MAłgorzata

Tue (92482) 2019-08-11 0:54

Hello Kasia,
The shapes and patterns of the waves in the sand are beautiful and the texture is really well captured and shown in this black & white rendition. Good inclusion of the large waves in the background too.
Lars

CLODO (45116) 2019-08-11 3:12

Hi Kasia

"Why, oh why did you not choose one of the WS images as the main upload?"

Because it's photographic art, a new vision of the nature with the sharp teeth of dark grey dand contrasting so well with the rolling wave.

But TrekEarth is dedicated to fostering a global community interested in photography from around the world, and not a place for photographic skills.
SO, WELL DONE!!!!
Cheers
CLODO

jhm (211736) 2019-08-11 6:10

Hello Kasia,

I see more a grey picture that a black and white.
The sea makes almost a maple if the Canadian flag.
Nice placed on this picture.
An excellent contrast picture too.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

ktanska (44814) 2019-08-11 8:49

Hi Kasia,
Quite brilliant framing. Wide angle gives good attention to these wave patterns. Contrast is surprisingly strong and works well in B&W. I like the horizon so near the top, and big waves coming to the shore.
Kari

GyurMaster (24840) 2019-08-11 13:12

Hello Kasia,

For me, your choice is obvious, as I would have chosen this one too. Its a piece of fine art made by nature and photographed in a very subtle style. By the way, did you use BW film or you turned it into BW during PP?

Best Wishes,
Gy

PS: Thank you very much for your appreciating words under my last two pictures! Since you are among those, who somehow influenced my views on photography, it was really honouring for me.

PiotrF (54816) 2019-08-11 14:28

Czesc Kasiu
Natura serwuje nam czasem dziwne ksztaly, smaki, dzwieki. Od nas zalezy co z nimi zrobimy, a to czy komus to bedzie sie podobac czy nie...
Swietny reportaz z tego miejsca i wiele ciekawostek dla mnie o ktorych nie slyszalem.
pozdrawiam
Piotr

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2019-08-12 18:05

Hi dear Kasia

Wow you did visit so unique place, didn't you?
I have not yet been there,as the transportation is not so convenient to land there. Th usage of wide focus lense makes so original and some odd effcet as such. Your choice for B&W is to the point too.

All the best and have a good day! Takero

alvaraalto (42804) 2019-08-14 12:24

Hello Kasia
I think it is right that you have chosen this special photo as the main photo. Pretty composed with the horizon and the sea at the very top and all the attention for this special natural pattern.
I would also have liked to see the colour version in the workshop.
Excellent work
Have a nice day. Groet Rob

jmdias (115280) 2019-08-17 12:58

kasia

WOW. the WS aren't so important but the main post is! marvelous the work of the water and sand creating these shapes like a giant leaf. I liked a lot the way you built the compo. very beautiful, surprising and creative. TFS.

take care

jorge

worldcitizen (16106) 2019-08-28 13:00

Hello Kasia,
This is a very beautiful photo, with a poetic feeling to it. From the thumbnail, the pattern on the sand looks to me like a large leaf. I also like the waves crashing in the distance. I have visited Japan twice, staying in the homes of four different families, and it has a special place in my heart. It would be wonderful to return one day...

dragonslayero (3592) 2019-11-10 4:00

Hello Kasia

Pure natural artistry.
Well spotted and well captured. Tightly cropped makes for great focus on your point of interest.
Excellent use of B&W, it works excellent'y with the grain of your photo and the general grain of the surrounding sands.
Thanks for sharing.

OJJ

COSTANTINO (116604) 2021-09-02 23:14

hello dear Kasia and have a nice day
original version
you are a great painter photographer
and this photo has the best quality
a great photo destinated for an
exhibition
regards
Costantino