Iron Photography and Photo Manipulation Design · 2021
Kumano Cherry Photo
- A' Design Award 2021 Iron Winner in Photography and Photo Manipulation Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Kozagawa Town Tourism Association
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,434
- Verification code C38494EE18 · Verify this award
About Kumano Cherry Photo
A new cherry tree "Kuma no Sakura" was discovered in the small town of Kozagawa in Japan during 100 years. A new type of cherry tree in a small town with little industry is expected as a new tourism resource for the town. This project aims to make "Kuma no Sakura" a tourist attraction in the city. Many people take pictures of the beautiful "Kumano Sakura" and send it to many people.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- It is a precious cherry blossom found in a small town with a population of 3000. This is a picture that can only be taken if you live in this town. That is because this cherry blossom is a special cherry blossom that is carefully protected by the local residents. Only residents of this town are allowed to enter this place.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- It is used for homepages and posters as a sightseeing PR for Kozagawa Town, a tourist destination of Kumano cherry.
- Tags
- Photo, Cherryblossom, Flower, Kumano, japan,
- Production Technology
- This cherry tree is in the mountains. The morning sun is the most beautiful of this cherry blossom. In order to shoot early in the morning, you have to walk to the shooting location during the night.
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom for about 3 days. These best conditions are not met every year. - Design Challenge
- To discover the value of cherry blossoms in the area, which is traditionally protected.
- Project Duration
- It started in March 2019 and is still continuing in Kozagawa Town in Japan.
- Operation Flow
- This photo will be used for PR activities in the town. It is used in various places as an icon such as homepages, posters, and pamphlets to promote Kumano cherry.
- Research
- This is a project to preserve the new kind of cherry blossom "Kumano Sakura" that was discovered for the first time in 100 years. As a tourist resource of the city, it is necessary to protect the rare and precious cherry blossoms.
To that end, many people need to know the beauty of "Kumano Sakura". Take a picture of "Sakura Kumano" in full bloom and use it as an icon for your homepage or pamphlet.
This is an activity for tourists to come to this place. - Inspiration
- A new kind of cherry blossom was discovered for the first time in 100 years. Aiming for the most beautiful moment of the year, I photographed the important cherry blossoms in the town. It is very rare that all conditions are met, such as cherry blossoms in full bloom, sunny days, and shooting times. This is the best shot I've seen for two years until all the conditions are met.
- Image Credits
- Image #1-5: Photographer Kawashimatekkojo, 2019.
Colors of Kumano Cherry Photo
Grand Interview about Kumano Cherry Photo
Hiroyuki Yagura, a Kumano cherry researcher and arborist, liked the flower photos I took and asked me to photograph Kumano cherry trees. From there, I covered Yagura's research, accompanied him on fieldwork, and found Kumano cherry trees in the mountains.
To capture the ethereal morning light, I had to hike through mountain trails in the darkness before dawn. This required essential gear such as a headlamp and GPS, and it was crucial to confirm the route in advance. Additionally, the cold temperatures at night and the unstable terrain demanded adequate cold-weather gear and safety measures.From a technical perspective, meticulous preparation was essential to accurately capture the soft morning light. Since the moments right after sunrise are the most beautiful, I needed to determine my camera settings beforehand. In particular, adjusting exposure and white balance was critical, and I combined these adjustments with long-exposure techniques using a tripod to adapt quickly to the rapidly changing light conditions. I also paid close attention to composition and lens selection to highlight the texture of the cherry blossoms and the mist in the background.Moreover, engaging with the natural environment was vital. Accurately predicting weather conditions and the formation of mist required multiple visits to the location to increase the chances of encountering ideal conditions. Overcoming these challenges allowed me to convey the unique tranquility and mysticism embedded in the photograph.
Through my work with the tourism association, I created a webpage to showcase the charm of the Kumano cherry blossoms. Many photographers, inspired by the page, now visit during the cherry blossom season. Today, it has become a popular tourist attraction in our town.
The cherry blossoms only bloom for a week. The first year I started shooting, the weather was not good enough for beautiful photos in that week. The following year, the second year, there was only one sunny day, so I waited from that night and took photos.
We asked for the cooperation of a tree surgeon who lives in Kozagawa Town and studies Kumano-zakura. By covering his research, we were able to encounter the beautiful Kumano-zakura trees that lie dormant in the mountains.
The Kumano cherry tree has been designated as the town flower of Kozagawa Town. The town has realized its importance and is working to preserve it.
Moving from the city to the countryside has changed my life to one where I feel closer to the earth. Instead of taking photos of plants, flowers, birds, and animals that I come into contact with in my daily life, I have changed my style to one where I wait for the best timing to take photos according to the changes in nature.
I didn't take an artistic approach. Local people took the initiative to preserve the area. I helped them through photography.
The period when the Kumano cherry blossoms can be beautifully photographed lasts only one week. During this week, there are only a few sunny days. I checked weather forecasts from multiple sources every day, monitored cloud movements on an hourly basis, and conducted the photoshoot during the optimal time slots.
I simply photograph the Kumano cherry blossoms every year, as they reveal a different expression each time. If I can capture beautiful images of the blossoms, people will naturally be drawn to them when they see the photos. As people gather, awareness and attention grow. With increased attention, conservation efforts become more active. That is what I hope for.