Matsuri Mayhem: Tsukishima, Tokyo
Pretty obvious that to get shots like this, one is going to get a thorough soaking…. which I did. But it was worth it. Great action, great energy at this street festival [matsuri], which is prbably because it only happens every three years. The guys carrying the mikoshi [the large shrine on their shoulders] were absolutely charged-up to the max. People all along the route were throwing and spraying water at them. The kids were especially getting into that, of course.
Only thing to do here was put on the uber-wide-angle lens, get right in the middle of the action, hold the camera up at what seemed like sensible angles and rat-a-tat away with the camera on continuous-shooting like a machine-gun.
Myself and the camera were totally soaked by the end of the experience…. great fun! 
Pic here that Mike got of me shortly after this, still sporting a few damp patches.
www.flickr.com/photos/friedtoast/3796534049/
Nikon D300
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8
13 comments
jethros_tale wrote...
Awsome .. just awsome
Uji Battle wrote...
very sweet shot...gotta love the Tokina 11-16mm
Francesco Gallarotti wrote...
Strong image, dynamic composition, gorgeous colors...
How do you protect the camera? wrapped in a plastic bag? And what about the lens? How do you keep it clean in the midst of the action?
Alfie Goodrich wrote...
I put myself in the lap of the gods, Francesco..... plastic bag is hard to shoot with, unless you make or buy one with a good front, clear element on it to shoot through. Have a soft, dry cloth on my person to wipe the lens. Other than that, the D300 and the F4 are protected enough to survie some degree of soaking. Just as long as you keep wiping off the worst of it as you go along.
Francesco Gallarotti wrote...
Wow... double kudos then... I would be too scared to put an electronic piece of equipment in the midst of that...
I guess you must have really good karma :)
broken rhythm wrote...
Nice to be right in the middle of it all.
You plan on going to the big one at Koenji end of this month?
Alfie Goodrich wrote...
Will try to be there, yep.
Wallace Lan wrote...
amazing shot~~
Ken Tsang wrote...
great scene, full of life!
Philipp wrote...
This shot is indeed full of action. I like it a lot!
Jimmy wrote...
Great risk delivers great rewards, instant classic, Alfie.
cheers!
Romain CHASSAGNE wrote...
nice atmosphere ! well captured.
This one is amazing, Alfie! You really feel like you're in the midst of the crowd here. Awesome work!