Backstory: Girl on a Bike

Girl on a Bike
Photographer: Gerry Burns Fine Art Photography
Portfolio & Shop: www,gerryburns.com

This photo was taken early one morning in Midorii, Japan. I was visiting my eldest daughter who was living there, teaching English.

The sun rises comparatively early in Japan’s summer months. At 4:30am, it is light outside. So, because I spent much of my visit in a jet-lagged state, I would rise early, grab my camera, and explore the area near my daughter’s apartment.

This particular morning, I found a street that led to a rice paddy at the base of a steep knoll. There were stone steps leading up the slope. At the top was a small Shinto (or Buddhist?) shrine. It looked like it didn’t get a lot of care from caretakers. After I explored it, I sat on the top steps the led up the knoll to the shrine, enjoying the coolishness and fresh smells of the morning air. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a bright red umbrella passing on the patch below. The contrast of the red umbrella against the lush green rice paddy excited me. I grapped my camera and tried to frame a shot. But, I was too late: the walking umbrella walked out of my view. I then noticed how the black paved road that cut through the gardens and rice paddy made an interesing contrast with the green view below me. I changed lenses to get a better look, and while I was playing with focus and exposure adjustments, the girl came riding down the path and into my frame. I got three shots and the last one caught her looking over her shoulder.

Serendipity.

To me this photo embodies much of what I have experienced in Japan. Mornings in Japan are calm, peaceful. Urban and suburban development with gardens and greenscapes filled in between. Peace among the hustle and bustle. Quiet mornings with fresh air. Oblivious to people like me who are soaking it in.