Pat emphasizes that you need to know your gear inside and out. He recommends using continuous AF to capture moving subjects with higher accuracy. For aperture, setting it between f/5.6 and f/8 is a safe bet that increases your depth of field. For shutter speed, go for 1/400 sec or above to freeze action, or 1/15 sec and below if you want to intentionally blur motion.
If you are downloading a photography guide PDF to your phone or tablet for your trip, use these workflow tips to make it functional on the go: pat kay photography guide to tokyo pdf best
There is a debate: Pay $45 for a PDF or pay $100 for a 2-hour Airbnb Photo Experience? Pat emphasizes that you need to know your
Beyond the main tourist hubs, some of the best shots are found in less-explored areas. For shutter speed, go for 1/400 sec or
The composition advice applies whether you shoot on a Sony Alpha mirrorless camera or an iPhone.
Japan has strict privacy customs. A premier guide ensures you shoot ethically. It will teach you when it is acceptable to take street portraits, where tripods are strictly banned (such as many private temple grounds and train stations), and how to blend into the environment without disrupting locals. Iconic Tokyo Photography Spots to Add to Your Bucket List
Pat Kay is a well-known Australian photographer and YouTube educator (famous for his "Visual Patterns" and "3D to 2D" composition series). His Photography Guide to Tokyo is a curated, location-specific e-book/PDF designed to help photographers move beyond the standard Shibuya Crossing shot. It focuses on architecture, street photography, composition, and light angles across Tokyo's unique urban landscape.