honorable mention
Claudio Beffa italy
title
Jidai Matsuri
The parade shows the most important figures of every historical era of Japan, from the Heian period to the Meiji period, honoring in this way the rich history of the country.
With this series, that's a strict selection of a reportage made of some hundreds of photographs, I wanted to focus on the fascinating elements of the "Yoroi" (armours) and weapons worn by samurai and warriors, showing some examples of the elegance and the beauty that permeate every art of Japan.
The choice of shooting only medium close-ups is due to emphasize the details, not only of the dresses, but also of the faces and the expressions of the participants who effectively impersonate the historical figures.
Being a self-taught photographer, Claudio is driven by a creative curiosity which leads him to constantly experiment disparate techniques, both in the shooting and in the post processing stage: as a result, depending on the subject and the meaning that he aims to convey, he produces panoramas, vertoramas, long exposures, high dynamic range captures that are subsequently digitally developed with the utmost attention to details, using the most advanced retouching methods.
Claudio's approach to photography is a perseverant and passionate search of the beauty in its most meaningful form and a constant honing the methods to improve the artistry needed to accomplish it.
back to gallery
entry description
The Jidai Matsuri is an important festival held in Kyoto every year's 22nd October, whose purpose is to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the capital in Kyoto. More than 2000 people parades from the inner gate of Kyoto's Imperial Palace to the Heian Jingu shrine, dressed in costumes and accessories which are a faithful reproduction of those used in ancient times.The parade shows the most important figures of every historical era of Japan, from the Heian period to the Meiji period, honoring in this way the rich history of the country.
With this series, that's a strict selection of a reportage made of some hundreds of photographs, I wanted to focus on the fascinating elements of the "Yoroi" (armours) and weapons worn by samurai and warriors, showing some examples of the elegance and the beauty that permeate every art of Japan.
The choice of shooting only medium close-ups is due to emphasize the details, not only of the dresses, but also of the faces and the expressions of the participants who effectively impersonate the historical figures.
about the photographer
Italian designer and photographer for passion, Claudio Beffa's works are focused on the search of the beauty and soul of the destinations of his travels. Interested particularly in Japan and Italy, his photographs encompass the elements which make a place unique and deeply bond with the local culture and history. His body of works covers a vast variety of subjects, from pristine forests and mountains to lively cities, including some ancient and sacred places which, most of the times, are quite distant from the touristic routes. The portfolio includes also traditional celebrations and historical ceremonies and competitions, as well as glimpses of everyday life, which deepen the journey into a land and its culture.Being a self-taught photographer, Claudio is driven by a creative curiosity which leads him to constantly experiment disparate techniques, both in the shooting and in the post processing stage: as a result, depending on the subject and the meaning that he aims to convey, he produces panoramas, vertoramas, long exposures, high dynamic range captures that are subsequently digitally developed with the utmost attention to details, using the most advanced retouching methods.
Claudio's approach to photography is a perseverant and passionate search of the beauty in its most meaningful form and a constant honing the methods to improve the artistry needed to accomplish it.
back to gallery