This photograph was taken from Daikoku Pier in Yokohama on a cold winter night.
Many photographers visit Yokohama to capture the beautiful skyline of Minato Mirai, but on this evening I was fortunate enough to photograph fireworks as well.
From Daikoku Pier, the Landmark Tower, the Ferris wheel, and the waterfront buildings can all be seen in a single frame. I waited for the fireworks while enjoying the city lights reflected on the bay.
One challenge of photographing from this location is the wind. Because the pier is surrounded by open water, strong winds are common, especially during winter. For long-exposure photography, a sturdy tripod with thick legs makes a significant difference. A lightweight tripod may vibrate in the wind and reduce image sharpness.
Of course, a stable tripod alone is not enough. Accurate focus is equally important. When both focus and stability are achieved, the details of the city lights and the fireworks can be recorded clearly.
For me, this image represents one of those moments when preparation, weather, and timing come together. The fireworks lasted only a short time, but they transformed an already beautiful cityscape into something even more memorable.
As a night photography instructor, I often tell my students that sharp images are created long before pressing the shutter. Choosing the right tripod, checking focus carefully, and understanding the conditions of the location are all part of the process.
Location: Daikoku Pier, Yokohama, Japan
