TITLE: First Light

Fuji-San at first light.
This shot was taken at the Arakurayama Sengen Park overlooking Fujiyoshida. The Park is famous for the shot of Mt Fuji featuring a small Pagoda in the Park with Fuji-san in the distance. Unfortunately, no matter how early you arrive at this site, it is always very busy, and difficult to get a shot with the right composition. Made famous by its Instagram exposure globally!
I had wanted for a number of year to take a Fuji-san shot just at sunrise with dawn light illuminating the snowy peak of the mountain and the township of Fujiyoshida in the foreground.
I left my homestay at 4am and headed for the park torch in hand. to theTo get to the best lookout points in the park requires a 400 step climb to the Pagoda area. And then a further 10 mins walk to find a suitable view of Fuji-san away from the crowds.
Taking great shots requires being in the right place at the right time with the right gear! And then the right amount of luck from the weather gods to give you the light and shade to the shot a reality!
So after a 30min delay the sun finally opened up and touched the peak of Fuji-san. The clouds had fallen below the peak and added to the spectacle before me. Such a beautiful sight. I had my shot!

AUTHOR: Phil Green (Indonesia)

Living in Bali, island of the Gods.
Professional Engineering Manager.
Amateur photographer for ages. Golfer Gardener, and traveller at least one a year!