Zahyr Caan, a street photographer originally from Pakistan, now based in Nottingham. Earlier this month, he took this amazing photo in Tokyo’s busy Ginza district. On that humid August morning, we really did feel like the real feel was 38°C. Caan became enthralled by the impressive contrast of light and shadow. He took this picture on his way over to visit the famous Gundam statue. Only a few hours earlier, he had delighted in heavenly Japanese soufflé pancakes at a members-only pancake house.
The sun shining through the streets of Ginza provided an ethereal backdrop to bring Caan’s artistic vision to life. In particular, he described the scene as possessing a pictorial quality, emphasized by the dramatic chiaroscuro effects of light and shade.
Caan taking to social media to thank the Academy for the surprise. He explained that he had to wait for “some colour to come” before he could finish the design of the picture. His patience was rewarded when a bright yellow cab vaulting into the shot. It provided a pretty compelling visual juxtaposition to the red man walking across the street.
“I’m drawn towards the strong shadow and light, creating a graphic scene,” – Zahyr Caan
With nothing but his smartphone in hand, Caan was able to effectively document the sights, sounds and culture of fast-paced urban life in Tokyo. He pointed out that today’s technology permits quiet photography, allowing artists to capture on-the-go moments without being conspicuous.
“It’s easier than ever now, thanks to smartphone technology and the ability to be very discreet. If we really start to pay attention, we see much more than what is visible at first look. I hope people notice the colours here, and the overall tone, all tied together with the extended relationship between the yellow taxi and the red man,” – Zahyr Caan
Caan’s philosophy reflects that reality and the importance of active observation for both photography and activism. He thinks that people, in general, miss a lot of the small, nuanced things that can really make a scene fascinating.