Red leaves at Daitokuji Temple 3

Some particularly vivid red leaves at Daitokuji Temple.

Red leaves at Daitokuji Temple 2

The vivid red leaves at Daitokuji Temple made a wonderful subject for color isolation shots.

Belfry in garden at Obaiin Temple, a subtemple of Daitokuji Temple

Before meeting a customer for lunch at a restaurant inside the precints of Daitokuji Temple, I set aside some time to explore the subtemples' gardens.

Pine tree in garden outside Myokakuji Temple

On my way to meet a customer for lunch, I decided to leave early and photograph a new neighborhood. The overcast weather posed a challenge, forcing me to get creative with angles and color isolation. This is one of the few good shots I got at Myokakuji Temple.

Autumn foliage and wooden bridge at Genkyuen Garden

A quiet, colorful corner of the garden on this beautiful day.

Hikone Castle from Genkyuen Garden in autumn 6

I thought Hikone Castle looked awesome in winter. It does. But it also does in the fall.

Hikone Castle from Genkyuen Garden in autumn 3

I thought Hikone Castle looked awesome in winter. It does. But it also does in the fall.

Hikone Castle from Genkyuen Garden in autumn 2

I thought Hikone Castle looked awesome in winter. It does. But it also does in the fall.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 14

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 12

When I'm crazy rich, I intend to have someone make me a Japanese garden with a castle in the background just like this.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 10

When I'm crazy rich, I intend to have someone make me a Japanese garden with a castle in the background just like this.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 9

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 7

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 6

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Genkyuen Garden in autumn 2

Reflections were king at Genkyuen Garden on this gorgeous autumn day when I drove up here with my wife.

Nanzenji gate at night with autumn foliage 2

I've been experimenting with unusual places to shoot photos at night. Everything was in pitch black silhouette, but fortunately I know where the red leaves are around here. I placed my smartphone on the ground and used its light to illuminate the leaves.

Nanzenji gate at night with autumn foliage 1

I've been experimenting with unusual places to shoot photos at night. Everything was in pitch black silhouette, but fortunately I know where the red leaves are around here. I placed my smartphone on the ground and used its light to illuminate the leaves.

Autumn illuminations and projection mapping reflected in pond at Heian Shrine's gardens

Autumn illuminations reflected in pond at Heian Shrine's gardens

Autumn illuminations reflected in pond at Heian Shrine's gardens

Autumn illuminations and projection mapping reflected in pond at Heian Shrine's gardens

The projection mapping here at Heian Shrine's gardens was pretty impressive. It's also a challenge to photograph at night. On the one hand, a longer shutter speed allows you to capture a sharper image. On the other hand, any fast movement, like the projection, becomes an unintelligible blur. That's when a fast prime lens like the one I used for this shot comes in handy. A camera with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) would be even better. That is next on my list of pricey gear to buy...eventually.

Flower-themed art with stone lantern in background at Heian Shrine's gardens