I'm really glad
Hold up, hold up. Fuji sessions in August? Heck. No! The humidity and rain in the summer makes Mt. Fuji impossible to see. These photos ALSO have snow on the ground! But get this you guys. Today is Mountain Day in Japan, and I thought today would be the perfect day to talk about this incredible mountain, some of the history of Mt. Fuji, and why I love photographing there so much.
From what I have researched, Mt. Fuji is considered to be the most sacred mountain in Japan….and Mt. Fuji, is actually a volcano. A composite volcano if you will. Built with layers of ash and rock to form the absolute perfect peak that rises to meet the sky.
According to the book, “Sacred Mountains of the World”, Edwin Bernbaum states that the name Fuji descends from the Ainu word meaning, “fire” or “deity of fire.” In Buddhism, Mt. Fuji as a symbolism of zen meditation, and even described the summit of Fuji as a perfect state of concentration called, “zenjo”. Bernbaum (1990) states,
“Just as the peak of a mountain soars above the mists that gather in the valleys below, so a person in meditation rises above the passions and illusions that obscure the vision of ordinary people. The Japanese say that the clouds that cover the tops of other peaks only curl around the foot of Fuji. Its summit, a lofty place of contemplation, provides an attractive sanctuary for the gods, who dwell there free from the sorrows that trouble the world below.”
This particular quote really resonated with me. Last year I spontaneous decided on a solo trip to Fuji from Tokyo by car. No big deal right? Eh. I had only had my license to drive in Japan for about three weeks at that point, and this was a long, winding trip. I was nervous to say the least, but the sky was so clear that day, I couldn’t ignore the mountain beckoning me in the distance. As Mt. Fuji crept closer and the archipelago spread around me, I was completely awestruck. Every single anxiety I had about the drive evaporated when I saw that mountain. My eyes couldn’t take it in enough. My headspace cleared, my heart rate slowed. Reaching my final destination to photograph Fuji and explore, the profound feeling of wholeness and quietness stilled my mind and eased my racing thoughts. Although I wasn’t even close to the summit of the mountain (and I am very much a human, and very much an ordinary person), a serene feeling of gratitude warmly enveloped me, similar to how it felt to slip into an easy meditation.
Photographing Fuji felt right. It forced me to be flexible and learn to accept the weather elements surrounding me. Artists of all mediums have expressed great frustration trying to capture the uniqueness and evasive splendor of Fuji. Speaking with other photographers, we have all found it fascinating how different Fuji looks from hour to hour and season to season when captured with both film and digital photography.
This is one of the may reasons why I love photographing this mountain, and bring folks up to see it for themselves.
On one day, it can be completely covered in snow. Other days the cap can have strong winds that whip snow into a frenzy that we can see from below. Some days the surrounding mountains are covered in a blanket of green while Fuji holds on to a tiny little hat of snow at the very tippy top. On the best days, it has snowed the night before, and we are treated to a winter wonderland that is nothing short of crystalline perfection. It is never the same as the day before, never static. Always changing, always beautiful, always humbling, being able to photograph at Mt. Fuji is one of the greatest experiences I have had since we have moved to Japan.
The 2020/2021 season is no exception. I am eagerly awaiting the season where we can capture moments like this with the most stunning of serene backdrops. My hope is that you can join me to document this once in a lifetime view for memories that will last you a lifetime. Ready to explore one of the most beautiful places on Earth?
Let’s do it.
You can email me at hello@katespitzphotography.com to get all the details, and book your Full View Fuji Session for 2020/2021.
In addition to the traditional “Full View Fuji Sessions” (take a peek below), I am offering a brand new concept for sessions I am really excited to share, “Fuji Views, City Streets”. These sessions are where we explore one of my favorite mountain towns while capturing photos of your family with Fuji peeking through the city streets. This concept was born out of the inspiration of trekking back through the town to grab a cup of coffee and seeing Mt. Fuji through all the nooks and crannies of the city streets. Something about it felt so intriguing. Blending the sleepy morning streets with Fuji, a sleeping giant, towering in the background.
I know that you will love this view and these sessions just as much as I do.
Questions? Ready to book? Drop me a line at hello@katespitzphotography.com
