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Hoshino Area Encountering the "Gaze" of Birds: Spring Wild Bird Photography Workshop & Talk SeminarEvent period 2025/4/25

Encountering the "Gaze" of Birds: Spring Wild Bird Photography Workshop & Talk Seminar

Spring in Karuizawa is the best season for birdwatching.
In this season when the forest is at its most vibrant, with the songs of the Blue-and-white Flycatcher and the Narcissus Flycatcher, we will be hosting a special program featuring photographer Takanori Sugawara as our instructor.

The focus of this program is not simply "taking pictures," but rather a time for "observation"—deeply gazing at the expressions and activities of birds. Enjoy a luxurious moment of connecting with birds through the lens of a professional photographer.
Why not take some time to quietly listen to the sounds of wild birds in the newly budding Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest?

A photo session in the forest, encountering the "gaze" of birds.

1. Wild Bird Photography Workshop: Capturing the Vibrancy of Life Through Mr. Sugawara's Perspective

Photographer Takanori Sugawara values ​​above all else his approach of prioritizing "the feelings of the birds." He avoids forcing his way in, instead surrendering himself to the silence of the forest and learning a "bird-friendly" photography technique that begins with deep observation. Through the keen observational skills of a professional, he captures even the subtlest nuances of the birds' emotions—a truly special experience.

Instructor Profile

Photographer Takanori Sugawara

Born in Tokyo in 1990. She developed an interest in living creatures from a young age, beginning birdwatching at the age of 11. After studying oceanography and seabird ecology at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, studying abroad in Norway, and at Nagoya University Graduate School, she became a photographer. Traveling and documenting the lives of birds has become her life's work, and she also holds numerous seminars on birdwatching and photography. Her published works include "Birds Carrying the Sky" (ulus publishing), "Dreams Seen with Trees" (Seiseisha), and "Illustrated Introduction to Bird Photography" (Genkosha).

Special cooperation: OM SYSTEMCutting-edge technology for focusing on "observation"

Mr. Sugawara will be using the OM-1 Mark II, the flagship model of the OM SYSTEM, which is ideal for bird photography and is also his favorite. The latest AI technology, "Bird Recognition AF," instantly captures and maintains focus even on the eyes of small birds hidden in branches, minimizing the time spent on settings and operations. This creates a relaxed shooting style that allows you to carefully observe the subtle expressions and movements of birds.

*We will lend you a set of equipment (camera, super telephoto lens, binoculars) worth approximately 50 yen in total.

30 years of experience reveal the workings of the forest.Nature commentary by Picchio

You will be accompanied by a Picchio guide who has been observing wildlife for many years in the Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest, the setting for the photoshoot. They will explain why the birds sing there and what kind of lives they lead. Their explanations, based on knowledge cultivated through years of fieldwork, will add further depth to the scenery seen through the viewfinder and solidify your connection to the life of the forest.

Schedule
4 / 25 (Sat)
Time
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (30 minutes of lecture + 120 minutes of photo shoot)
Place
Lecture: Villa Navi, Photo shoot: Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest
equipment
Rent an "OM-1 Mark II" camera, a super telephoto lens, and binoculars set.
Prices
15,000 JPY (TAX+)
Capacity
8 people

Book online

2. Special Talk Seminar: Photographer Takanori Sugawara discusses "The Feelings of Birds"

In the afternoon, we will hold a special talk seminar by Mr. Takanori Sugawara. While viewing a series of decisive moments projected onto the screen, we will listen to his explanations about the understanding of "the bird's feelings" necessary to capture those shots, and the fascinating aspects of their ecology. Whether you are a photographer or not, this will be an intellectually enriching experience that allows you to feel the vibrant life of the forest up close through photography and deepen your dialogue with nature.

Schedule
On 4 /25 (Saturday)
Time
14:00～15:00
Place
Picchio Wild Bird Forest Visitor Center
Prices
Free
Reservation
No charge. First 30 people.

"A Forest Photo Session: Encountering the 'Gaze' of Birds"
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Program | Wild Bird Photography Workshop 9:30-12:00, Special Talk Seminar 14:00-15:00
Instructor: Photographer Takanori Sugawara
Special Cooperation | OM SYSTEM (OM Digital Solutions Co., Ltd.)

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