Sunday, May 25, 2014

Once in a lifetime - Tuna Auction – Tokyo. Get up early!!!


2am in the morning… not exactly a normal time to be getting out of bed…  But this was no ordinary day!


On that day, I was trying to be one of the few who gets to see something really special – The tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukiji_fish_market)

I arrived at the fish market at 2:30am and was astonished to find that I was one of the last people allowed in that day – They only allow 120 people per day to visit.

A long wait later…  till 6am to be precise and we were off in a group of 60 to view the auction.


It was cold, wet and very, very busy but what a cool place!  A photographers paradise that was full of real characters

 We were given around 15 minutes in the actual auction area and then out into the processing area.

Technical note: No flash photography is allowed so remember to turn up the ISO level on your camera to give you a fast enough shutter speed to avoid camera shake!




Here the frozen tuna were cut using band saws…


It was then off and out of the area to let the people get on with their jobs. 
I would thoroughly recommend a visit if you get the chance – remember to set your alarm really early as it is first come, first served and take your camera!!!!

Technical note: The night before, check your camera, lenses and memory cards.  Make sure your camera batteries are charged and take spares if possible.  Pack your camera bag and have your clothes laid out ready to go.  This is a once in a lifetime experience so make sure you prepare properly!


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