Bentenjima Island and Torii Gate

     In a crescent shaped cove separated from the southwest corner of Japan’s mainland is the small island known as Bentenjima Island. On it sits the Bentenjima Shrine where the vermilion painted torii gate stands out against the jagged stone and the powerful waves. It is believed that the shrine was land based until an earthquake that occurred in 1410 resulted in the formation of this jagged rock island. For the photographer, the result of the earthquake created an epic scene depicting the synergy between land and created structure.

     The light was soft and diffuse and with a long exposure to smooth the ocean’s surface, the color of water and air set a backdrop color tone in which to place the island. To visually balance the scene in a panoramic aspect, I included a small group of delicate clouds which added additional interest to the image.