Black trees on snow covered field in Japan.

Japan has been a dream destination of mine for as long as I can remember, and when Maeve and I finally made the trip, it exceeded every expectation. Hokkaido, in particular, took my breath away. It’s hard to put into words just how beautiful it was—the small farming village I spent the day photographing looked like a scene straight from a dream, blanketed in pristine snow. And the snow—unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’ve already decided I need to return to ski there.

That day was an incredible gift. Rolling hills covered in powdery white snow, dotted with the kind of solitary trees that seem made for black-and-white photography—it felt like heaven for my creative style. Yes, it was absolutely freezing. My fingers went numb more than once, but it was a small price to pay. Somehow, the more uncomfortable the weather, the better my art seems to become.

The Perfect Day for Photography

Even though this trip was mostly vacation time for Maeve and me, I scheduled one full day to photograph Hokkaido’s winter landscapes. Knowing how unpredictable conditions can be, I hired a local guide to make the most of the time I had. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My guide knew exactly where to be and when to be there, helping me find the kind of scenes I was hoping for. If you’re ever in Hokkaido and looking for a photography guide, I highly recommend Yuto.

This day turned out to be the most productive I’ve ever had photographically. I was aiming to capture minimalistic compositions that showcased the quiet beauty of snow-covered hills and isolated trees, and I’m thrilled to say I met that goal.

A Deeply Meaningful Series

This series means a great deal to me, not just because it was my first visit to Japan, but because it represents something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt at home. The warmth of the people and the beauty of the landscape wrapped around me. Through these images, I hope to share a bit of that peaceful and pristine countryside of Hokkaido, and to remind viewers of how beautiful the natural world can be.

Rapid Weather, Calm Mind

The conditions were wild that day—snow one minute, cloudy the next, then a burst of sunshine before the snow returned. It all changed so quickly, over and over again. But here’s the thing: when you really know your gear, the technical side becomes second nature. On this day, I didn’t have to think about settings—I just responded to the light and the changing moods, fully focused on the images I wanted to make.

I often tell people that the specific camera doesn’t matter nearly as much as knowing your gear inside and out. Days like this prove that. When conditions shift so rapidly, it’s knowing how to adapt quickly that makes all the difference.

A Strengthened Connection to Nature

Every time I’m out in extreme conditions, I feel a deeper connection to the natural world—and Hokkaido was no different. The cold, the snow, the solitude—it all reinforced that connection for me. There’s something about working through discomfort that makes the final images even more meaningful. And being in a completely different landscape from my home in San Diego added an extra layer of joy. I couldn’t stop smiling the entire time.

A Play in Snow and Light

I titled the series “Hokkaido: A Tale of Light and Snow” because the day felt like a play as it unfolded in distinct, dramatic movements—each act with its own mood, subject, and emotion. From the minimal lines of snow-covered hills to the bold presence of trees silhouetted against dramatic skies, each photograph carries the essence of that unfolding day. And as a special bonus, I even managed to capture two images of a red fox—moments I absolutely adore.

I’m thrilled to share this series with you, not just because it reflects a day I’ll never forget, but because it offers a glimpse into a landscape that might be new to many of you.

👉 View the Full Series Here

Bringing Nature’s Art Home

If these images resonate with you, I invite you to bring a piece of Hokkaido into your home. There’s something special about surrounding yourself with art that reflects the beauty of the natural world—it’s a constant reminder of the peace and wonder that nature offers.

Thank you for following my journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

~Andrew

Hokkaido: A Tale of Light and Snow