Hey friends,

I just got back from two weeks in Japan, and I'm still processing everything. Mt. Fuji taught me a lesson I needed…

We arrived in Fujikawaguchiko to perfect conditions. Clear skies, Mt. Fuji glowing, the Maple Corridor at golden hour. One of those shoots where the light just keeps getting better.

Then the weather turned. Rain, heavy fog, Mt. Fuji gone for days.

I was frustrated. I've dreamed about photographing Fuji for years, and suddenly it wasn't even visible.

But this trip reminded me: not every shoot goes according to plan. And that's okay.

The sun didn’t come back, but it turns out some of my favorite images from this entire trip are the moody, atmospheric ones I never planned for. The ones the weather gave me instead of taking away.

PSA: There's a wild Sony deal I need to mention

Before I keep going, Sony put the Alpha 7R V $900 off for Black Friday/Cyber Week. That's the camera I've been using daily for the past couple years, and this is genuinely the best price I've ever seen.

I'll break it down more below, but if you've been waiting for a sign to upgrade... this is it.

Since I've literally been living this lesson for the past few days, here's what I've learned about making the most of tough weather:

1. Embrace the mood.
Overcast skies and fog create soft, diffused light and an ethereal atmosphere. Lean into it instead of waiting for sun that might never come.

2. Look for details.
When the grand landscape isn't visible, zoom in. Texture on old wood, rain on leaves, reflections in puddles - these become your subject.

3. Shoot anyway.
Even if conditions aren't ideal, you're building muscle memory and learning the location. You might surprise yourself with what you capture.

4. Adjust your expectations in real-time.
The shot you envisioned might not happen, but a different (equally good) shot probably will.

Weather taught me patience this week. And honestly? Some of my favorite images from Japan so far are the moody, atmospheric ones I didn't plan for.

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A few weeks ago, I teamed up with Bree (@eyeofshe) in Socotra for a paid partnership with Sony. We both shot with the Alpha 7R V- which has been my main camera for the last couple of years!

It’s probably no secret that brand work is a huge part of what I do. It’s how I’m able to travel and make photography an income. This was the first time that a brand had requested me teaming up with another creator to create a single video.

Doing a paid job with another photographer in this way was equal parts inspiring and humbling. Bree and I (both being opinionated creatives) found a way to work together and come up with a video concept that the brand loved.

Learning to really take feedback and work together was crucial in pulling this off but I’m 100% confident that this video turned out better with both of us.

Bree is someone I’ve followed and been inspired by for years so make sure to check out her work if you haven’t already!

Since I just mentioned the Sony Alpha 7R V, I want to be clear: This has been my everyday camera long before the Socotra partnership.

Here are just a few reasons why:

Weather sealing that works. I don't baby this camera. Socotra's desert conditions, Utah snow, rain at Mt Fuji… it survives it all like a champ. I may or may not have dropped it in a river once… and it still works perfectly - don’t try this one at home…

61MP sensor. The flexibility in post is incredible. I can crop aggressively and still have massive, print-ready files. For landscapes where you're dialing in composition, this changes everything.

Reliable autofocus. Even in tricky light - like the Taki Shrine at dusk or harsh midday sun on dragon blood trees - the AI-powered AF locks on consistently.

8-stop stabilization. I've been shooting handheld way more than usual, especially on long hiking days like Magome-Tsumago. The IBIS gives me freedom I didn't have with previous bodies.

Flip screen. I feel like this one shouldn’t be something I talk about ever 5 seconds but I’m seriously obsessed with the screen flexibility… I don’t know how I ever lived without it.

The A7R V isn't cheap but there’s a reason for it. I love this camera and have a hard time seeing myself using something else out there. If you're in the Sony ecosystem and considering an upgrade, this is what I'd recommend.

Right now, the A7R V is $900 off during Black Friday sales, which is a HUGE discount if you've been waiting for the right time to upgrade.

(Full transparency: I earn a small commission through this link. It helps keep this newsletter free and my coffee mug full. Thanks for supporting!)

Japan exceeded every expectation. If you’ve been and have spots I should hit next time, hit reply—I’m already planning the return trip, and I’d love your recommendations.

See you next week,
Paige

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P.S. Interested in Lightroom Presets? Check out my Preset Packs below, made specifically for travel, landscape, & nature.