This photo was taken head-on at the Nikko Hana Ichimonme festival, capturing the powerful and striking appearance of a dahlia that has just begun to bloom. By focusing on the shape of the petals as they begin to open and the distinctive form of the flower’s center, I sought to convey the unique charm of dahlias—distinct from those in full bloom—and the beauty that conveys the vitality unique to the early stages of blooming.
| Date & Time | October 18, 2026 |
| photographer | without batting an eyelid |
| Location | Nikko Flower Ichimonme |
| Address | 800 Shimo-Kosakosaka, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Photography Equipment | Canon EOS R |
| lens | Canon EF70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM |
| F value | 2.8 |
| suspended solids | 1/1250s |
| ISO | 100 |
| Shooting route on the same day | Mount Nantai →directional marker or indicatorYuno Lake →directional marker or indicatorSenjogahara →directional marker or indicatorMitsumatsu (Nikko) →directional marker or indicatorDragon's Head Waterfall →directional marker or indicatorKenganbou Observatory →directional marker or indicatorNikko Flower Ichimonme |
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