For more than twenty years I have been focusing almost exclusively on infrared photography, working with infrared film and photos. The special characteristics of infrared film are particularly well-suited to landscape photography as foliage generally turns bright white and blue skies turn dark black. Familiar scenes, objects or buildings become startlingly otherworldly when photographed in infrared. Relatively little editing is done to my photos beyond small adjustments to enhance the contrast inherent in infrared photos.

私は20年以上も前から赤外線フィルムを使用した赤外線写真を中心に写真を撮影してきました。赤外線フィルムの特徴としては、草木の葉が明るい白に映ったり青い空が暗く映ったりすることがあげられますが、これらの特徴は特に風景写真に適していると言えるでしょう。私は身近にある見慣れた風景、物体や建物を撮影しますが、これらは赤外線フィルムで撮ることによって驚くべき別世界のような雰囲気になります。なお、赤外線写真に本来見られるコントラストをより映えさせるために多少編集すること以外は、あまり写真に手を加えることはありません。

You may be wondering how I came up with the name Yōkōn Wasai (洋魂和才). The four characters in the name literally mean Western Spirit Japanese Ingenuity (or Knowledge). It's a play on words on the phrase Wakōn Yōsai (和魂洋才) which came into wider use at the start of the Meiji Restoration in Japan beginning in 1868 or so. The phrase was meant to signify the adoption of Western know-how and knowledge while retaining Japanese sensitivities and culture. Standing this idea on its head, I came up with Yōkōn Wasai. Having lived in Japan for over nineteen years now, I thought it a fitting name for my work.

And yes, the photos on my site are for sale. Currently I am offering prints in four sizes: A3 (330mm x 482mm, 13" x 19"), A2 (432mm x 559mm, 17" x 22"), A1 (610mm x 914mm), and B0 (1,118mm x 1,580mm, 44" x 62"). I print on the highest quality Epson and Hahnemuhle papers which are 100% cotton-based and acid free. Editions are limited only for the two largest sizes. E-mail me at the above address for pricing and further details.

Mark Baxter 　　　　　　　 バクスター　マーク