Living as a Photographer and Hairdresser | 10 Questions for Hidenobu Suzuki | ISSUE #4

‘ISSUE’ is a series that delves into the sensibilities and thought processes of creators from around the world, serving as a catalyst for new inspiration.
In ‘ISSUE #4’, we present 10 questions to Hidenobu Suzuki, a photographer with numerous accolades including the Gold Prize from the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in France, to explore his perspectives on photography and his engagement with art.

Born in 1971. Originally from Hamamatsu, currently residing in Toyohashi. Professionally, I am a hairdresser.

My photography, which I have pursued as a hobby, gained international attention after being featured in outlets such as National Geographic US and LensCulture, leading to widespread coverage in media around the world.

In 2016, I was invited to exhibit at a prestigious French art institution and received the Gold Prize from the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. The exhibition was held at the Louvre Museum. In Japan, my work was featured in a 13-page photo spread in the monthly magazine Bungeishunju.

I don’t have a vivid memory of my very first photograph, but I believe it was with a simple disposable camera called ‘Utsurundesu’ when I was a child.

The real turning point for me was in 2013, when I won the Gold Prize in an Olympus photo contest. Around that time, there was a company trip planned to Angkor Wat, and since I was going to visit a World Heritage site, I purchased an OLYMPUS PEN camera. That was the beginning of my serious engagement with photography.

If you ask whether I have a strong attachment to any particular camera or lens, I would say not especially. That said, in my home camera cabinet, I keep about 35 lenses for various cameras, including my main Canon 5D Mark III and 6D, FUJIFILM X-Pro, OLYMPUS OM-D and PEN, LEICA X2, and ZEISS lenses.

From 2014 to around 2018, I received several photography awards from National Geographic US, so I tended to use lenses, filters, and tripods that were well-suited for nature photography and Japanese festivals.

Later, after being invited to Paris several times and having both group and solo exhibitions, my style began to shift. I moved towards a more painterly, art-oriented approach, and started to prefer old lenses that produce less sharp images. Sometimes, I would wrap plastic wrap around the lens or use a transparent sheet in front of it to intentionally soften the image.

With the advent of the camera in the 19th century, the direction of art changed dramatically, influencing realistic portraiture and painting, and giving rise to Impressionism and Abstract Art. Today, with the widespread use of smartphones, it’s easy to shoot and share videos, and I feel the role of photography is diversifying.

There is no single correct answer; everyone should use the tools that best suit their preferred mode of expression. Whether high-spec or inexpensive, it doesn’t matter—this is my philosophy regarding equipment.

From morning till night, the music playing at my workplace is always international R&B, so I often listen to the latest R&B hits from abroad.

Apple Music’s ‘R&B Hits’ and ‘R&B Now’ playlists are highly recommended!

Andreas Gursky.
He is a leading figure in contemporary German photography. His first solo exhibition in Japan was held at the National Art Center, Tokyo, in 2013.

I was inspired after viewing his work ‘Rhein II’, which was said to have achieved the highest price ever at the time. Entering the exhibition, I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of his works, but at first, I couldn’t quite grasp what made them special, as they seemed like ordinary photographs.
As I walked through the gallery and approached the exit, I began to feel a strange sense of unease, so I went back and viewed the works again, this time with a more critical eye, and then I realized something.

‘All of his works depict landscapes that do not actually exist.’

Given the enormous size of the prints, any editing flaws should have been obvious, but the images were so natural and realistic. His editing makes you believe that ‘photography equals truth’. I still remember the excitement of being in a space where everyone was immersed in his works, believing in their reality.

When I looked at the years his works were created, I realized that he achieved such editing mastery in an era when computers were not nearly as powerful as today. That’s truly impressive. Since then, I became interested in photo editing and learned the joy of the process. I believe this is the foundation of my editing skills.

I’d like to try both the latest and vintage cameras.

Ultimately, cameras are just tools for creating, like pens or brushes, each with their own characteristics and quirks. I’d love to experiment with a variety of them.

I’ve often enjoyed photographing scenes in the rain.
It’s a personal feeling, but I believe that images of rain can prompt viewers to reflect inwardly.

On sunny days, most people go out and direct their energy outward, but when it rains and the weather is gloomy, people tend to stay indoors, watch TV, read, and turn their focus inward, creating time for self-reflection.

I created these works hoping that those who see them would be inspired to spend time looking within themselves.

I rarely go anymore, but so-called ‘scenic spots’ that are popular with the general public.
When I see people there who prioritize their own satisfaction over consideration for others, refusing to yield space, I honestly find it unpleasant. The same goes for train photography enthusiasts.

Talented and passionate photographers should create original works in places that aren’t typical scenic spots, and inspire many people. I think photographs that clearly convey the artist’s style and vision are far more compelling than the commonplace images seen everywhere.

There are so many technically excellent photos on social media. The cameras, lenses, and editing skills are all top-notch, but the compositions and locations are often repetitive, like commemorative snapshots. I hope people will be considerate of others and strive for originality in their photography.

Also, I encourage photographers to focus not just on digital displays but also on the quality of their prints. From my experience exhibiting large-format prints in Paris and New York, I can say that enlarging a photo reveals the strengths and weaknesses of your editing. Don’t settle for small screens—edit your photos so they can withstand being printed at B0 size, and elevate your work. It’s a valuable learning experience.

I’m usually too busy, so I rely on ZOZOTOWN. Thank you as always.

I don’t have any fixed settings. It always depends on the conditions and shooting situation. More importantly, I make sure to have a clear image of the photograph I want to create before I start shooting.

It’s like cooking, isn’t it?
You can’t make a delicious dish unless you decide what to make and how to season it before you start.

The same goes for my work. As a hairdresser, I visualize the hairstyle before cutting, which leads to a beautiful result. If you start cutting without a plan, you might cut too much or end up with a messy style.

With a camera, anything will be captured as long as you press the shutter, so I believe it’s important to learn to visualize your image beforehand to improve your skills.