‘ISSUE’ explores the sensibilities and thought processes of creators worldwide, serving as a catalyst for new inspiration. In ‘ISSUE #27’, we feature kana, the official curator of cizucu’s photo contest ‘Tender Glances’, whose film photography brings a flourish of beauty to people’s hearts.
kana deeply understands the joy of connecting with the world through photography. Her formative experience began on Instagram and has now become the core of her life. As kana herself says, “I love photography more than three meals a day”—photography is always at the center of her heart.
The Joy of Sharing a Memory in a Single Frame
“At first, I was content just looking at photos I liked. But eventually, I wanted to capture these moments myself.” This simple realization marked the beginning of kana’s love for photography.
Initially, she was satisfied simply viewing her favorite photographs, but soon she discovered the joy of capturing and sharing her own images.
Image by ka_na_05
“When I got my mirrorless OLYMPUS PEN, it truly felt like a door to a new world had opened,” kana recalls. She delights in capturing scenes that catch her eye as she walks through the city, seizing those emotionally stirring moments. Yet, her curiosity did not stop there.
Image by ka_na_05
Her interest in film cameras blossomed, and vintage mechanical cameras such as the PENTAX SV, FUJICA ST801, NIKON FM2, and OLYMPUS PEN FT joined her journey as trusted companions.
kana cherishes the tension before pressing the shutter, the anticipation while waiting for the film to develop, and the happiness she feels when seeing the finished photograph.
Capturing the Present Moment
“I want to feel this moment with my whole being and give my all to capture it,” kana always keeps this sentiment in mind when photographing. Places may change by the time you revisit, and the same light may not illuminate them again.
Amidst this, she treasures the irreplaceable value of each moment, striving to preserve the emotion of the time as purely as possible in her photographs.
Image by ka_na_05
Such photographs remain in the hearts of her subjects. Looking back at her images after a shoot, the joyful memories of the day vividly return. “If the people I photograph look back at the images and can’t help but smile... I hope to create such photographs,” she says, revealing the warmth she seeks to capture.
A Frame Weaving Together ‘Tender Glances’
The phrase ‘tender glances’ conjures up a variety of scenes.
Gentle eyes of the subject, landscapes bathed in soft light, or heartwarming moments such as a grandfather soothing a baby.
Among these many scenes, there are photographs that quietly convey deep emotion.
Image by ka_na_05
kana’s words, “Through photography, the photographer’s heart is conveyed to the viewer,” encapsulate her approach to the theme of ‘tender glances’. Her commitment when photographing is to share the excitement and emotion she feels in the purest form possible.
“It’s not about being good or bad, or the equipment used—the photographer’s gentle spirit comes through in the photograph.” She expresses her hope to encounter such resonant works through this photo contest.
Image by ka_na_05
kana’s photographs capture the present moment, resonating deeply and enduringly in the heart. They will continue to shine with a vivid blue, unfaded by the passage of time.
kana
kana’s passion for photography began on Instagram, evolving from smartphone photography to mirrorless cameras, vintage lenses, and film cameras (PENTAX SV, Fujica ST801, Nikon FM2, OLYMPUS PEN FT). What started as a love for street photography has expanded to landscapes and portraiture. Through Instagram, she has deepened connections with like-minded individuals, and hopes that photography will continue to add color to her life.
cizucu: ka_na_05
Instagram: ＠ka_na_05
cover image by ka_na_05