Everyday Moments and People We Want to Connect With | Photographer Takahiro Kikuchi | ISSUE #29
cover image by TAKAHIRO
'ISSUE' delves into the sensibilities and thoughts of creators worldwide, sparking new inspiration. In 'ISSUE #29', we introduce Takahiro Kikuchi, the official curator of the photo contest 'Tender Glances' hosted by cizucu, a photographer who captures the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Mr. Kikuchi currently works in a development role at a manufacturer while continuing his photography, focusing on portraits under the theme of capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
From Travel Scenery to People, the Beginning
Originally fond of traveling, Mr. Kikuchi bought a camera in the winter of his senior year in college to capture the scenery he saw during his travels.
"For several years after buying the camera, I visited many places both domestically and internationally with friends, capturing those scenes," he recalls.
Image by TAKAHIRO | A shot from St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
His lifestyle changed dramatically with the outbreak of the coronavirus.
"It became difficult to go out, let alone travel or meet people. Those were tough days without much to look forward to," he reflects.
"However, it was during this time that I realized how much photography had preserved precious moments for me." This sudden change became an opportunity to find new meaning in photography.
Unexpected Beauty Through Dialogue
For Mr. Kikuchi, "photography is a dialogue."
Portrait photography is an artistic act that reflects the person themselves, and he believes that "photography is a living thing."
Image by TAKAHIRO
"Photography is influenced by weather, time, and the condition of the day, so the results often differ from the original image, but that's what makes it interesting," he says.
Instead of fitting into a fixed image, he believes it is important to understand the subject and align his image with theirs during the shoot.
Image by TAKAHIRO
"Rather than changing the subject, I adjust my image through dialogue," he explains.
He values the natural gestures and expressions that come from within the person and captures the moments that resonate with his heart. He believes this is what truly means to capture the "person" in photography.
Image by TAKAHIRO
"When I encounter a moment that surpasses my preconceived image through dialogue, it is a truly happy moment," Mr. Kikuchi shares.
The Overlooked Beauty of Everyday Life
Mr. Kikuchi usually shoots outdoors, often in ordinary places like streets that everyone sees. This stems from his theme of capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Image by TAKAHIRO
"There are often moments when familiar scenery looks completely different," he says.
He wants to convey the importance of cherishing the mundane, capturing moments with loved ones, and those small moments that make your heart flutter.
"Even if it's not a special place or event, I want to show that there are beautiful moments in everyday life, and if my photos can inspire someone to 'want to take pictures,' I would be very happy," Mr. Kikuchi expresses.
Resonating with 'Tender Glances'
What is the 'tender glance' that appears in photographs?
Image by TAKAHIRO
"Taking a photo with a tender glance and love. This ensures that kindness is embedded in the photograph," Mr. Kikuchi explains.
He sees photography as reflecting not only the subject but also the photographer. By taking photos with love, the kindness is conveyed through the photograph, warming the viewer's heart.
It is exciting to see what kind of photos Mr. Kikuchi selects that capture the 'tender glance.'
INFORMATION
Born in 1995, from Hiroshima Prefecture. Currently works in a development role at a manufacturer while continuing to photograph actors, models, and artists, focusing on portraits.
He is also expanding his activities through collaborations with companies and his first solo exhibition "Last Days," which attracted over 200 attendees last year.
cizucu: TAKAHIRO
Instagram: @t.k___photo
