Capturing Moments with the Lens | 10 Questions for Masa | ISSUE #64

Born and residing in Tokyo, born in 1975.
Started taking photos for documentation during university, but became deeply involved in underwater photography through diving.

Winning the top prize in a contest with my first submission was a turning point, leading to a strong interest in photography techniques and equipment, expanding from the limited opportunities underwater to landscapes, starry skies, nightscapes, and bird photography on land.

After encountering a kingfisher in a city park, I am now engrossed in photographing birds, especially kingfishers, every day.
While posting photos on social media, I value daily trial and error and interaction with others.

During my university days, I was photographing fish caught during my hobbies of bass fishing and fly fishing for documentation.

At that time, the camera was merely a tool for recording for me.

Perhaps because I photograph wildlife, I feel that photography is about capturing unique moments.

If you miss that moment, you may never have the chance to photograph the same subject again.
I believe photography allows you to preserve such encounters and moments more impressively and beautifully.

Depending on how you take the photo, it can capture a world different from what you see with your eyes, and it can evoke emotions, smells, temperatures, and various memories.

Above all, when facing a subject through the viewfinder, you are drawn into a world with just you and the subject.
I love photography, including the time spent capturing these moments.

None.

Moments like when my daughter first stood up, walked, and said "Papa" (her first word) were all moments of happiness.

Outside of family, being told "I was moved" by attendees after giving a lecture at an academic conference, and having the conference chair say "I'm really glad you spoke," made me feel rewarded despite the ups and downs.

I try not to keep memories of anger.

Leaving a long-familiar workplace for a new one and taking on new challenges. In conclusion, the challenge was not successful, so it could be considered a setback.

However, without that choice, I wouldn't be who I am today, and it provided an opportunity to learn many things.
Whether the chosen life or the unchosen life was better, I don't know now, but I want to live in a way that makes me feel that my current life was the right choice.

It's a cycle of housework, work, childcare, housework, work, childcare.

I go out to shoot photos during spare moments.
If I can't make spare time, I cut back on sleep.

As for routines, I drink coffee in the morning and evening.

My wife. She restored color to my life when my heart was so troubled that everything seemed dull.
If not for her, I might not be taking photos as I do now.

The short story "Forest Sinking into the Sea" from Koji Suzuki's "Dark Water". You might think it's horror, but it's not.

In this short story, a father's letter to his son, "Even if you know there's no way out, there are times when you must seek a vague exit and move forward," has come to mind at various crossroads, guiding my choices.