The (フォトポスタープロジェクト), organized by cizucu, has been held across Japan since the end of last year. By simply submitting your photos to cizucu, you can participate in the photo poster exhibition and meet new photographer friends you haven't encountered before.
This time, we spoke with nico☺︎, a creator who participated in the .
Please introduce yourself!
My name is nico, and I just started using old lenses.
I've always loved photography and bought a DSLR, which I replaced several times over the years. However, in recent years, I mostly took photos with my smartphone and had distanced myself from cameras.
One day, I stumbled upon an old film camera among my late father's belongings. This discovery reignited my passion for photography, leading me to explore film cameras and old lenses, which brings me to where I am today.
What inspired you to participate?
This was my first time participating in a photo exhibition.
Although my skills are still developing, I had a strong desire to have someone see my work and share the joy of photography with others who share the same passion. However, I always felt that photo exhibitions were too intimidating for me.
When I learned that the was being held in Kyoto, a city I love, I thought it would be a great opportunity to participate while enjoying a trip. Additionally, the fact that this project fosters interaction among participants was another deciding factor for me.
How was your experience participating?
Seeing my work displayed as an A2-sized poster for the first time was both a little embarrassing and incredibly exciting. I was also thrilled to be able to take it home afterward.
What inspired me the most was the opportunity to interact with other photography enthusiasts in person. Hearing stories about lenses, film, and shooting experiences was an invaluable experience for me.
The time flew by, and I even felt reluctant to leave because I had such a great time.
Why did you choose that particular photo?
The theme this time was 'My Favorite Shot.'
This photo is a special one for me because it was the first time I successfully captured bokeh with an old lens. It's truly one of my favorites.
It was taken just after a heavy rain had stopped, and the sunlight began to shine through. The sight of countless droplets sparkling on fresh green maple leaves caught my eye, and I instinctively pressed the shutter.
Since photography became a part of my life, I've started to notice and appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes that I used to overlook. Even rainy days, which I used to dislike, have become something I can enjoy, making this photo even more special to me.
For those considering joining the photo poster project
I feel that many people might find photo exhibitions intimidating. However, with cizucu's , there's no need to worry.
As the staff mentioned, this project is slightly different from traditional photo exhibitions. One of its biggest attractions is the opportunity to connect with other photography enthusiasts.
This interaction provides plenty of inspiration and can boost your motivation for the future. I truly feel that participating was the right decision.
I highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, feels that photo exhibitions are a bit out of reach.
