Cover photo by masa
※ cizucu-certified writer masa contributed this magazine article.
When photography becomes a hobby, unexpected connections often arise. Whether it’s through subjects, fellow photography enthusiasts, or even close family members, there are moments where you feel bonds that wouldn’t have existed without a camera.
Talking through photography, pointing cameras at the same subject, or preserving memories with a camera—taking photos is not just an act of “shooting” but can also become a form of communication that shares people’s hopes and emotions.
Being Photographed and Photographing Others
As a photography enthusiast, I occasionally get requests from acquaintances to take their portraits.
To be honest, portrait photography isn’t my strong suit, but as I tried to learn by imitation, I started receiving more and more requests from different people.
The subjects often say, “Thank you for taking my photo,” but I also respond with, “Thank you for letting me photograph you.”
Meeting subjects who allow me to enjoy new photography experiences is an invaluable opportunity for a photography enthusiast like me.
Fellow Enthusiasts Chasing the Same Subject
When heading out to photograph specific subjects like airplanes or wild birds, I often meet other photographers with the same goal. It’s easy to recognize fellow enthusiasts by their cameras, so we naturally exchange greetings and share information about today’s targets or conditions.
In such moments, there’s always a senior photographer with more useful information who generously shares their knowledge. From the timing and location of subjects to equipment tips, I’ve learned a lot from these chance encounters.
When I manage to capture the perfect shot after such meetings, I head home feeling deeply satisfied.
Cameras That Spark Family Conversations
Spending every day with family is a blessing, but the closeness can sometimes lead to a lack of conversation. Every family likely has its own communication tools, and for us, it’s the camera.
Whether it’s setting up a tripod for a family photo on special occasions or heading out to capture seasonal flowers, the camera creates many opportunities for conversation.
It’s not just about capturing memories. The camera brings about family events and conversations, making it clear how well it integrates into our daily lives.
