photo poster project | Staff Interview | Creating Precious Moments for Participants by kotalun | ISSUE #127
The is hosted by cizucu and held worldwide. By simply submitting your photos to cizucu, you can participate in the photo poster exhibition and meet new photographer friends you’ve never encountered before.
PPP is operated with the help of volunteer staff from around the world. Each staff member, with their diverse backgrounds, contributes their unique thoughts and efforts to create this space. This time, we spoke with kotalun, one of the creators actively working as a staff member.
Please introduce yourself!
My hobby is collecting temple and shrine stamps, which I’ve been doing for about 10 years. While visiting temples and shrines, I wanted to capture and remember the places I visited, which led me to start photography. I feel lucky to have found such wonderful hobbies. Recently, I’ve also been enjoying visiting coffee shops and cafes.
What was your impression when you first participated as an attendee?
To be honest, I was quite anxious. I wondered, "Will it be okay?" and "Is this a proper exhibition?" However, since the cost was reasonable, I decided to take the plunge and participate.
In the end, it turned out to be the right decision! It was so much fun!
Conversations flowed so naturally, as if we weren’t meeting for the first time. People praised me, listened to me, and shared their thoughts. Now, this has become an irreplaceable and precious place for me.
What do you think is the unique charm of PPP as a staff member?
The welcoming and comfortable atmosphere is something I find very appealing for everyone who participates.
As a staff member, my perspective on the exhibition has changed. Being able to observe more broadly, I’ve started to imagine the feelings of participants, thinking things like, "They probably want to talk more" or "They’d like more people to know about this."
By listening to conversations, I try to connect participants who might share common interests. As staff, we help create those precious moments for participants.
As a staff member, what is something you personally value?
I prioritize creating an atmosphere where it’s easy to talk. Some people might feel, "I want to talk, but I’m not good at it," or "I want others to see my work, but I don’t know how to approach them." I aim to create an environment where even those individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
What is the most rewarding part of supporting PPP?
I love the new connections and the gathering of camera and photography enthusiasts in this space, which is why I’ve continued to participate. One of the best things about PPP is the genuine compliments people share with each other. This creates a comfortable environment and fosters connections for the future.
Seeing everyone leave with big smiles after the exhibition ends is a particularly rewarding moment for me.
Do you have any memorable episodes from your experience so far?
When I first participated in PPP as an exhibitor, I wasn’t sure what kind of photos to submit, and I thought to myself, "I should’ve chosen a different photo." However, everyone paid attention to the details and gave me so much praise.
The warm words, "You should be confident," have stayed with me and continue to support me to this day.
