photo poster project | Staff Interview | Bringing Out the Charm of Works and Personalities by Tomoya Yamanouchi | ISSUE #121
The , hosted by cizucu, is 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.
The is operated with the help of volunteer staff from around the globe. Each staff member, with their diverse backgrounds, contributes their unique passion to create this space. This time, we spoke with Tomoya Yamanouchi, a creator who is actively involved as one of the staff members.
Please introduce yourself!
I usually work in the accounting department of an IT company, handling financial closing tasks.
In my free time, I enjoy researching animals, and on weekends, I explore a wide range of environments, from mountains to the sea, observing animals in their natural habitats. I strive to capture these one-of-a-kind encounters with animals through photography.
I first participated in the in May 2025 and have been joining as a staff member every month since then.
What was your impression when you participated for the first time?
I was very nervous at first, but once I joined, I was deeply moved by the opportunity to interact with people from various photography genres in a friendly atmosphere. Since I usually shoot photos alone, it was refreshing and comforting to connect with others who share the same passion.
During the gallery talk, I was exposed to different perspectives and methods of expression, which significantly broadened my horizons. The feedback I received through the was incredibly encouraging, and I truly felt, "I'm so glad I participated!"
What do you think is the unique charm of the <photo poster project> as a staff member?
One of the most significant aspects is that your work is thoroughly appreciated along with the story behind it. Experiencing the "true joy of photography," beyond the numerical evaluations often seen on modern social media, is a major attraction.
Additionally, interacting with people from various photography genres on an equal footing is inspiring, and the warm atmosphere that fills the venue is another unique charm of the !
As a staff member, what do you personally value the most?
Having experienced nervousness during my first participation, I prioritize creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where participants can feel at ease and enjoy themselves.
Since no two works are the same, I also focus on drawing out the unique and captivating stories behind each piece. I aim to foster interactions where the personalities of creators are conveyed to other participants.
What is the most rewarding part of supporting the <photo poster project>?
It’s incredibly rewarding to witness people from diverse backgrounds and photography genres gradually deepen their connections through the shared keyword of photography. It constantly reminds me of the incredible power of photography to connect hearts.
Moreover, as a staff member, I find great fulfillment in shaping the experience through tasks like setting up the venue and facilitating connections among participants.
Do you have any memorable episodes?
During a session themed "The One Photo I Want to Talk About," I had the chance to hear about participants' special works and stories that served as their starting points, making it a truly memorable event.
Additionally, I was deeply moved when someone I know from my daily life came to see my photos at the venue. Many participants also have family and friends visit, creating a unique scene where both photographers and viewers can enjoy the experience together. This left a lasting impression on me.
