MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
MAGAZINE
By cizucu ·

The (PPP), hosted by cizucu worldwide, has released a derivative project called that incorporates open coaching.
focuses not only on "communication" but also emphasizes "skill improvement." It is a project designed to support photography enthusiasts who want to take their skills to the next level.
This time, we interviewed creator Mari Kodaira, who participated in .

I am currently a fourth-year university student studying veterinary medicine. I often take photos of landscapes during my travels or moments that I find beautiful while out and about.
Since I am usually busy with my studies, photography and participating in the serve as a refreshing and stimulating artistic activity for me. I started participating in PPP because I wanted to make more friends who share my love for photography.
I decided to participate in because I wanted to take the next step in photography, which had previously been just a fun hobby for me.
After participating in a regular , I had the opportunity to exchange ideas with other participants who shared the same passion for photography. I gained a lot of knowledge and had a meaningful and enjoyable time, which made me want to participate again.
I was particularly drawn to the open coaching aspect of , which is not available in the regular . I thought the "coaching" element would provide a valuable experience. I wanted to aim for more specific skill improvement, so I decided to participate, even though I was a bit nervous.

For this project, I chose portrait photography, which I don't usually take, as I wanted to explore this genre with the intention of trying more portraits in the future.

Regarding shooting, I asked about things to keep in mind when photographing in dark environments, such as indoors. For editing, since I usually don't edit my photos, I asked for specific advice on how to approach photo editing.
Additionally, I sought advice on how to establish my own photography style and direction in terms of conceptual skills.
For shooting in dark environments, the coaches explained shutter speed, aperture (f-value), and ISO settings with practical examples. Regarding photo editing, they advised reducing the greenish tones on the subject's face to draw attention to it and enhancing the metallic parts of the escalator to make them stand out.
As for creating concepts, they encouraged me to take my time and keep shooting to discover what I like and excel at. They reassured me that I would naturally find my concept as I gained more experience.
The coaches and participants also praised the metallic feel of the escalator and the composition of my work, which gave me a new perspective. I was thrilled to receive such detailed and constructive feedback.
Participating in was a valuable experience. Not only did I receive feedback on my own work, but I also learned a lot from the open coaching sessions and feedback given to other participants. It was fascinating to discover new perspectives and techniques, such as how to incorporate stories into photos.
The coaches, including GoNagai and Shunya Takabayashi from , were incredibly thoughtful and dedicated to providing advice and insights for each participant's work. The atmosphere was warm and supportive, making it a truly enriching experience.

The open coaching sessions were not only educational but also deeply engaging. Everyone was eager to learn, which created a focused and enriching environment. It was a more intense and rewarding experience compared to the regular .
If the title makes you feel nervous, don't worry! It's a warm and welcoming environment where you can learn a lot. Whether you've participated in the before or not, you'll have a meaningful and enjoyable time.
If you're looking to improve your skills, gain clarity about your work, or explore new challenges, is a fantastic opportunity. The coaches from are incredibly supportive and provide valuable insights, making it a truly worthwhile experience.
