photo poster project | A Day Connected Naturally Through Photography by GEN | ISSUE #196

The photo poster project is an exhibition organized by cizucu and held worldwide, where you can participate simply by choosing a city and date.

What we call the ppp is more than just a photography exhibition. It is a community where anyone can confidently share their story, and a rare opportunity to connect in person with creators from across the globe.

This time, we spoke with GEN, a creator who took part in the photo poster project.

My name is GEN.

I have always enjoyed taking photographs, but after entering the workforce, I took the plunge and bought a DSLR, which led me to become truly absorbed in photography.
At first, I would simply tag along with friends and imitate what they did, but that wasn’t enough for me. Now, while working as a public servant, I focus mainly on video production, but also shoot weddings, landscapes, and model portraits.

Last year, I also obtained a private FPV drone license. I hope to further expand the scope of my photography in the future.

The reason I decided to participate this time was because I felt I could learn about the stories behind the works.

With the rise of generative AI, we now live in an era where you can create any image you want just by giving instructions. It’s certainly more cost-effective and efficient than ever before. But it lacks humanity.
It’s the photographs imbued with human feelings—why they were taken, what emotions were present, why this particular image was chosen, whether it’s joy, happiness, sadness, or frustration—that truly captivate people. I had been thinking about this recently when I was invited to join.

The photo poster project provides time for each participant to speak, allowing you to learn about the background of the exhibited works. I was genuinely intrigued, thinking, “There’s an exhibition this fresh and interesting?”
So honestly, rather than wanting people to see my own work, I participated with the mindset of a ‘curious observer’ who wanted to hear everyone’s stories (laughs).

I had a wonderful time.
There were two things in particular that left a strong impression on me at this exhibition.

The first was the sense of ‘connection’ among the exhibitors.
This time, the theme was open, and each person exhibited just one work. There was a diverse range of works—landscapes, animals, snapshots, portraits. The exhibitors themselves were also varied, including professional photographers and videographers, students, and homemakers.

What surprised me most was that, even though the only thing we had in common was a love of photography, the conversations between exhibitors never stopped. That’s how natural connections were formed.

I talked so much my jaw started to hurt (laughs). Different ages, different places to live, no prior connections. It’s rare to have the chance to talk with people like that.
In today’s world, opportunities for genuine, human-to-human conversation are truly precious. Even if you’re not comfortable speaking, the staff are there to support you, so you can participate with peace of mind.

The second was that it was a ‘treasure trove of knowledge and technique.’
When you have a group exhibition with such a wide range of genres, all that knowledge and skill comes together in one place. Honestly, I was able to talk to so many people whose work I had admired on Instagram, wondering, “How did they shoot that?”

Without a doubt, that space felt to me like a map filled with hidden treasures.

This photograph was taken at dusk in Asakusa. Since the exhibition was held at Asakusabashi, I chose it based on the name alone. ...But I do have a proper reason (laughs).

In my day job, I work in a field related to saving lives, which is rewarding and brings many good things. But it also comes with many difficult moments.
In those times, seeing people passing by in the evening, heading home safely at the end of the day, gives me a sense of relief.

This is the photograph I took the first time I felt that way.

I’ll never know what people are thinking as they walk down this street on their way home. But what’s certain is that everyone made it through the day and is returning safely.

I love that time of day, and I love capturing it in my photography—so I chose this photograph in the hope that even just one person might feel something from it.

If you’re on the fence about exhibiting, I encourage you to join in. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.

Participating this time, I not only enjoyed meeting those who came to view the works, but also had a great time talking with fellow exhibitors.
I definitely want to participate again, and I look forward to meeting you somewhere down the line. Let’s have lots of conversations then.