photo poster project | Staff Interview | Voices Discussing Photography Transform the Atmosphere of the Exhibition Space by Hayato | ISSUE #252

The is held worldwide by cizucu. By simply submitting your photographs to cizucu, you can participate in the photo poster project exhibition and connect with fellow photographers you have yet to meet.

The photo poster project is operated together with volunteer staff based in various regions across the globe. Each staff member, coming from diverse backgrounds, brings their own passion and perspective to help shape this platform.

This time, we spoke with Hayato, a creator who is active as a staff member in the Kanto region of Japan.

My name is Hayato, and I am a staff member based in Tokyo. My day job is in the parking industry.

I started photography as a self-taught pursuit, and before I knew it, thirteen years had passed. I mainly shoot street and landscape photography, participate in exhibitions, and create photo books.

Although I have been involved in photography for a long time, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Before joining the ppp, I was in a creative slump for about three years, seeking change to overcome it.

Initially, I was interested in the process and atmosphere of preparing the exhibition space before the poster exhibition opened. When I applied for the ppp for the second time, I was able to participate in the setup and preparations for the first time, which became the catalyst.

What left a strong impression on me was not only the staff’s kindness and attentiveness, but also how each person was fully aware of their role and contributed to creating the exhibition space.

To enhance the atmosphere of the exhibition, staff would actively engage with creators, introduce them to one another, and facilitate conversations. The role of being a bridge between participants was particularly memorable.

The energy of conversations before and after the gallery talk is completely different.

Before the gallery talk, many participants are meeting for the first time and tend to be reserved or cautious. However, once the gallery talk begins, many creators open up and share their genuine thoughts and feelings about their work.

With just the single catalyst of a gallery talk, the quality and flow of conversation transforms. Witnessing this change is something I look forward to every time.

I often volunteer to moderate the gallery talks. When I am entrusted with this role, I try to concisely convey both the creator’s strengths and my own impressions.

Photography reveals many things you might not notice on your own. It is only when others view your work that you gain new perspectives, impressions, and insights. By sharing these, I hope both the creators and everyone present can deepen their appreciation for photography.

If a single word can shape the destiny of a creator’s work, I want to be someone who can help unlock their infinite potential. That is the aspiration I hold.

The moments I’m glad to be a staff member are when I get to go out for drinks with the team (laughs).
During preparations, even if the venue is the same, the staff lineup changes each time. Learning about each person’s strengths and working together to create the exhibition space is both fun and a little nerve-wracking, but it’s very rewarding.

During the exhibition, I enjoy the time when creators and staff mingle and converse. Especially when I see first-time participants building friendships with other creators, I feel reassured that we’ve created a welcoming environment.

Before joining the ppp, I was in a creative slump for about three years, seeking change to overcome it.
I joined the ppp in search of that change, but the root of the problem wasn’t solved immediately. When I was unsure whether to continue with photography, a staff member offered me support.

Since then, my perspective on photography has shifted, and by exploring new genres and techniques I hadn’t tried before, I’ve been able to rediscover and take joy in photography once again.

Before becoming a staff member, I didn’t really know how close-knit the team was, so I felt a bit anxious. But after joining, I found that everyone is genuinely friendly, and now we even spend time together outside of ppp.

To those considering joining as staff, I want to say that, especially because these are offline events, people who are good at engaging gently and warmly with others, and who can choose words that draw out others’ interests and potential, are truly valuable.

As for preparing the exhibition space, senior staff will guide you carefully, so you can participate with confidence.