photo poster project | Staff Interview | With Photography, You Can Connect Anywhere by Saki | ISSUE #256

The is an exhibition series organized by cizucu and held worldwide. 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 run in collaboration with volunteer staff from across the globe. Each staff member, with their diverse backgrounds, brings their own aspirations and perspectives to create this unique platform.

This time, we spoke with Saki, a creator active as a staff member in the Taipei area of Taiwan.

Hello, I’m Saki from the Taipei area in Taiwan. I started living in Taiwan as a university student, and this marks my seventh year here. I photograph daily life, favorite landscapes, and the culture of Taiwan under the theme “#TaiwanCameraPlay,” hoping to share these moments with many people.

I have always enjoyed activities that connect people, such as hosting language exchange sessions and organizing international exchange events. After purchasing a camera last year, I wanted to create opportunities for people to connect through photography.

That’s when I discovered the cizucu open call for Taiwan ppp staff. The activities and philosophy resonated with my vision of “connecting people through photography.” I felt that here, I could truly engage in activities that foster connections through photography, which led me to apply.

What I find unique about the ppp is that each participant can engage and connect through photography at their own pace.

At the exhibition space, some people enjoy lively conversations in groups, while others have in-depth discussions about artworks with those who share a similar sensibility. There are also those who quietly appreciate the works on their own and later approach creators they’re interested in after the gallery talk.

The ways of connecting through photography are truly diverse and personal.

That’s why, as staff, we place great importance on respecting each creator and fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels at ease. Even if you don’t get to speak directly on the day, there’s a culture of sharing thoughts and impressions about artworks through heartfelt messages, which is very characteristic of the ppp.

Because interaction isn’t limited to just conversation, everyone can connect with others at a comfortable distance. It’s a place where anyone can participate with peace of mind, have their work seen, and meet new photography enthusiasts. I believe that’s the greatest appeal of the ppp.

Whenever I witness participants change or hear their words, I feel truly grateful to be part of the staff.
Seeing someone who was initially nervous gradually open up and talk about their work with a smile, or watching someone share the story behind their artwork with joy—these moments make me realize the significance of this initiative.

One participant once told me, “There are very few exhibitions where anyone can showcase their photography, so I think this is something many people have been looking for. Thank you for organizing it.” Hearing those words made me feel that I was able to make a difference for someone in Taiwan, and it filled me with gratitude.

Even as a Japanese person with limited experience in photography, the Taiwan team always listens to my opinions. It’s because we work together to create a better ppp that we can foster an environment where participants feel at ease.

Being able to work with like-minded peers in a place I love—Taiwan—is a tremendous source of motivation for me.

Since the ppp is held in various countries, you can connect with photographers and staff from around the world. Personally, when I returned to my hometown of Miyagi, I participated in the Sendai ppp and truly felt its reach.

The place where I’m involved as staff in Taiwan and the place I visited as a participant in my hometown—despite being different cities and teams, both offered the same experience of connecting people through photography.

It feels a bit like joining an exhibition while traveling. When you visit a city, you can participate in the local ppp, and in doing so, encounter people and artworks you wouldn’t meet through sightseeing alone, and experience the atmosphere of those enjoying photography in that place.

Whether I participate as a Japanese living in Taiwan or return to my hometown, the ppp always has an atmosphere that makes you feel, “It’s okay to be here.” No matter the country or region, as long as you share a love for photography, conversation flows naturally. That global sense of enjoyment is something unique to the ppp.

When I first applied to become staff, I was unsure if I could do it. I was concerned about my shy personality and limited experience in photography. I worried whether I could effectively support others in a space for connecting through photography.

But once I got involved, I realized that being shy was actually a strength. Since many participants are nervous at first, I naturally started thinking about “how to make it easy for people to talk” and “what kind of atmosphere would feel comfortable for first-timers.”

My limited experience with photography was not a significant barrier. In fact, it gave me insight into how to support others who are just starting out so they can feel comfortable connecting.

At the ppp, photography naturally creates opportunities for conversation. While it’s important to be proactive, it’s equally important to listen attentively to others. You don’t need expert knowledge of photography or eloquent comments to participate.

If you have a passion for photography and connecting with people, taking the first step will surely open up new encounters, far outweighing any anxieties.

Photography is not about being judged, but about sharing your perspective and feelings. Whether in Taiwan, your hometown, or while traveling, people naturally connect through photography. That’s what I’ve come to realize through my involvement with the ppp.