‘Focus’ shines a light on creators, artworks, and trends. We highlight photographers who share remarkable images, introducing them and their work. Discovering shared sensibilities can spark new creative inspiration. This edition’s theme is Landscape.
Landscapes Preserved Over Time
The landscapes that unfold before us are not left behind by chance. It’s not simply about capturing them in photographs, but photographing them with the intention to preserve. As if in prayer, we press the shutter before a beautiful scene, hoping it will remain unchanged. In this way, we have preserved landscapes we wish to endure.
This feature introduces photographers who capture evocative landscapes that resonate emotionally.
Boathouses Lining the Shore: Healing Through Primal Landscapes
Image by aoneko355
When photographing natural landscapes, I approach each shot with full commitment, carefully considering the light, composition, and focus. I typically use a tripod even during the day, and often employ filters. My primary equipment is the SONY ILCE-A7RM5.
aoneko355
Originally, I started with a compact digital camera, simply wanting to capture the beauty of everyday landscapes and plants as memories. Later, I was drawn to the allure of bokeh, which led me to upgrade to mirrorless and DSLR cameras. I discovered the joy of long exposure photography, especially with waterfalls, and learned about composition and photographic expression through interactions on the photo sharing site PHOTOHITO. I also gradually built my knowledge from magazines and online resources, experimenting and seeking originality while learning from my mistakes—each one an important experience that fuels my enjoyment of photography.
2014: 17th General Photography Exhibition ‘A Moment of Healing’
■ Excellence Award
■ Kyoto Shimbun Award (double award winner)
cizucu: @aoneko355
Instagram: @aoneko355
Layering Photography Over the History of Nara
Image by Katsuyuki Miyanishi
My main subjects are Nara’s shrines, temples, natural landscapes, and deer. I photograph with care so that viewers can sense the charm of Nara. My main equipment is FUJIFILM’s X-T5 and X-E4.
Katsuyuki Miyanishi
I began taking photography seriously three years ago. What started on a whim quickly became a daily passion. I’m not entirely sure why I became so absorbed, but perhaps it’s because I’ve always enjoyed drawing landscapes since childhood, and my grandfather’s love of cameras meant I was often around them. I once won the Grand Prize in the ‘Nara Autumn Pride Contest’ hosted by Inobun at Aeon Yamato-Koriyama, but I plan to challenge larger photo competitions in the future.
cizucu: Katsuyuki Miyanishi
Instagram: @Katsuyuki Miyanishi
Tracing Railways, Preserving the Present Echoes of the Past
Image by morrisy
I focus more on the everyday rather than the extraordinary. I also pay attention to contrast, aiming to bring my envisioned composition as close to reality as possible.
What do you think? Let’s capture landscapes woven from past to present and preserve photographs to pass on to the future. May we continue to share, cherish, and protect the landscapes we have preserved.
