‘Focus’ shines a light on creators, artworks, and trends. We highlight members of the community who share outstanding photography, introducing them together with their works. Discovering shared sensibilities can spark new creative inspiration. The theme this time is “SCENE.”
Since the Moment You Encountered That Scene
What images come to mind when you hear the word “SCENE”? Perhaps an unfamiliar ceremony, an ordinary day, or a decisive moment. Everything we see is like an unscripted film, a continuous narrative composed of countless scenes. Your film runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, never stopping. Let’s extract a single scene from it. Within that one scene, there may be an expression that only photography can capture.
This feature introduces creators who have captured striking, unscripted scenes.
New Year’s Eve—People Crossing into the New Year at an Intersection
Image by usubafilm
In my photography, I value lines and intuition.
usubafilm
I originally shot with a digital camera, but realized I was seeking an analog texture, so I started using a film camera in March last year. Here is my digital photography background:
- 2021 Planet Earth Photo Contest: Honorable Mention
- 2022 FUTAKO LOVERS PHOTO Contest: FUTAKO LOVERS Award
- March 2022: Solo Exhibition (Koenji Powder Room)
cizucu: @usubafilm
Instagram: @usubafilm
NYC – Noir in the Concrete Jungle
Image by Douglas
When photographing landscapes, I approach each shot with full commitment, paying close attention to light, composition, and focus. I usually use a tripod even during the day and often utilize filters. Main equipment: SONY ILCE-A7RM5
Douglas
I began serious photography in junior high, focusing on aerial photography. In 2014, during my second year of high school, I held my first solo exhibition. Later, I joined the photography club at university and received several awards at campus art exhibitions. Currently, I work at an air cargo agency.
cizucu: @douglasphotography747
Captivated by Grand Fireworks, the Awe Found Beyond the Shutter
Image by 永田 仁二／ShinjiNagata
From a technical perspective, I am always conscious of keeping the horizon level. The first impression when viewing a photograph determines 80% of its impact. Intuitively, when something in the scene feels off, I pause and press the shutter. I value the feeling of “That catches my eye” or “That’s beautiful.”
I currently use a Canon 5D Mark IV, but I started with Canon’s entry-level models and have even used equipment from before I was born. Ultimately, it’s not about the gear, but about how much you love your camera and photography. What you seek beyond that is up to you—whether it’s pursuing technical prowess or your passion for photography. In the end, it all comes down to “freedom.” Don’t overthink it—shoot what you love, share it as you wish, and find your own unique style.
永田 仁二／ShinjiNagata
Based in Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture. After holding solo exhibitions as a high school photographer, I fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming a sailor.
While working on large vessels over 150 meters, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south, I photographed scenes only a sailor could capture for about two years under the title “Photographer on Board.” After a chronic illness relapsed, I left that career and became a freelance photographer, now focusing on the landscapes of Higashi-Mikawa.
cizucu: 永田 仁二／ShinjiNagata
Instagram: @jinnaga003.photograph
How did you find it? The wonder discovered within a scene. Encountering a new scene allows us to present a fluid world as a still image. Have you ever walked through the city with your camera and suddenly felt as if the world slowed down? Congratulations—you’ve already been captivated by the allure of photography.
