Everyday Encounters and Human Connection | Photographer Takahiro Kikuchi | ISSUE #29

‘ISSUE’ explores the sensibilities and thought processes of creators from around the world, serving as a catalyst for new inspiration. In ‘ISSUE #29’, we feature Takahiro Kikuchi, the official curator of cizucu’s photo contest ‘Tender Glances’ and a photographer who captures the extraordinary within the everyday.

Currently, Kikuchi works as a developer at a manufacturing company while also pursuing his practice as a photographer, focusing primarily on portraiture under the theme of ‘capturing the extraordinary in the everyday’.

Kikuchi, who originally loved traveling, was inspired to purchase a camera in the winter of his senior year at university, motivated by a desire to preserve the landscapes he encountered.

“For several years after buying my camera, I traveled extensively both within Japan and abroad with friends, capturing the scenery we discovered together.”

That lifestyle changed dramatically with the outbreak of COVID-19.

“With restrictions on going out, not only was travel impossible, but even meeting people became difficult. Those days were tough, as I struggled to find enjoyment,” he recalls.

“However, it was precisely because of those circumstances that I realized how much photography had preserved precious moments for me.” This sudden shift became a turning point, giving new meaning to his photographic practice.

For Kikuchi, ‘photography is dialogue’.

He sees portraiture as an artistic act that reflects the essence of the individual, and believes that ‘photography is a living medium’.

“Because a shoot is influenced by factors such as weather, time, and the subject’s condition that day, the results often differ from the initial concept—but that’s what makes it interesting,” he says.

Rather than imposing a fixed vision, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the subject, aligning his own image with theirs through the process of photographing.

“Rather than changing the subject, I fine-tune my own vision through dialogue.”

He values gestures and expressions that naturally emerge from within the subject, capturing the moments that resonate with him. He believes this is the true essence of portraying a person through photography.

“When, through dialogue, I encounter a moment that surpasses my own expectations, that is a truly joyful experience,” Kikuchi shares.

Kikuchi primarily shoots outdoors, often in unremarkable streets and locations familiar to everyone. This approach stems from his theme of ‘capturing the extraordinary in the everyday’.

“There are moments when familiar scenery appears entirely different.”

He hopes to encourage people to cherish the ordinary, to value time spent with those close to them, and to capture the subtle moments that move the heart.

“Even if it’s not a special place or event, I want to show that there is beauty in everyday moments. If my photographs inspire someone to want to pick up a camera, that would make me truly happy,” Kikuchi says.

What does it mean for a ‘tender glance’ to be reflected in a photograph?

“To photograph with a tender gaze, with love in every shutter release—this is what imbues an image with gentleness,” Kikuchi explains.

He sees photography as not only reflecting the subject, but also the photographer. By photographing with affection, that tenderness is conveyed through the image, warming the hearts of viewers.

I am eager to see what kind of photographs Kikuchi will select that embody a ‘tender glance’.