I shot this on a snowboard trip in Niseko in March 2025, after deciding to come back and try photography for the first time in 15 years. My friends went ahead to settle their rentals, and I decided to stop for a crepe since I already had my own gear. People were walking past on their way to the rental shop but nobody really stopped to enjoy the view, even though the sky was clear and Mt Yotei was looking gorgeous at blue hour, contrasting with the warm lights of the truck. While waiting, I decided to step back into the road to take a shot. Another guy happened to walk past and look at the vendor's offerings as I took the photo. When I showed the shot to the staff, he asked 写真屋ですか (whether I was a professional photographer). I have never felt like I my photography was that good, so it felt really satisfying to get a positive response! I still hold this moment dear - when I feel down or inadequate, I think back to this moment, and it encourages me to keep shooting, to capture the quiet, serendipitous moments that nobody else pauses for.