Feel Nature, Weave Memories | 10 Questions for Kousuke Shimasaki | ISSUE #5

I am Kousuke Shimasaki, born on June 2, 1997, from Kochi Prefecture. Until university, I lived a life far removed from photography.

The turning point came during a summer trip to Kyoto in my first year of university with my girlfriend. The moment I pressed the shutter of a mirrorless DSLR camera borrowed from her mother sparked my interest in photography. I found the sensation intriguing and gradually began studying photography. Initially, I researched photographers, then delved into the history of cameras and photography, immersing myself deeply into the world of photography.

Currently, I primarily focus on lifestyle photography while actively expanding my activities by holding solo exhibitions as a contemporary artist through galleries.

As stated on my website, my consistent theme is the 'connection between the scent of a place and memory.' Since childhood, I often felt the 'atmosphere' of a particular place during travels, and this sensation remains with me into adulthood. I defined this abstract image, invisible to the naked eye, as the 'scent of a place.' For example, a dangerous place might have a dangerous scent. In that sense, I also remember the scent from the Kyoto trip.

I am also drawn to nature and animism. Growing up in the countryside, I was always surrounded by nature, which may have influenced my current work. Since moving to Tokyo, I often feel a sense of confinement. I want to express the gap between nature and the city, and the inherent respect and kindness humans have towards nature, through photography.

I might not remember much.
As a child, I may or may not have taken photos.

However, I had more opportunities to handle video cameras than still cameras. My father often used a video camera, so I have a stronger image of that than cameras.

As I mentioned earlier, the turning point was during the Kyoto trip in my first year of university. From there, my passion for photography grew.

In elementary school, I was quite outdoorsy, playing dodgeball, and in middle and high school, I played baseball for six years. That might be why I didn't interact much with cameras. But perhaps due to that influence, I still spend most of my time outdoors unless I'm working on a project at home.

In conclusion, I used to have preferences, but they've faded over the past month.
Ultimately, what matters is whether it suits me. The sensation when holding the camera or pressing the shutter should resonate directly with my body. I think that feeling is important.

I consider the camera a partner in daily life, so I want to choose one I intend to use for a long time. If I had to say, a balance between weight and lightness is necessary. That's why I stopped using mirrorless cameras. They didn't suit my sense. My large hands from playing baseball made small grips more tiring.

Additionally, due to poor eyesight, I might be more accustomed to optical viewfinders that are easier to see. I use heavy cameras and compact digital cameras for work, but as an artist, I often attach a manual focus prime lens from Voigtlander. The Voigtlander ULTRON 40mm F2 Aspherical SL IIs is attractive for its lightness.

Recently, I've been into 'Crayon' by Fuji Taito. I've also been listening to 'incident' and 'Way too nice' by KID FRESINO for a long time.

For someone in their 20s living in Tokyo, I feel that the strength of HipHop and Rock suits me well.

There might be many.
But one thing I can say for sure is my girlfriend and family. They absolutely influence me.

In creating works, these two entities, which are the foundation of my life, are indispensable. I didn't have this feeling until university, but I arrived at this sense through cameras and photography.

Among notable figures, I respect Sansei Yamao, Daisetsu Suzuki, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Hayao Miyazaki. I strongly feel from them the importance of being a Japanese person and valuing nature.

I might like people who possess inherent kindness.

Currently, the camera I want to use is Leica.
I originally used the M3, but due to the soaring price of film, I had to part with it reluctantly. However, I have a strong desire to once again experience the charm of being meticulously crafted by human hands, its weight, and how it becomes familiar with use.

Also, I want to try the newest Leica model. I feel drawn to the latest model, which embodies the ultimate of Leica.

I like photographing people quietly drinking coffee in a midnight café or standing idly in an alley. I enjoy quiet places away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Of course, I also love the great outdoors.

Recently, I've been noticing small, resilient flowers blooming on the streets. When my beloved dog passed away, an unknown flower suddenly bloomed at home. It was surprising, and that might be the reason.

Even small, they live earnestly. They don't speak, but they strive to live. Such sights catch my eye.

I strongly feel that thinking only about one's own profit is uncool.

I always try to act without prioritizing my own profit, maintaining an equal standing with others.

Also, people who don't deny different opinions from their own. In other words, being unable to clearly say yes or no. It feels like they aren't genuinely engaging with me.

I haven't been buying clothes much recently.

However, I'm grateful to the select shop for order-made suits, 'Auba Jaconelli,' where I currently handle photography. Lately, I often wear jackets, and in summer, I like pairing polo shirts with neat jeans and loafers to create a vintage French vibe.

Basically, I don't shop online. I buy from any brand if I see something I like with my own eyes.

When creating works, I might not have any specific settings. However, the most important thing is not using a flash. Since I love nature, incorporating natural light is my top priority.

My strength lies in capturing the moment that composes the space, so the natural light that enters the location is crucial. For commercial photography, I might set up lighting, but I prefer not to include artificial light created by humans.