Creating a Space for Artists to Share 'Encounters' | Mountain Photographer ATSUSHI HIRANO | ISSUE #36

ATSUSHI HIRANO, a 'mountain photographer', traveled around Japan's mountains with his parents from a young age. However, back then, his focus while climbing was on taking more challenging routes faster. Although he already had a hand-me-down camera from his father, he didn't take photos in the mountains.

Later, acquiring a 'mirrorless digital camera OM-D', which was an homage to the 'OLYMPUS OM-1', led him to bring a camera to the mountains.

"Climbing with a camera in hand made me realize that there are many ways to enjoy the mountains beyond just reaching the summit. The light shining through the forest, flowers blooming at your feet, billowing clouds, and the white gleam of rime ice—all these mountain charms are scattered everywhere. Since then, a camera has become an indispensable companion on my mountain journeys."

HIRANO is active as the founder and curator of the Photography Community 'humming magazine', which introduces landscapes from around the world that make you want to hum.

The story of 'humming magazine' is rooted in two questions: 'Why do people climb mountains?' and 'Why do people travel?'. Believing that there is something beyond mere survival in people's motivations to visit travel, mountains, and nature, he trusts that photographs have the power to convey 'that feeling of attraction' to others. Thus, he created a space where artists from around the world can share such stories.

"I am always searching for the mystery of the mountains. It exists regardless of the mountain's height, from breathtaking views of the sea of clouds to the flowers at your feet, foggy forests, and flowing streams. The stories born from encounters during mountain travels are part of the mountain's allure."

When asked about the kind of photos he wants to feature in contests, HIRANO replied, 'Photos that tell a story'. He values the same perspective when judging photos as a curator for 'humming magazine'.

HIRANO also believes that the balance between 'specs' and 'lightness' is crucial for equipment to take 'good mountain photos'. Even if you have high-spec cameras or tripods, if 'the equipment is too heavy to travel to various mountain areas', you can't capture photos with a story.

"Photos with a story convey a genuine love for the mountains. There's no need to make them overly vivid or fantastical. I look forward to seeing everyone's stories as they are."

HIRANO plans to publish a photo book of film photography as an individual in the future. Additionally, he intends to continue holding photo exhibitions. When asked about the kind of photo exhibitions he wants to realize in the future, he shared...

"I hope to continue conducting POP-UPs with brands, creating a flow where mountain enthusiasts can discuss mountain photos while shopping for mountain gear, rather than just a shopping event. I'd like to make it a cultural photo exhibition mixed with coffee stands, books, and music related to mountains."

HIRANO also plans to start a new web magazine introducing photographers' travels worldwide through 'humming magazine'. Additionally, a photo essay collection by photographers from around the world will be published. We can't take our eyes off HIRANO's activities in the future.

"Continuing to conduct POP-UPs with brands, creating a flow where mountain enthusiasts can discuss mountain photos while shopping for mountain gear, rather than just a shopping event. I'd like to make it a cultural photo exhibition mixed with coffee stands, books, and music related to mountains."

HIRANO also plans to start a new web magazine introducing photographers' travels worldwide through 'humming magazine'. Additionally, a photo essay collection by photographers from around the world will be published. We can't take our eyes off HIRANO's activities in the future.