Cover photo by Mao Sakurada
Creators who love photography share their stories with their cameras. The presence of a 'beloved camera' reflects each person's life perspective and values. In this series, we feature Mao Sakurada, who loves using the Canon EOS Kiss X9i.
She talks about her high school days when she continuously observed the beauty hidden in everyday life through photography and her companion that captures her days as they are. Would you like to explore her origins?
Canon EOS Kiss X9i Basic Information
With approximately 24.2 million pixels APS-C sensor and DIGIC 7 engine, it achieves excellent high-sensitivity shooting and noise reduction performance. The 45-point all-cross AF and Dual Pixel CMOS AF enable fast and accurate autofocus. It is an all-round model that can be handled intuitively with a vari-angle LCD and touch operation, supporting Full HD video, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
No Special Detours Needed
As a second-year high school student, at the age of 17, the first thing I pointed my camera at was my daily commute. The journey took two and a half hours one way. This route, combining bus, train, walking, and cycling, felt like a triathlon every day.
I was born and raised in a small area at the northern tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, Sotogahama Town Tairadate.
There wasn't a single convenience store, and the school was so small that class changes were unthinkable. For me, who grew up in such an environment, Aomori City, where my high school was, seemed like a dreamland.
While my peers talked about wanting to leave Aomori quickly, I discovered the beauty hidden in the daily life of Aomori and found a mission to capture it in photographs.
A Beloved Camera That Allows Me to Capture 'Everyday Moments'
My beloved camera is lightweight and compact. It's appealing because I don't feel tired carrying it every day. I also like that I can quickly change lenses even though I don't have much arm strength.
At the time, I didn't specifically envision wanting this camera. It was given to me by someone who supported me, and I am still deeply grateful for the thoughtfulness behind it, which naturally created a strong attachment.
While I'm particularly skilled at shooting in natural light, I'm a bit less confident with nighttime photography. Nevertheless, this camera, which beautifully and smoothly captures everyday moments during the day, is my best companion.
Capturing Life
Photography has the power to transform the mundane into something special.
In the everyday life,
In my unique life,
I capture my days, my life.
In the inconvenient yet charming environment that raised me,
I decided to do so.
INFORMATION
'98 With love.
cizucu: Mao Sakurada / @sakurada_mao
Instagram: @sakurada_mao
