Rangefinder and Daily Life in Kyoto | 10 Questions for Yukihiro | ISSUE #54

I am Yukihiro, an official creator for cizucu. I am based in Kyoto and engage in daily photography.

Due to work, I often photograph the scenery and events of Arashiyama, but mainly I enjoy snapping everyday scenes while walking around Kyoto.

The first time I thought of taking a photo was 25 years ago when I bought a film camera during an overseas trip. I had no knowledge and decided to buy a cheap one for about 2,000 yen.

I remember nervously loading the film with only a simple manual. When I snapped the streets overseas, I discovered the joy of photography.

Now, I love the act of shooting with a rangefinder. Although I often make mistakes, the no-look shooting by just aligning the rangefinder is interesting, and when unexpected results appear, I silently shout with joy.

Also, I often photograph people for work, and when they or their families are pleased, that's another reason I love photography.

It was when I dropped a new lens into a river during its first shoot and was told it was irreparable. Rather than wanting to distance myself from photography, there was a time when I was afraid to hold a camera. It was an expensive lesson, but I now handle my equipment more carefully.

There are many happy moments, but specifically about photography, it was when I was allowed to photograph someone's daily life, and they used it as a portrait for their memorial. Although memorial portraits might have a negative image, they can eternally preserve the essence of a person, and I still think I'm glad I captured that moment.

Also, when I receive requests for various shoots and achieve satisfying results, I feel happy that I pursued photography.

It was a rainy night when I slipped on a manhole while cycling home and dramatically broke my right wrist. I felt anger towards myself. It would have been cooler if I had broken it while trying to save a kitten that darted into the road...

I had been learning guitar since I was 13, but due to the aftereffects of the aforementioned fracture, I couldn't play anymore. So, I decided to seriously study photography, which had been a hobby, and took the Photo Master Certification and learned from various photographers' works on a site called GANREF.

Switching from guitar to camera made me feel like my world expanded again.

I carry a camera wherever I go and take snap photos. I try to shoot every day and keep photos like a diary.

For daily snap retouching, I usually just shoot and go or use a smartphone app due to lack of time.

I was greatly influenced by a friend from high school. Once they start focusing on something, they delve deeply and achieve their goals. That vitality was very stimulating to be around.

I feel that continuing with photography is also influenced by my friend.

It's a photo book, but I particularly like Saul Leiter, and I often take out my 90mm and 135mm lenses for snaps in daily life. I hope to one day capture works like Saul Leiter in Kyoto.