The 'photo poster project' by cizucu, held across various locations since the end of last year, allows you to participate in a photo poster exhibition just by submitting photos to cizucu, and meet new photographer friends.
This time, we spoke with Shiro, a creator who participated in the photo poster project.
Please introduce yourself!
Hello, I'm Shiro.
I discovered my passion for photography when I was studying at a high school with a film department, and since then, I've been captivated by the world of photography.
I mainly shoot landscapes and still life, and recently, I've been participating in photo exhibitions. My dream is to hold a solo exhibition someday.
What I find fascinating about photography is its ability to prove that a moment truly existed, even as time passes and people and memories change. That's why I take photos to gently preserve fleeting memories and moments that may never come again.
What motivated you to participate?
I've participated in several photo exhibitions before, but this was the first time where exhibitors gathered at the venue, which intrigued me!
I've always admired Chidori Culture and wondered if there would be a participatory photo exhibition there. When I found out that this exhibition would be held at the venue of my dreams, Chidori Culture, I was thrilled and knew I couldn't miss it.
Not having business cards, I was also drawn to the opportunity to have them made and use them for networking.
How was your experience participating?
I'm really glad I participated.
As a shy person, I was filled with nerves and anxiety, but they quickly disappeared.
I was delighted to feel like a part of this photo exhibition, receiving empathy during gallery talks and feedback on my photos.
It was memorable to discuss others' photos, share common struggles, and enjoy endless smiles.
Seeing everyone's photos and hearing their thoughts, along with the words I received, boosted my confidence and stimulated my creative drive.
Why did you choose that particular photo?
In Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, at Takami no Sato, there was a cherry blossom tree standing out in the sunlight, away from the rows of other cherry trees.
The light seemed to sparkle and the soft pink appeared to gently blur, as if stepping into an animated world.
Rather than wanting to show this scene to someone, I was curious about how this beautiful scene would appear in my photos, which is why I took the shot.
Photo by Shiro | This Exhibition's Work
People were so focused on the large cherry trees that they didn't notice this beautiful world.
I felt a sense of pride in being the only one to find it!
Taking photos out of curiosity is incredibly fun, and I chose this photo because I want to continue focusing on things people might overlook.
For those considering joining the photo poster project
It's difficult to know what voices and expressions are like, or what thoughts went into taking a photo, through social media interactions.
There's a sense of distance with perfectly polished posts, text, and conversations with time lags. Sometimes, I even feel down comparing myself.
In this era, meeting, talking, and listening might be very important for valuing oneself, and that's what I realized by participating.
People of various ages, professions, and life paths gather with a common love for photography. Opportunities like this are rare.
If you're unsure, I encourage you to join. You'll encounter wonderful photos and connections.
