I was never really good with words.
So I discovered poetry in pictures. Stories emerge where lines meet and colors merge. Frame by frame, subjects reveal to me pieces of their personal narratives.
Avid lover of Japan’s unique lifestyle, I took my film camera and spent a year capturing the youth culture.
By shooting in analog format, I aspired to connect with my subjects in all of their subtleties. Thus, I learned more with less.
I found focus in the blurry.
Little did I know that this journey would deeply shape my identity as a photographer.
I hope that emotions can transcend through these images to inspire you.
Here are the stories they chose to tell.
August 8, 2017
I had fun with that series! Shimpei Mito, or Mitograph, is a photographer from Tokyo and I met him during fashion week. He does a lot of work with flowers so we basically inverted the roles here. I like his poker face so I thought shooting the same picture with just changing the flowers behind could be fun! So it’s definitely a different story this week. Mito-san is a super cool guy, laid back and funny and we can speak English yay! Be sure to see his work on his Instagram or Website.
What do you do?
Photographer.
Any particular designer you are wearing right now?
Acne studios.
Why did you choose this location and surroundings?
I love shooting models with seasonable flowers.and the day you shot me was the best season of Hydrangea.
Where do you go with your friends to have fun?
I often go to Shibuya or Harajuku, Aoyama neighborhoods.
Where do you spend your ‘leisure’ money?
I do spend my money buying photobooks/artboooks or drinking.
Where do you go in Tokyo to relax?
Well, here in Tokyo, it’s always packed. But I like to go to Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen.
What’s your main hobby?
Photography, and talking to people.
What is your favorite clothing store?
The four eyed in Shinjuku is the one I love to go.
Favorite current movies?
I don’t really watch movies these days, but I love “The Fall” by Tarsem all the time.
What is on your playlist?
I only listen to hiphop with my iPhone and I listen to Classics and Jazz at my home.
How would you describe your style?
I browse so many kinds of clothing and choose what I like.
I don’t really judge the clothes in categories set by Japanese fashion magazines (like, this brand is streetwear, this one is classic, etc).
Do the arts influence it?
The things I see influence me a lot. I’m influenced by people I see on Internet, on music videos, runways, etc.
Thank you Mito-san!!!