“I never knew that photography could make people this happy!”
The day I photographed my junior’s wedding was a turning point that changed how I engaged with photography.
Even before digital cameras became widespread, I was already familiar with photography. Inspired by Teruaki Nagamine’s table photography using a 50mm lens, I enjoyed capturing landscapes from my travels and my favorite small objects using a film camera.
Later, I participated in a toy camera photography exhibition project with friends, experimented with twin-lens reflex cameras, and explored the artistic possibilities of alternative photographic processes.
After the earthquake, I encountered Tetsuaki Oda, who had photographed Cynthia, the assistance dog, at a café called Nafsha. Through his work, I discovered the profound depth of photography that truly connects with people.
There, I was introduced to the FUJIFILM TIARA II, a pocket-sized camera favored by the renowned photographer Shoji Ueda.
This version keeps the meaning intact while making it a bit more concise and fluid. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!
Then, one day, a junior colleague at my workplace asked me to photograph her wedding.
She had graduated from a university in the U.S., and we had previously traveled abroad. She had graduated from a university in the U.S., and we had previously traveled abroad together. Having seen me take photos during our trips, she likely felt confident entrusting me with this special task.
Though I was nervous, I thoroughly researched composition and direction and carefully prepared through detailed discussions with her in advance.
On the wedding day, I began with the bride’s preparations, capturing the couple’s joyful smiles, the guests’ warm expressions, and a group photo in the garden—all on film.
When I later showed her the developed photos, she was overjoyed. She even created a handmade album to treasure them.
At that moment, I truly felt the power of photography.
“I want to take more photos that bring people joy.”
In 2005, following that feeling, I found a women-only photography school in Tokyo, which offered courses specifically for people living outside the city.
Under the guidance of professional photographers, I finally got my hands on my dream Nikon camera and began learning photography in earnest.
The camera I’m holding in the photo below is the Nikon FM3A, a fully mechanical camera that only requires a battery for its clock function.
At first, I used this camera with a flash for my group training in wedding photography.
Do you have a life-changing day that shaped your journey?