Capturing What Matters — an Interview with Kageaki

Taking up photography as a career was a life choice for Kageaki. He prides himself on taking photographs that mean something to him. The shots he couldn't capture weigh as much as those he was able to, sometimes, even more. Stick around and read on to learn about what makes him tick in this short but insightful interview.

Hello, Kageaki and welcome to the Magazine! What do you do and what got you started on your photography journey?

I am a freelance photographer based in Tokyo specializing in portraits. I actually stumbled upon photography as a focus by a friend’s recommendation. I’ve been keen ever since.

Why shoot film in this day and age? What do you like about shooting with film?

I like the process, it’s slow, thoughtful, it forces you to focus and use your imagination. One of the most important things about it is that it encourages you to accept and move on. I rarely take the same photograph twice.

Your portraits are beautiful and in some ways, personal. Was this a style you were going for?

I care about each photograph — each and every one. I almost cried the other day when I found out I shot a roll finding the film had not correctly connected to the pulling spool. Those unshot photographs are forever burned into my consciousness.

How do you come up with your shots? What inspires you to shoot?

I’m definitely inclined to shooting in natural light with my subjects in their akin environments.

Your photography, in general, has a wonderful atmosphere or vibe to it. How do you achieve this in your work?

Colour is thought of beforehand. I see it. Feeling of textures, wood, water, and metal, I love the color green and warmth. As with most photographers, I’m more than addicted to light. How it spreads, how it sows through crevices, reflects and refracts and how it gives a subject a soul.

Does your environment play a role in your photography? Why choose Japan as your base?

Absolutely, there's nothing more joyful than capturing someone grooving in their natural habitat.

Japan is deep in history and it’s downright obvious and rich in it everywhere. Plus, it's nice to be conveniently accessible to any kind of environment, whether it be the city, seas or sky top mountains.

Which do you think matters more — talent or skill?

Very few of us are genuinely blessed with raw talent, myself included. I feel in the beginning I was too eager to create a style although I soon realized that style and a talent can be developed through tempering your skill, over and over.

Do you have upcoming projects? Please share them with our readers.

The town I live in, Kichijoji, is known for its artisans. Project Kichijoji is a personal project photographing these people in the places they dwell most.

Any last words or advice to our readers/film photography fans?

Be obsessed, unconditionally obsessed and relentlessly fall into that obsession with healthy vigor and patience. As experience will only merit greatness.

We would like to thank Kageaki for letting us feature his images in the Magazine. If you're interested in his work, you can follow him on Instagram to see more.

written by cheeo on 2019-11-06 #culture #people #interview #artist #film-photography #kageaki