ACTS OF OBSERVATION AND INTUITION; treating digital photography like film

Although I’ve being taking photos for many years and continue to love the practice of creating an image, the way I photograph isn’t strictly about the act of taking a photo. It’s something more and less at the same time — a practice centred less around the image itself, and more around the act of observation and intuition in the moment, of living in that tender state of paying attention.

Hikarui, its very etymology and philosophy, is founded in these ideas:

HIKARI/AKARUI (光/明るい)

(The Japanese word for visible light / bright or luminous light i.e. natural light)

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KARUI (軽い)

(The Japanese word for lightweight)

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HIKARUI (ひかるい)

My approach to digital photography borrows from film’s intentionality and presence. When shooting with film, the process forces you to slow down and make intentional choices when you take photos as you only have 24 or 36 shots per roll of film. With digital, it is safe to take many photos as long as you have the storage for it, but when treating digital like film, there’s an intentionality that comes into the process that makes each image more considered, and likely a better shot.This process begins with observation, slowing down and having an awareness (conscious or subconscious) of what you wish to capture. It is not about detracting or taking away from the present moment, but rather enhancing it through acts of being present and not outside of yourself.

Ichigo ichie (一期一会)

‘One time, one encounter’ — Living in the present; holding appreciation for the ephemeral encounters in life. Originally comes from the tea ceremony tradition.

By nature, we want to photograph everything we encounter because we think this is going to get the best photography; we are scared that if we miss something then we will miss the best images. And yet, through a refined practice of observation (paying attention, slowing down, listening to intuition) over time a visual eye forms that is unique to each of us — we each notice something that others don’t, and it’s in those little noticed moments that we get those amazing photographs.

Fushigi ふしぎ

‘Wonder, mystery, curiosity’ — Derived from 不可思議 fuka shigi, meaning “unfathomable”. A sense of wonder and mystery beyond complete tangible understanding. For example, Alice in Wonderland is translated as “Fushigi no kuni no Alice.”

When I’m moving through the world I intuitively observe, taking things in, getting to know what I’m drawn to, how I feel in certain settings. And then I translate this into photography. My photography and process have often been described as Fushigi ふしぎ, a Japanese term for wonder, mystery, curiosity. I don’t go out actively seeking photography opportunities — I observe the world and immerse myself in it (especially nature-filled environments), paying attention, and capture when a moment arises. It’s a very fleeting moment, sparked by an intuitive recognition of an atmosphere I know I wish to hold in an image.

Funniki 雰囲気

‘Ambiance of a place of person; atmosphere’ — The slang translation of Funniki is “vibes”. A naturally created feeling or mood pertaining to a place or person. An aura.

I look to capture things as they are in the moment, not wanting to detract of become absent from the moment itself or overly curate the atmosphere of a scene. When I come to take a photograph, I have already scanned the way the light moves, the angles, and intentionally decided on my focal point. In this way, often only one or two photographs are needed to get the desired shot.

Through working with a smaller pool of final photographs, I see the value in each I have taken, and they become more resonant in that way; a deeper connection held within them.

DISCOVER MORE JAPANESE WORDS IN THE GLOSSARY.