Restless 23 - Finding Photographic Inspiration Close to Home
Over the years, I’ve amassed a collection of photography books, predominantly Japanese but also from elsewhere, serving as inspiration and guidance. These books, by both renowned and lesser-known photographers, have been my teachers and motivators.
However, I recently stumbled upon two old prints from friends, triggering a flood of thoughts which left me asking:
Who has been my true photographic inspiration? Who has guided me the most as I strive to improve?
The answer, though surprising at first, made perfect sense.
Darren Elliott – Based in Nagoya, he remains a dear friend. He keeps me attuned to the world of vibrant film photography, spiced with wit and ramen. If I’ve bought any new film cameras recently (I have), it’s his fault. Bobby Stokes/Darren Elliott on his now defunct Flickr account.
Sean Lotman – Based in Kyoto, his early photography in India left me in awe, and unknowingly, I became an avid consumer of his work through a popular Japanese travel magazine. We met shortly afterwards and have been friends ever since.
Junku Nishimura – A former drinking companion (jeez can he drink!) and an exceptional photographer. When he returned to his hometown in Yamaguchi, we sadly lost touch, but I still have his number. One camera, one lens, a spare roll of film in a pocket, with no need for a camera bag. When I have too much gear I remind myself how Junku used to walk the street and produce beautiful moments out of mundane everyday life. A legend of Flickr.
(2024/02/14 Update: Due to this post and thanks to Sean Lotman were are now in touch again.)
Trane DeVore – His early photographic guidance, especially when I was just starting out, proved inspiring. He photographs friends, daily life, manhole covers, and everything in between. Furthermore, during my father’s final months, Trane provided invaluable guidance on how to live without any regrets relating to that difficult time. Trout Monroe/Troutfactoryon an also defunct Flickr account.
Daniel Milnor – My acquaintance with Dan dates back to his Smogranch website days when he was still capturing images on Tri-x with his Leicas. It was his style that prompted me to take a break from digital and switch to film in the early 2010s by purchasing a Leica and lots of film. Something I will forever be indebted to. He constantly reminds me that social media and greater recognition mean little in the grander scheme of life and that almost every photograph online will be forgotten almost instantly. We plan to meet for the first time this September when he comes to Japan.
Craig Mod – We once met briefly for lunch during his walk along The Pachinko Road when he was working on Kissa by Kissa. His journeys and photography told through his newsletters are wonderful sources of motivation and have opened the door to new travel-related adventures, especially after my lifelong passion for cycling waned. When I walk with a camera, especially in the countryside, I think of him.
How would Sean frame this? Would Junku capture this moment? If I had the skill to create a book akin to Craig’s, would this image make the final cut?
I often feel envious when I see their work, which is always a good sign. It’s not about the glamour and awe of world-renowned photographers for me, not anymore anyway; instead, it’s about friends and acquaintances, based mostly in Japan.*
I won’t be trekking to the hills of Afghanistan or Pakistan to photograph locals, and I doubt I’ll ever wander the streets of Paris with a Leica and a 35mm (although I own both). But Nagoya, Nagano, Gifu, the mountains of Japan, Tokyo, and Kyoto? Absolutely.
Places I’m familiar with and places that have also been photographed through the eyes of people I know. That is where my source of inspiration lies.
*There are also photographers – none of whom I have yet to meet – on Glass that I admire. You can see who I follow here.