Inspiration when creating works

Since 2013, I've been working on a project called "Warai no Sanmyaku" (Mountain Range of Laughter) for eight years. It's a series of portraits centered around comedians' gags. When I returned to Japan after living in New York for about three years, I saw Tani Kei in a magazine and thought, "I want to photograph him." I remembered that his signature gag was "Gachoーン," but then he passed away about half a year later. I regretted not being able to meet him and wishing I could have captured "Gachoーン" in a photograph. So, I started this project to preserve famous gags in photographs. It's truly a project where many comedians have collaborated, and it's amazing how they dedicate their lives to making people laugh by valuing a single gag. I learned a lot by reflecting on myself as a photographer.

For me, it's rare to have a sudden, intuitive flash of inspiration when creating a new work. Of course, I still enjoy looking at photo books and exhibitions, but it's almost never a direct source of inspiration like it was when I was in my twenties and thirties and immersed myself in photo books. However, sometimes when I'm looking at various information on my smartphone, I experience a simple misperception, like "Huh? I thought I saw it like this a moment ago." I'm often surprised by these errors and misunderstandings. Rather than inspiration, I find such misperceptions interesting.

Lately, I sometimes use Chat GPT. More precisely, rather than "using" it, for example, when I'm creating a photo book, I might have difficulty articulating my thoughts, but I feel that if I can articulate them, the work will be stronger. So, I consider it a conversational partner, explaining my vague ideas to it. Currently, AI generation seems to be quite "ordinary," and it tends to give general answers. In a way, I feel that it challenges the quality of the words I input. Ultimately, I think it depends on my language ability, so I plan to experiment with it a bit more. However, I'm very positive about the idea that it could become a partner to add strength to my work.

I want to create a set like "a good shop"

Currently, I'm often involved in advertising projects, and what I always keep in mind when working is to ensure that the sets in the studio are meticulously arranged. I also want the subjects to feel comfortable, and I want to create something that clients will think is a good photograph. Each time, I hope the photoshoot will be a memorable experience for everyone. In an era where AI can generate many images, it's important that when people gather for a photoshoot, it's a "good day" for everyone involved. In a way, it's like a shop experience. It would be wonderful if everyone could leave feeling, "Ah, I came to a good shop," and "I want to come again."