Daido Moriyama is one of the best-known Japanese photographers. So I read in his and Takeshi Nakamoto’s book How I Take Photographs.
His name did not ring any bells but I’ve seen his photos before. I doubt the photos in the book are his best work but at least the interviews are interesting. He talks about how he only takes snapshots.
Based on the book I couldn’t understand why he would be the most important Japanese photographer. Where’s the appeal? This inspired me to try to imitate his style. Here’s how I interpreted it:
- If you see something interesting, snap a photo.
- If in doubt, snap a photo.
- Go closer.
- Impressions are more important than technical perfection.
- Movement is okay; sharpness is not important.
- All photography is copying, anyway. Photos of posters are fine.
- It’s okay for the photographer to be visible.
Click here to view the resulting series.
The hardest commandment to follow for me was to go closer - especially since I shoot with such a wide lens. I’m going to keep practicing.