“I’m always aware of lighting and shadow. I try my best to not only record the subject or an interesting moment in front of me, but to take in the layers that are present around and throughout the subject, and have a certain profoundness of composition and story.”
Shin Noguchi
Shin Noguchi is a freelance graphic designer and street photographer based in Kamakura and Tokyo, Japan.
He is a member of the international street photographers collective “Street Photographers”. He describes his street photography as an attempt to capture extraordinary moments of excitement, beauty and humanism, among the flow of everyday life.
Shin Noguchi has a discreet, poetic and enigmatic approach that is sensitive to the subtleties and complexities of Japanese culture.
Interview with Shin Noguchi
Shin, what was your first camera and photographic experience?
Fujica AZ-1. I was shocked when I saw a book of Magnum Photos for the first time.
Why did you become a photographer?
I’d like to share many beautiful and decisive moments in daily life with other people.
What does photography mean to you?
To confirm living in and sharing “now” with people.
Which photographer has inspired you most and why?
Japanese street and documentary photographer Ihei Kimura is one of my favorite photographers. His photographs are overflowing with beauty and humanism. And above all, I can see his love for the subjects from a photograph.
Your favorite photography quote?
“We must respect the atmosphere which surrounds the human being.”
Henri Cartier-Bresson
How would you describe your photographic style and creative process?
I’m always aware of lighting and shadow. I try my best to not only record the subject or an interesting moment in front of me, but to take in the layers that are present around and throughout the subject, and have a certain profoundness of composition and story.
What’s important in order to develop an own photographic style and how did you achieve it?
Read the atmosphere. To be honest to subjects and of course myself.
What do you consider to be the axis of your work – technically and conceptually?
Use 35mm. Don’t use flash. Don’t use escape (hip/nofinder) shoot.
What qualities does a good photographer need?
Knowing oneself.
What does a photo need to be a great photo in your eyes?
Can see shooter (yourself) in a photograph.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your photographic projects?
Art, films, fashion, and the improvisation of jazz player, like Clifford Brown.
What kind of camera and equipment do you use?
Leica M9 for digital, Yashica 35 GX for film.
What’s your favorite website on photography?
Street Photography-related Facebook pages, where latest information about the street photography can be found.
What photography book would you recommend?
“Street Photography Now” by Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren
The photography book “Street Photography Now” by Sophie Howarth and Stephen McLaren
Which advice would you give someone who wants to become a professional photographer?
Extraordinary moment is existing in your daily life.
[…] Noguchi – Street Poet With a Camera artofcreativephotography.com/2012/10/05/shin-noguchi/ By Shin Noguchi » Profile The book is […]
Nice selection. Like the division between color & B&W. However, the slideshow is not optimal. Images are variously sized and require effort to reach the end.
[…] subtle approach of street photography is Shin Noguchi from Japan. He characterizes his style as an attempt to capture extraordinary moments of excitement, beauty and humanism, among the flow of every…. Noguchi’s images display the subtle poetry of extraordinary moments captured by a patient […]