Researched by Roberta Pastore
深津友成 (Tomonari Fukatsu)
Going back to in time how was your passion for photography born?
There was nothing special that triggered me to start “photography”. I just gradually felt like taking pictures little by little. But to stretch it a little, it might be the earlier time when I started to let my photos be shown to anybody openly, taking advantage of SNS.
Considering your works, which ones marked your entrance in the world of real photography?
Personally I don’t think that any of my works marked my entrance in the world of real photography. I still need some more time to feel so.
How do you manage color and b&w?
It’s quite a natural thing for me to choose color when I feel like like expressing about colors themselves. Otherwise I usually enjoy b&w photos.
Which kind of camera do you use?
I have been using a FUJIFILM /X-E2 and XF35/1.4 for 3 years. Personally I am quite satisfied with this camera.
What determines if a photo is “good one” or not?
How deeply you put your heart into your work and how long you can keep on talking about it. I believe such points are essential elements to determine if a shot is good or bad. If you can tell about the elements and stories of the work in details, then I think it should be considered a “good” photo.
When you’re shooting, do you have an image in your mind? Do you build the final photo before shooting it or are your images also a result of a post-production phase?
In most of the cases, I already have the basic images before shooting, but after the result of the development it can be even better. But I should say that the result is often below my expectations !
What training did you follow? Who inspired you?
To tell you the truth, I didn’t do any special training. I always carry my camera with me, predicting the flow and movement of a specific person, going to the right place in advance. I judge the best angle immediately on the spot, I take a shot at the best crucial moment !
So I can say the best training for me is taking pictures on the street.
I am always inspired by my fellow photographer friends by means of SNS.
What was your first camera?
An Olympus Pen EES (half-frame camera). When I was a junior high school student, I borrowed it from my father and visited Kyoto and Nara on a school trip. I remember taking snapshots of the historical temples and shrines and also my friends joking and playing. Well, to be frank, more than half of those pictures are out of focus since I had no prior knowledge of the photographic technique.
What is photography to you? And what should not be instead?
Photography to me is the way of expressing myself. Just as it is.
What is the photo that struck you the most of a great historical photographer?
Ihei Kimura’s “Hongo Morikawa-Cho”
What is your favorite technique?
I often try the so-called “slow shutter” technique. I also enjoy taking photos with a window reflection, even I don’t know if that can be called a “technique” or not.
Why do street photography?
I think I like to be in contact with people…, I’m the kind of person who can’t stand being alone! (laughing )
What is your best shot and what does it represent for you?
Well that is a difficult question. I don’t think I have got a “best shot” yet. I need some more time to get it.
What is your relationship with the street and the people who are in your shots?
Streets (towns and cities) are artificial structures created by us, human beings. I like taking pictures of various moments of people, looking cool, un-stylish, beautiful or even ugly who live in such a material world. I must confess that, recently after taking street photographs continuously for some period of time, I have gradually begun to feel that those inorganic streets are also “alive”.
