Seibu Tamagawa Line - Snapshot Photography

Photography is always a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Photographing railway scenes along the Seibu Tamagawa Line has become my life's work, but when I walk around with a camera in hand as I usually do, I sometimes encounter unexpected moments. The park along the Nogawa River here is very popular with dog walkers, and this time I was able to capture a scene where a Shiba Inu wearing a cute pink outfit met a Tamagawa Line train.

Snapshot photography is something that (I feel) fewer people are doing these days. It involves walking with a camera in hand and quickly taking a shot at the moment you think, "This is it!" However, there seems to be a growing trend that views this unfavorably, leading people to stop taking snapshots. Snapshots are also records of the era, vividly depicting the state of the town and the fashion, such as people's hairstyles and clothing. They might be positioned as works with high documentary value, but the reality is that snapshot photography itself is becoming difficult as terms like "voyeurism" and "personal information" are rampant everywhere. (Even though it is far from the definition of voyeurism...)

Recently, some people seem to be creating snapshots with AI, which leaves me with mixed feelings. My belief that I want to take photos that will make me think, "Those were the days," when I look back on them later, reflecting on what kind of scenes I encountered on that day and in that place, remains unchanged. The scene in front of me is always a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, and the value of photos taken with heart only increases as time goes by.

A few years ago, I met someone walking a black pig near here, and I was so surprised that I couldn't help but speak to them and ask to take a photo. That was the only time; I haven't met that person again to this day. It was a shame, as I had heard they often came for walks. It truly became an encounter that only happened on that day at that time.

What kind of photos will I be able to take in the future?
I sometimes think about that.
While always keeping an image in mind, I hope to continue enjoying my photography life.

See you again soon.