Nice to see scenes of Nakano again. Used to enjoy visiting Fujiya Camera and Tokinon and people watching. I am always impressed with the Japanese idea of self-improvement whether it comes to photography or other topics. On the other hand I think most of us doing photography can’t dream of making money from it, but can easily apply the other 3 values.
Nakano is a cool neighborhood. I used to live a few blocks behind the shopping arcade. When you get near the back of the shopping arcade the shops get a lot more quirky with collectible, enthusiast and hoppy shops. It goes on several floors. There is also an interesting traditional food market across the street underground that most visitors to the neighborhood is unaware of (and I was as well until having live there for a month). To the east of the shopping arcade where you were walking through is a nightlife pub and izkaya area.
Yeah, it's a great neighborhood. The street leading north away from the arcade is also great, especially in the day time, with lots of little shops with a much more residential feeling. Also, eventually, farther north is Kyle's Good Finds which is an awesome little bakery run by an American dude from Ohio (or something like that). Best carrot cake I've ever had! :)
Hi! Greetings from UK. Loved your video / lesson about Ikigai. Reminds me of the ancient Greek master Aristotle who enjoyed teaching while walking about. I would definitely like to book a walking workshop to discover more about those neighbourhoods and get an opportunity to capture and interact with Japanese culture. Thanks for sharing.
This content is what makes your channel so valuable and special - modesty, instruction, and taking the viewer on a journey. Well done, and terrific concept. Big difference between a “job” and a living. Attaining all four parts of Ikigai is rare today, IMO. I worked many years in the consumer safety field and was fortunate to attain much Ikigai when I saw first hand how my work saved lives; evidentiary photography was part of the job (not artistic, but a connection to a life-long hobby. Love how you converse w/viewer and yet are alert to potential compositions (multitasking). Curtain shots w/legs spot on. Question: at about 7:13 min saw round sign (silhouette of man holding child’s hand). What did the sign signify?
I feel it is rare as well. And when I stumbled upon it I didn't really know what I had till I lost it. Anyway, I do hope it can come back soon! Glad you enjoy the multi-tasking. It's the hardest part of this whole thing, haha. As for the blue sign, it just means aliens and their children allowed (no humans), haha. But seriously, the people in that sign looks so weird to me. The sign just means this is a pedestrian walking street, no motorized vehicles allowed. The sign below says, bicycles are okay as well. :)
Man i love this channel so much! Thank you for making these videos! You explaining Ikigai was really interesting. (bit of an old video but i'm kinda binge watching haha)
Love this video! I called my studio " Ikigaï studio" because i think i find my way in life with photography. As you, i prefer go on streets and share with people. Sorry for my bad english 😅
Fantastic video discussing the “Tao” of photography, and also love the photos. I am only an enthusiastic amateur photographer, but this resonates not just with photography, but also with my main job as a surgeon - I think I might now have to appropriate the concept when I’m talking to young docs who are looking at surgery as a career - mainly because so many of them focus on the earning, but forget the love and the good for the world when they choose what they do. I think you have totally hit the nail on the head with the nuances of the Ikigai concept in both its application to my photography and my other work……really nice to reflect on it…..and also to then realise that instead of feeling like I have to give away my photos when people like them, its actually ok to say “well if you value it, maybe you can buy it”. Really great work. Thanks.
Wow, thank you! I think surgeon certainly provides more good in the world than photographer, haha. Glad to help you find some perspective on this matter! :)
Great video - on the topic of your ikigai, you mentioned that you don’t feel your current day job ticks *all* the boxes, but I wonder if it’s worth reframing this and considering your pursuit of photography as a whole, as your ikigai. This would encompass everything from your paid work during the day, to your street shooting, to these videos and sessions you might offer. Maybe most of these activities don’t tick every box on their own, but as a holistic pursuit that manifests in different ways, I think that would definitely fit the definition. Love watching and learning from your content - keep it coming!
I think you're right and it's where my mind is at these days. The whole shebang: both personal and commercial work, this youtube channel, writing about photography, social media presence... it's all one thing. But I didn't wanna muddle the main point of the video too much and focused on one recent aspect of my journey. I think in general it's good to look at one's life as a comprehensive project. I like to call it 'The Project'. It means everything is intertwined and connected, from how we take care of ourselves (food, exercise, health in general) to the relationships we build with people around us, to the work we do, both personal and professional. But man that's a lot for one video hahah. I'm glad you could see in this direction as well though! :)
Thanks for this discussion/monologue video! Really love how you expounded on the concept. Always good to hear the POV of a fellow photographer, and tho I've been shooting for a few years now, I am in a constant state of questioning whether the current project/s I'm working on can fall under ikigai. Honestly tho, I don't feel it in majority of the projects I do. Hopefully we find the right niche that allows us to tick off all 4 areas!!
My pleasure! I think the mere fact that you are taking the time to be introspective and questioning what you are doing is the most important thing. It's best not to take anything for granted! :)
What a fantastic location for street photography, makes the streets here in the UK seem very dull. Really enjoy these videos, one day I will come to Japan for street photography!!!
Thank you very much!! That's what I am learning over time. To be honest, when were doing the channel in late 2020 I was a bit unhappy with it. It felt like a waste of time and I didn't enjoy it. I was kind of forcing myself to do it because I didn't like the idea of giving up. I'm glad I didn't because it has become very fulfilling and is now part of my ikigai formula. So, than you so much for all of the kind words over the years. It is very important to us! :)
Really cool subject, for years I am looking for mine between Graphic Design and Photography, and about your example of the workshops, in that case, you've mentioned, it's a perfect example that I understand better because It unified those four points and I share the same point of view through my Ikigai what I was looking for years. Thank you! And as always, it was a nice photography tour.
I think my job (not photography) before retiring met all the requirements of ikigai. Now I am retired the money is not really part of the equation any more. Photography ticks all the boxes except for the money part. I really am looking forward to returning to Japan as soon as tourism is allowed. I have done 2 workshops with you and gained so much from the experience. Thankyou.
Yeah, that is also fair. I suppose if one has enough money to not need to work then it kind of becomes a moot point. But I would venture that being able to receive money helps foster a feeling that other value what we do (though this is not the only way). And yeah, I remember! We did the street photography workshop I believe. Looking forward to the next one! :)
great video for different reasons. First, now the 40mm is on my radar lol (it would be a 60mm equivalent for me, though), and second, yeah, as a journalist that is not very passionate or in love with the profession, specially the way things are in my country, i am asking myself what to do next and i found photography a few years ago after a trip to Japan, so yeah, the points of: if i really like that something, if i am good at it and if i can make money out of it, makes me think a lot about what is next for me at my 34years walking around this planet. Thanks again!! I will be waiting for the next update. Cheers from Chile!
I love this concept. I heard about this before but never tried to understand it but you explained it very well. I loved the video and I hope you will resume the workshops soon because I'm coming to Japan next year if everything goes well
This is a pretty big subject, finding this balance in life where everything is in place and in motions. When you're able to reach it, I find you'll get certain a peace of mind which make you feel great in your body and soul. In some way, i find out this concept is linked to self development psychology too. I think the hardest part is the money and this famous sentence when it come to a work where some arts is involved " I like what you do ! You have to work for me, you'll get exposure ! " I didn't count how many times I've heard this or how many peoples shared it ( not put in this way but the meaning is here) .. no matter the artistic category ( Music, Video, Photography, Graphic... ) As you said, some feel alike money will corrupt your Art .. somewhere we can extend this too about Social Medias and this "Like" button too, the question is, did you make it for the like/money or did you keep it real to yourself and your art ? This subject alone can be matter to discussion too. I'll stop here or I'll write a book :) Again, thanks for the video and this tour in Tokyo, as usual, I've enjoyed it
Thank you so much!! I agree, it's a tricky subject. I also got my fair share of the 'exposure' offers. It never lead anywhere useful and exposure doesn't pay the bills! :)
I've always liked your work over the years with Nikon camera's. On the Nikon system end of things I intend to purchase the Nikon D750, Nikon D780 and Nikon Z5 and hopefully the future Nikon Z5ii where it will hopefully have unlimited recording time limit in 8 bit 4k and 10 bit 4K and a flip out screen like on the Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5600. I currently own a Nikon D5500 which I absolutely love and use two Youngnou lenses on it the 50mm and 35mm respectively and Sigma 17-70mm and Tamron 18-200mm. I intend to bring out photography books of some of my street photography over the past three years
Yeah, I dunno why Nikon didn't go with the flip out and roll style screen. I guess, it's less durable that way, I dunno. At least on the Z50 it would have been very nice, since that's totally a vlogging worth camera (in fact it's what we use). I think they are learning this needed as the ZFc has a flip and roll screen.
Hey Lukasz, absolutely dig this video's topic! It adds a lot of depth on top of watching your process of photography. I certainly hope that I could also have photography fully support me one day, but I have the impression that freelancing is too risky as you can't always be assured of a good income. Perhaps it would be an interesting video topic for you to share how you became the photographer you are today? As as side question out of curiosity, are there still parts of the city you've barely explored yet? Many of the places you do your videos seems to be places you have shot often before.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! You might find this article and the accompanying video interesting: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/how-i-make-a-living-as-a-street-photographer As for exploring the city, sure there are tons of places I haven't been. But we never shoot videos there because I have no idea if it will be interesting if I haven't been there. It would be a waste of an evening if we go to an area, start shooting and the area turns out super boring. So, I only explore new areas on my own, so I can really concentrate and explore them mindfully, and then we can revisit them for the purpose of making a video. :)
Great video! Really enjoyed the explanation of the concept and how it applies to photography. Definitely something I am still looking for in my work. Funnily enough there is a Tokyo-themed bar here in Birmingham UK called Ikigai, which is probably also a clever name for a bar! I hope one day I can come and take part in a workshop with you guys.
Love these more heady topics. I've always had the perspective that art can be negatively influenced by money. For a time I played in a band that had great future prospects and great financial opportunities but I felt that this element was pulling away from the part that was truly fulfilling. I ultimately moved away from this band and felt energised by removing finances from my passion. However as I get older, balancing a hobby/passion project with real responsibilities is difficult and these projects tend to fall to the side until I can find time and money for them. I guess this is the problem that the Ikigai concept solves. It seems to act as a balance with some compromises that allow you to fully engage in what fulfils you. Very interesting and made me consider things differently. Do you feel that the 'profession' element of the Ikigai concept adds or detracts from that core passion? Do you find yourself considering the financial benefit of time spent on something that would otherwise be personally fulfilling? Sorry for the long question. It's a topic I'm very interested in.
You are hitting exactly the chords I was going for! I don't feel the profession aspect detracts. It fuels it even. When I look back on some of my professional work, and I know that the skill to produce that work was forged in my personal creative work, then I feel fulfilled. Being able to do work professionally justifies the almost selfish) pursuit of personal art and expression. So, I generally don't think about the financial benefit of going out and shooting the things I like to shoot (particularly the un-street photography I mentioned in a recent video). Instead, I'm confident that by doing that, honing my skills, and sharing this work online can results in getting myself hired for pro work and being properly equipped for it in terms of skills. :)
@@EYExplore This input is super valuable, thank you. And thank you for these videos. I've said something similar before but information and perspectives like this is often well guarded. Your openness about the technique and philosophy behind what you do is refreshing and has been a guide for me and I assume many others. Very grateful.
Very cool video, I was always fascinated by the fact that in Japanese culture there is a specific word and philosophy for this. Hope to one day come to Japan and book a tour with you :)
lmao this is the most philosophical photography channel on youtube 🙂funny cuz i came across the concept of ikigai many years ago, realized i was hitting none of the four tenets, and changed careers shortly after
@@EYExplore not pretentious at all. the topics you discuss are things that most photographers/artists wrestle with as they mature, and i'm glad to hear your takes on them. :]
15:29 this store that you're walking by looks really cool. I like that it looks like a super classic wood structure. It would be cool to catch some action going on there, like a chef or restaurant worker adding to the tableaux. ✌️
Yeah!! I've shot it before in the summer when they don't have all the plastic tarps up (those are there to keep the heat in during winter). It is, indeed, a cool retro bar. :)
Good stuff. Came across the concept of “Ikigai” some years ago, Sebastian Marshall has a great book with the same name. (Highly recommended) Do you shoot the 40mm f2 Z on AF? Or is there a digital distance scale on the Z6II? Thanks.
Thanks!! I use this 40m with AF pretty much always. There is no digital scale. Other, more premium, Z lenses have a digital scale on a small display on top of the lens. It's actually extremely useful and intuitive for setting zone focus manually. However, the AF is very good so I seldom use them with zone focus. :)
Question, why couldn't you just do one on one and record it. That way you'd be making money, giving better training with less distractions and letting people see what you do one video and getting more clients because of the youtube videos. You are a really good teacher and you know Tokyo well. And you're an excellent photographer, so why not ? I'd also like to see some videos visiting used camera shops. There's great ones in Tokyo and everywhere in Japan. I would love to go to Map camera again someday. When I was stationed in Yokosuka I used to hit shops all over and found quite a few of my most favorite cameras. I have just about all of the Konica rangefinders and quite a few Bronica's and I love these camera's. That would be a fun thing to do for people looking for a camera they always wanted. Sorry, I'm rambling on ! Great video, LarryMac
Thank you so much!! I feel like what you suggest is exactly what we do on this channel. I treat the camera that Axel is shooting me with like the other 'one'. If I did a one on one with some specific person, you would just see a video of a customized session for THEM. The thing is, everyone has different needs, goals, and constraints (e.g. gear, etc.). I guess that's what I miss: being able to customize for an individual and help that one person discover their creativity. Anyway, on the channel I try to keep it a bit broad so it's as applicable as possible to anyone watching. As for visiting camera shops that's a great idea! It's tricky to get permission, but maybe some place that's privately run will be okay with it. :)
Very interesting topic, thank you so much for posting this. Comparing the "western" way of looking into this with the Japanese approach is very didactic indeed. For example, it's very ironic that despite the value that the West attaches to money (for perfectly good reasons, I am not saying this in a negative way), it considers that the "hobby", that which brings you joy to do, that which you love, should stay a separate thing from work. The reasons usually given are that when you make something a business, you end up spending the majority of your time on business aspects (finances, advertising, business planning etc) and very little time on the activity that you love itself. Which, for many people, sucks all the joy out of it. This may be true in many occasions, but I find the Japanese approach more "balanced", in that it makes the business side part of the enjoyment (at least in principle). On the other hand, quite often you hear of people doing their "dream job", which is exactly the opposite - combining their favourite hobby with a job. So I do not think that this combination (hobby + work) is overall avoided in the West, since people often "dream" about it, but more like people fear to pursue it, because of low confidence in their abilities, or quite often lack of understanding of the market realities (ti use them to their advantage, to succeed in a combination of work & hobby). Another aspect is that making something that you love a business, part of your work, very often forces you to neglect, or consciously drop the quality of the thing itself. This is unfortunately the reality in many countries, in many professions. Because of market realities, employment conditions, laws etc., you have to accept doing something of much lesser quality, because otherwise nobody will hire you, or you will get fired (if employed under a contract), to be replaced by cheaper labor with much lower skills, because the market & society does not value a better skillset. It is a fact in many professions that market demands enforce the lowering of the quality. So sometimes, the decision to keep a hobby that you love separate from your job, is because of this aspect - the knowledge that you will not enjoy it, as you will become worse and worse on it (immediately removing two of the four qualities of Ikigai - love and skill), because of market realities. I wonder if the Japanese approach or philosophy has something to say about this.
Very true about the business aspects. And in general, people online often warn beginner and amateur photographers: don't go pro or you'll end up hating photography and lose your passion. I used to worry about this too, but in fact losing or keeping your passion for a craft depends on a lot of factors beyond going pro or not. I admit there is some admin that is tedious and annoying, but yeah it's just part of the process. It would not be a labor of love without the labor. For example, for me, editing these videos has the same effect. I enjoy shooting them, and I feel fulfillment from sharing them, but the editing itself is not particularly fun. It just needs to be done. It has become my duty! Also, you raise a good point about 'dream jobs'. I suppose that is synonymous with the ikigai concept. And I should point out, that despite producing the concept of ikigai, I would say that Japanese society, on average, does not really produce more people who pursue such a life. There are millions of people here stuck in jobs they don't enjoy, just like everywhere else on earth. I do wonder, if we did a survey, how the numbers would stack up in various countries. As for the last point about market forces encouraging lowering quality (and therefore mitigating the mastery/passion one might have for their craft)... that's interesting. I had not considered that before, but now that you mention it, it does happen sometimes. I've done jobs where I knew I didn't get the best photos because of various constraints (usually time) that limited what I could do. But I didn't think of this as a negative thing. Instead I looked at it as a welcome challenge. How can I maximize the result for my client while working in the constraints required by the task at hand? I consider the ability to balance these things an aspect of being a professional.
@@EYExplore Thanks for the reply Lucas, agree with all of this. Fully understand what you say about the majority of people not loving their jobs, in many countries Regarding the last point (market forces & lowering of quality and skills), unfortunately it's true in many professions - I work in jobs combining Engineering & Information Systems and we see that aspect every day, especially in housing, real estate development, advertising, construction, etc. as well in jobs requiring a combination of craft & science (CAD, 3D, GIS, Graphic Design even Photography for some disciplines, like real estate). The services sector (in general, and in certain countries) also suffers from the same syndrome, offering very low quality services with no serious consequence on business returns. But I do appreciate your healthy and pragmatic approach to all this, I hope you will touch on more similar issues in your future videos and how they relate to photography. Here's one idea: how photography affects the subject (if the subject is human...), and how photographers react to and internalise positive, negative and indifferent reactions of their subjects, especially (but not only) on street photography, especially when it involves a social element (social commentary, documentary, reportage, story telling etc.). Well, ehem, I hope this does not look as bad as it sounds, as an idea... :-😅
@@manostroulinos1726 I think a video on the ethics of street photography is a good idea. I've written about this topic on my blog, but covering it in a video should be fun!
Interesting idea, I’ve never heard of it before, thanks for talking about it. The problem is that probably the majority of artists in history, including very famous ones, were broke and never made any (or much) money from it while they were alive. If you’re making enough money from workshops and client shoots to live on in Tokyo, you are definitely in a tiny minority of such photographers.
Yeah I agree! And it's what I'm trying to encourage people to figure out. I make almost no money from selling my work in the form of art. I got lucky in some ways but I also embraced it. I could have easily looked down on doing workshops and not part of my 'art' and therefore not part of my ikigai. I guess my point is that we have to look past our expectations if we are to find a way to fit snugly into society, and therefore find our ikigai. :)
I like the Ikigai concept. I think my own chart is a scattered mess though. My life is probably far too compartmentalised, and why I don't feel a strong sense of purpose or concise value in what I do. It's either throw away fun or productive seriousness for me. 😂
Yeah, I think that's most people. It was certainly me as well for a long time while I was teaching English. I remember trying to tie it all together in my brain and it felt so contrived. It was only once I was able to cut out a major part of my life (teaching English) that I could put the other pieces together more naturally. :)
@@EYExplore @EYExplore You strike me as good teacher, but I can definitely understand what there is to be dissatisfied with. I quite enjoyed being a highschool teacher myself. However the abysmal salary, and lacking recognition for my work from other adults was a shame, but the kids were cool and very grateful for my personalised curriculum. Now I have moved into UX Design, software and apps, because I like problem solving, but I don't think I've checked off any more boxes towards purposeful life satisfaction. 🤔
I really liked the concept of ikigai that you mentioned here in this video. Glad to know something new. Thank you for sharing it. May be a question regarding the focus mode and AF area mode. I often see you capture subjects that are moving. May I know which focus mode and AF area mode in Nikon z6ii worked best for you to get pictures in focus. Thanks in advance!!!
Interesting concept of how to look at and measure modern living. Have people always needed a reason or purpose to live? Have existential questions always plagued human? Seems like these kinds of questions would have been a luxury for most people who ever existed. Most would have just worked to survive and died relatively young compared to current humans. Now without our every waking moment given to just surviving, we are more vulnerable to ennui. Maybe a nice problem to have? 😅
I think reasons to live in the 'old days' were implicit. If you live in a tribe of hunter gatherers, and go out and kill a mammoth to feed our family, I imagine the experience ticks all four boxes easily. Life was hard and dangerous, but also simple. Feedback to one's actions was clear and immediate. Anyway, that's just my potentially misguided imagination of early human life. But I agree I'd rather have our modern 'problem' as there is so much more variety to life, so many more ways to live it. :)
I watched this on mute with the auto-generated subtitles whilst also feeding my infant daughter. The subtitles kept making Ikigai into ‘icky guy’…perhaps not the best philosophy for a man walking the streets with a camera! :)
Yeah, I dunno if that will ever come. I heard there is some government regulation that is the reason for cameras having a 30 minute clip limit. But anyway, it's not a big deal in most cases. I think it's rare to need takes longer than 30 minutes (unless you're recording a show or something).
Yep. Without knowing the philosophy of "Ikegai" I managed to make a living that ticked all four boxes. Now freshly retired that money side of it is not a problem any more and I concentrate on the other three points for living a fullfilling life. P.S. Did you - and Axel - just refuse that woman to reach her Ikegai? ;)
Ah, that's great! Once you can reach that point then it becomes moot. Haha, yeah we totally denied her. But I'm sure she landed some other happy customers. :)
I understand there are some rather strict laws in Japan regarding street photography. Other than deleting images of people who object to being photographed, have you ever had a serious challenge to your work? I'm thinking of the image you shot at 3:36 that clearly shows an identifiable individual.
I've never deleted a single image of anybody I've ever photographed. I have no legal obligation to do such a thing. Where do you get this understanding? In fact, there no laws that prohibit street photography in Japan. Street photography is protected by the constitution under freedom of expression. There are only laws prohibiting exploitative photography (the kind of things perverts do, I'll leave it to your imagination). There is absolutely nothing illegal in Japan about images that identify individuals. There is an ethical questions of course, and for that I direct your to my blog post on this topic: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/the-ethics-of-street-photography You can also read about the issue of legality here: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/is-street-photography-legal-in-japan
I enjoyed the format of your video. Street photography and exploring ideas of Ikigai while walking. Refreshing.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Nice to see scenes of Nakano again. Used to enjoy visiting Fujiya Camera and Tokinon and people watching. I am always impressed with the Japanese idea of self-improvement whether it comes to photography or other topics. On the other hand I think most of us doing photography can’t dream of making money from it, but can easily apply the other 3 values.
Glad you enjoy this area, it's one of my favorite places in Tokyo! :)
So interesting to hear about your philosophy alongside and intertwined with your photography. So hoping to do a workshop with you when I get to Tokyo!
Thanks man!! :)
Nakano is a cool neighborhood. I used to live a few blocks behind the shopping arcade. When you get near the back of the shopping arcade the shops get a lot more quirky with collectible, enthusiast and hoppy shops. It goes on several floors. There is also an interesting traditional food market across the street underground that most visitors to the neighborhood is unaware of (and I was as well until having live there for a month). To the east of the shopping arcade where you were walking through is a nightlife pub and izkaya area.
Yeah, it's a great neighborhood. The street leading north away from the arcade is also great, especially in the day time, with lots of little shops with a much more residential feeling. Also, eventually, farther north is Kyle's Good Finds which is an awesome little bakery run by an American dude from Ohio (or something like that). Best carrot cake I've ever had! :)
I have only been once to Nakano very briefly, so nice to see it and i really love the that word "生き甲斐". Thank you for another video!!!!
Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Yay Nakano! Lived there for two years. So glad to see you walking around here. Brings me back ☺️
I love this area! :)
Hi! Greetings from UK.
Loved your video / lesson about Ikigai. Reminds me of the ancient Greek master Aristotle who enjoyed teaching while walking about.
I would definitely like to book a walking workshop to discover more about those neighbourhoods and get an opportunity to capture and interact with Japanese culture.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you very much!! I do all my best thinking and have all my best conversations when walking around. :)
Excellent. You really should interview the young lady who called you handsome and asked about her ikigai.
Hahah, that would be funny. :)
Tempted to visit Japan for some nice holiday and street photography
You should, once they start letting people in again! :)
Wonder when that will be
@@ruff1draft Yeah... sadly, I have no idea.
Thanks for the workshop in 2016! Will have to do another someday.
My pleasure! Looking forward to it! :)
This content is what makes your channel so valuable and special - modesty, instruction, and taking the viewer on a journey. Well done, and terrific concept. Big difference between a “job” and a living. Attaining all four parts of Ikigai is rare today, IMO. I worked many years in the consumer safety field and was fortunate to attain much Ikigai when I saw first hand how my work saved lives; evidentiary photography was part of the job (not artistic, but a connection to a life-long hobby. Love how you converse w/viewer and yet are alert to potential compositions (multitasking). Curtain shots w/legs spot on.
Question: at about 7:13 min saw round sign (silhouette of man holding child’s hand). What did the sign signify?
I feel it is rare as well. And when I stumbled upon it I didn't really know what I had till I lost it. Anyway, I do hope it can come back soon! Glad you enjoy the multi-tasking. It's the hardest part of this whole thing, haha. As for the blue sign, it just means aliens and their children allowed (no humans), haha. But seriously, the people in that sign looks so weird to me. The sign just means this is a pedestrian walking street, no motorized vehicles allowed. The sign below says, bicycles are okay as well. :)
Man i love this channel so much! Thank you for making these videos! You explaining Ikigai was really interesting. (bit of an old video but i'm kinda binge watching haha)
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed this one! :)
Love this video! I called my studio " Ikigaï studio" because i think i find my way in life with photography. As you, i prefer go on streets and share with people. Sorry for my bad english 😅
Oh that's great! Nice name! :)
Fantastic video discussing the “Tao” of photography, and also love the photos. I am only an enthusiastic amateur photographer, but this resonates not just with photography, but also with my main job as a surgeon - I think I might now have to appropriate the concept when I’m talking to young docs who are looking at surgery as a career - mainly because so many of them focus on the earning, but forget the love and the good for the world when they choose what they do. I think you have totally hit the nail on the head with the nuances of the Ikigai concept in both its application to my photography and my other work……really nice to reflect on it…..and also to then realise that instead of feeling like I have to give away my photos when people like them, its actually ok to say “well if you value it, maybe you can buy it”. Really great work. Thanks.
Wow, thank you! I think surgeon certainly provides more good in the world than photographer, haha. Glad to help you find some perspective on this matter! :)
yea. IKIGAI = HOPE
True! :)
Great video - on the topic of your ikigai, you mentioned that you don’t feel your current day job ticks *all* the boxes, but I wonder if it’s worth reframing this and considering your pursuit of photography as a whole, as your ikigai. This would encompass everything from your paid work during the day, to your street shooting, to these videos and sessions you might offer. Maybe most of these activities don’t tick every box on their own, but as a holistic pursuit that manifests in different ways, I think that would definitely fit the definition.
Love watching and learning from your content - keep it coming!
I think you're right and it's where my mind is at these days. The whole shebang: both personal and commercial work, this youtube channel, writing about photography, social media presence... it's all one thing. But I didn't wanna muddle the main point of the video too much and focused on one recent aspect of my journey. I think in general it's good to look at one's life as a comprehensive project. I like to call it 'The Project'. It means everything is intertwined and connected, from how we take care of ourselves (food, exercise, health in general) to the relationships we build with people around us, to the work we do, both personal and professional. But man that's a lot for one video hahah. I'm glad you could see in this direction as well though! :)
Thanks for this discussion/monologue video! Really love how you expounded on the concept. Always good to hear the POV of a fellow photographer, and tho I've been shooting for a few years now, I am in a constant state of questioning whether the current project/s I'm working on can fall under ikigai. Honestly tho, I don't feel it in majority of the projects I do. Hopefully we find the right niche that allows us to tick off all 4 areas!!
My pleasure! I think the mere fact that you are taking the time to be introspective and questioning what you are doing is the most important thing. It's best not to take anything for granted! :)
You get some razor-sharp photos with a generous depth-of-field at f/2.
Yeah, 40mm + a decent focus distance give plenty of DOF. Of course, up close it get very shallow and produced some beautiful bokeh. :)
Thank you for this inspiration!
My pleasure!! :)
What a fantastic location for street photography, makes the streets here in the UK seem very dull. Really enjoy these videos, one day I will come to Japan for street photography!!!
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed this one! :)
But what you are both doing here is also immensely valuable and that is why I am often moved to make comments to reinforce my gratitude 😊
Thank you very much!! That's what I am learning over time. To be honest, when were doing the channel in late 2020 I was a bit unhappy with it. It felt like a waste of time and I didn't enjoy it. I was kind of forcing myself to do it because I didn't like the idea of giving up. I'm glad I didn't because it has become very fulfilling and is now part of my ikigai formula. So, than you so much for all of the kind words over the years. It is very important to us! :)
Wow I've never heard of this, but I'm glad you mentioned it since I actually completely agree with it.
Thanks!! Glad you found it interesting! :)
Really cool subject, for years I am looking for mine between Graphic Design and Photography, and about your example of the workshops, in that case, you've mentioned, it's a perfect example that I understand better because It unified those four points and I share the same point of view through my Ikigai what I was looking for years. Thank you! And as always, it was a nice photography tour.
Thank you very much!! I'm glad to give you something to think about in regards to your own work! :)
@EYExplore Thank you, Lukasz, really appreciate it!
I’ve always respected Japanese culture and philosophy. Thanks for sharing some Japanese culture and applying it to photography.
Thank you for watching! Glad you found it interesting! :)
I think my job (not photography) before retiring met all the requirements of ikigai. Now I am retired the money is not really part of the equation any more. Photography ticks all the boxes except for the money part. I really am looking forward to returning to Japan as soon as tourism is allowed. I have done 2 workshops with you and gained so much from the experience. Thankyou.
Yeah, that is also fair. I suppose if one has enough money to not need to work then it kind of becomes a moot point. But I would venture that being able to receive money helps foster a feeling that other value what we do (though this is not the only way). And yeah, I remember! We did the street photography workshop I believe. Looking forward to the next one! :)
@@EYExplore being paid is definitely helps. Selling an image in an exhibition was a fantastic feeling.
@@juliemoltmann7974 That's great! :)
great video for different reasons. First, now the 40mm is on my radar lol (it would be a 60mm equivalent for me, though), and second, yeah, as a journalist that is not very passionate or in love with the profession, specially the way things are in my country, i am asking myself what to do next and i found photography a few years ago after a trip to Japan, so yeah, the points of: if i really like that something, if i am good at it and if i can make money out of it, makes me think a lot about what is next for me at my 34years walking around this planet. Thanks again!! I will be waiting for the next update. Cheers from Chile!
Thank you very much! Glad you found the video interesting and stimulating for thought. I hope you figure it out! :)
It's a beautiful photo！
Thank you!! :)
Wonderful video, cant wait for Japan to open again for truism so I can visit and take some workshops! :)
We can't wait either!! :)
I love this concept. I heard about this before but never tried to understand it but you explained it very well. I loved the video and I hope you will resume the workshops soon because I'm coming to Japan next year if everything goes well
Thank you!! Anytime you wanna take one we are here and ready. The only hurdle right now is the closed off border.
This is a pretty big subject, finding this balance in life where everything is in place and in motions.
When you're able to reach it, I find you'll get certain a peace of mind which make you feel great in your body and soul.
In some way, i find out this concept is linked to self development psychology too.
I think the hardest part is the money and this famous sentence when it come to a work where some arts is involved " I like what you do ! You have to work for me, you'll get exposure ! "
I didn't count how many times I've heard this or how many peoples shared it ( not put in this way but the meaning is here) .. no matter the artistic category ( Music, Video, Photography, Graphic... )
As you said, some feel alike money will corrupt your Art .. somewhere we can extend this too about Social Medias and this "Like" button too, the question is, did you make it for the like/money or did you keep it real to yourself and your art ?
This subject alone can be matter to discussion too.
I'll stop here or I'll write a book :)
Again, thanks for the video and this tour in Tokyo, as usual, I've enjoyed it
Thank you so much!! I agree, it's a tricky subject. I also got my fair share of the 'exposure' offers. It never lead anywhere useful and exposure doesn't pay the bills! :)
I've always liked your work over the years with Nikon camera's.
On the Nikon system end of things I intend to purchase the Nikon D750, Nikon D780 and Nikon Z5 and hopefully the future Nikon Z5ii where it will hopefully have unlimited recording time limit in 8 bit 4k and 10 bit 4K and a flip out screen like on the Nikon D5500 and Nikon D5600.
I currently own a Nikon D5500 which I absolutely love and use two Youngnou lenses on it the 50mm and 35mm respectively and Sigma 17-70mm and Tamron 18-200mm.
I intend to bring out photography books of some of my street photography over the past three years
Yeah, I dunno why Nikon didn't go with the flip out and roll style screen. I guess, it's less durable that way, I dunno. At least on the Z50 it would have been very nice, since that's totally a vlogging worth camera (in fact it's what we use). I think they are learning this needed as the ZFc has a flip and roll screen.
Hey Lukasz, absolutely dig this video's topic! It adds a lot of depth on top of watching your process of photography. I certainly hope that I could also have photography fully support me one day, but I have the impression that freelancing is too risky as you can't always be assured of a good income. Perhaps it would be an interesting video topic for you to share how you became the photographer you are today?
As as side question out of curiosity, are there still parts of the city you've barely explored yet? Many of the places you do your videos seems to be places you have shot often before.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! You might find this article and the accompanying video interesting: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/how-i-make-a-living-as-a-street-photographer
As for exploring the city, sure there are tons of places I haven't been. But we never shoot videos there because I have no idea if it will be interesting if I haven't been there. It would be a waste of an evening if we go to an area, start shooting and the area turns out super boring. So, I only explore new areas on my own, so I can really concentrate and explore them mindfully, and then we can revisit them for the purpose of making a video. :)
@@EYExplore Brilliant! Exactly what I needed.
I see, it makes good sense if you put it that way. Looking forward to future videos then!
Great video! Really enjoyed the explanation of the concept and how it applies to photography. Definitely something I am still looking for in my work. Funnily enough there is a Tokyo-themed bar here in Birmingham UK called Ikigai, which is probably also a clever name for a bar! I hope one day I can come and take part in a workshop with you guys.
Thank you very much!! It is indeed a great name for a bar, haha. :)
Love these more heady topics. I've always had the perspective that art can be negatively influenced by money. For a time I played in a band that had great future prospects and great financial opportunities but I felt that this element was pulling away from the part that was truly fulfilling. I ultimately moved away from this band and felt energised by removing finances from my passion. However as I get older, balancing a hobby/passion project with real responsibilities is difficult and these projects tend to fall to the side until I can find time and money for them. I guess this is the problem that the Ikigai concept solves. It seems to act as a balance with some compromises that allow you to fully engage in what fulfils you. Very interesting and made me consider things differently. Do you feel that the 'profession' element of the Ikigai concept adds or detracts from that core passion? Do you find yourself considering the financial benefit of time spent on something that would otherwise be personally fulfilling? Sorry for the long question. It's a topic I'm very interested in.
You are hitting exactly the chords I was going for! I don't feel the profession aspect detracts. It fuels it even. When I look back on some of my professional work, and I know that the skill to produce that work was forged in my personal creative work, then I feel fulfilled. Being able to do work professionally justifies the almost selfish) pursuit of personal art and expression. So, I generally don't think about the financial benefit of going out and shooting the things I like to shoot (particularly the un-street photography I mentioned in a recent video). Instead, I'm confident that by doing that, honing my skills, and sharing this work online can results in getting myself hired for pro work and being properly equipped for it in terms of skills. :)
@@EYExplore This input is super valuable, thank you. And thank you for these videos. I've said something similar before but information and perspectives like this is often well guarded. Your openness about the technique and philosophy behind what you do is refreshing and has been a guide for me and I assume many others. Very grateful.
@@uscssnostromo7431 I really appreciate that sentiment. Thank you! :)
Very cool video, I was always fascinated by the fact that in Japanese culture there is a specific word and philosophy for this. Hope to one day come to Japan and book a tour with you :)
Thank you!! Yeah, they have oddly specific words. My favorite is 木漏れ日 ('komorebi') which means literally 'sunlight filtering through trees'. :)
lmao this is the most philosophical photography channel on youtube 🙂funny cuz i came across the concept of ikigai many years ago, realized i was hitting none of the four tenets, and changed careers shortly after
Haha, yeah I tend to get into it. Not trying to be pretentious, it's just stuff I think about and want to share! :)
@@EYExplore not pretentious at all. the topics you discuss are things that most photographers/artists wrestle with as they mature, and i'm glad to hear your takes on them. :]
@@omegachenGlad to hear that! :)
15:29 this store that you're walking by looks really cool. I like that it looks like a super classic wood structure. It would be cool to catch some action going on there, like a chef or restaurant worker adding to the tableaux. ✌️
Yeah!! I've shot it before in the summer when they don't have all the plastic tarps up (those are there to keep the heat in during winter). It is, indeed, a cool retro bar. :)
Passion often comes from getting paid to do something that you do well - not the other way around.
Perhaps. I find that for photography I certainly developed passion before I made any money from it. :)
Good stuff. Came across the concept of “Ikigai” some years ago, Sebastian Marshall has a great book with the same name. (Highly recommended)
Do you shoot the 40mm f2 Z on AF? Or is there a digital distance scale on the Z6II? Thanks.
Thanks!! I use this 40m with AF pretty much always. There is no digital scale. Other, more premium, Z lenses have a digital scale on a small display on top of the lens. It's actually extremely useful and intuitive for setting zone focus manually. However, the AF is very good so I seldom use them with zone focus. :)
Film dobry jak zawsze. Co by tu dużo mowic… Mam nadzieje ze będę mógł kiedyś potowarzyszyć Panu w takim beztroskim spacerze. Pozdrawiam!
Dzięki! Tez mam nadzieje! :)
Question, why couldn't you just do one on one and record it. That way you'd be making money, giving better training with less distractions and letting people see what you do one video and getting more clients because of the youtube videos. You are a really good teacher and you know Tokyo well. And you're an excellent photographer, so why not ?
I'd also like to see some videos visiting used camera shops. There's great ones in Tokyo and everywhere in Japan. I would love to go to Map camera again someday. When I was stationed in Yokosuka I used to hit shops all over and found quite a few of my most favorite cameras. I have just about all of the Konica rangefinders and quite a few Bronica's and I love these camera's. That would be a fun thing to do for people looking for a camera they always wanted. Sorry, I'm rambling on ! Great video, LarryMac
Thank you so much!! I feel like what you suggest is exactly what we do on this channel. I treat the camera that Axel is shooting me with like the other 'one'. If I did a one on one with some specific person, you would just see a video of a customized session for THEM. The thing is, everyone has different needs, goals, and constraints (e.g. gear, etc.). I guess that's what I miss: being able to customize for an individual and help that one person discover their creativity. Anyway, on the channel I try to keep it a bit broad so it's as applicable as possible to anyone watching. As for visiting camera shops that's a great idea! It's tricky to get permission, but maybe some place that's privately run will be okay with it. :)
Very interesting topic, thank you so much for posting this. Comparing the "western" way of looking into this with the Japanese approach is very didactic indeed. For example, it's very ironic that despite the value that the West attaches to money (for perfectly good reasons, I am not saying this in a negative way), it considers that the "hobby", that which brings you joy to do, that which you love, should stay a separate thing from work. The reasons usually given are that when you make something a business, you end up spending the majority of your time on business aspects (finances, advertising, business planning etc) and very little time on the activity that you love itself. Which, for many people, sucks all the joy out of it. This may be true in many occasions, but I find the Japanese approach more "balanced", in that it makes the business side part of the enjoyment (at least in principle).
On the other hand, quite often you hear of people doing their "dream job", which is exactly the opposite - combining their favourite hobby with a job. So I do not think that this combination (hobby + work) is overall avoided in the West, since people often "dream" about it, but more like people fear to pursue it, because of low confidence in their abilities, or quite often lack of understanding of the market realities (ti use them to their advantage, to succeed in a combination of work & hobby).
Another aspect is that making something that you love a business, part of your work, very often forces you to neglect, or consciously drop the quality of the thing itself. This is unfortunately the reality in many countries, in many professions. Because of market realities, employment conditions, laws etc., you have to accept doing something of much lesser quality, because otherwise nobody will hire you, or you will get fired (if employed under a contract), to be replaced by cheaper labor with much lower skills, because the market & society does not value a better skillset. It is a fact in many professions that market demands enforce the lowering of the quality. So sometimes, the decision to keep a hobby that you love separate from your job, is because of this aspect - the knowledge that you will not enjoy it, as you will become worse and worse on it (immediately removing two of the four qualities of Ikigai - love and skill), because of market realities. I wonder if the Japanese approach or philosophy has something to say about this.
Very true about the business aspects. And in general, people online often warn beginner and amateur photographers: don't go pro or you'll end up hating photography and lose your passion. I used to worry about this too, but in fact losing or keeping your passion for a craft depends on a lot of factors beyond going pro or not. I admit there is some admin that is tedious and annoying, but yeah it's just part of the process. It would not be a labor of love without the labor. For example, for me, editing these videos has the same effect. I enjoy shooting them, and I feel fulfillment from sharing them, but the editing itself is not particularly fun. It just needs to be done. It has become my duty!
Also, you raise a good point about 'dream jobs'. I suppose that is synonymous with the ikigai concept. And I should point out, that despite producing the concept of ikigai, I would say that Japanese society, on average, does not really produce more people who pursue such a life. There are millions of people here stuck in jobs they don't enjoy, just like everywhere else on earth. I do wonder, if we did a survey, how the numbers would stack up in various countries.
As for the last point about market forces encouraging lowering quality (and therefore mitigating the mastery/passion one might have for their craft)... that's interesting. I had not considered that before, but now that you mention it, it does happen sometimes. I've done jobs where I knew I didn't get the best photos because of various constraints (usually time) that limited what I could do. But I didn't think of this as a negative thing. Instead I looked at it as a welcome challenge. How can I maximize the result for my client while working in the constraints required by the task at hand? I consider the ability to balance these things an aspect of being a professional.
@@EYExplore Thanks for the reply Lucas, agree with all of this. Fully understand what you say about the majority of people not loving their jobs, in many countries Regarding the last point (market forces & lowering of quality and skills), unfortunately it's true in many professions - I work in jobs combining Engineering & Information Systems and we see that aspect every day, especially in housing, real estate development, advertising, construction, etc. as well in jobs requiring a combination of craft & science (CAD, 3D, GIS, Graphic Design even Photography for some disciplines, like real estate). The services sector (in general, and in certain countries) also suffers from the same syndrome, offering very low quality services with no serious consequence on business returns.
But I do appreciate your healthy and pragmatic approach to all this, I hope you will touch on more similar issues in your future videos and how they relate to photography. Here's one idea: how photography affects the subject (if the subject is human...), and how photographers react to and internalise positive, negative and indifferent reactions of their subjects, especially (but not only) on street photography, especially when it involves a social element (social commentary, documentary, reportage, story telling etc.). Well, ehem, I hope this does not look as bad as it sounds, as an idea... :-😅
@@manostroulinos1726 I think a video on the ethics of street photography is a good idea. I've written about this topic on my blog, but covering it in a video should be fun!
@@EYExplore sounds like a plan! 🙂
interesting subject about ikigai, had never seen the link with street photography
Glad you found it insightful! :)
Interesting idea, I’ve never heard of it before, thanks for talking about it.
The problem is that probably the majority of artists in history, including very famous ones, were broke and never made any (or much) money from it while they were alive. If you’re making enough money from workshops and client shoots to live on in Tokyo, you are definitely in a tiny minority of such photographers.
Yeah I agree! And it's what I'm trying to encourage people to figure out. I make almost no money from selling my work in the form of art. I got lucky in some ways but I also embraced it. I could have easily looked down on doing workshops and not part of my 'art' and therefore not part of my ikigai. I guess my point is that we have to look past our expectations if we are to find a way to fit snugly into society, and therefore find our ikigai. :)
@@EYExplore interesting. I need to explore the concept more. Thanks again!
I like the Ikigai concept. I think my own chart is a scattered mess though. My life is probably far too compartmentalised, and why I don't feel a strong sense of purpose or concise value in what I do. It's either throw away fun or productive seriousness for me. 😂
Yeah, I think that's most people. It was certainly me as well for a long time while I was teaching English. I remember trying to tie it all together in my brain and it felt so contrived. It was only once I was able to cut out a major part of my life (teaching English) that I could put the other pieces together more naturally. :)
@@EYExplore @EYExplore You strike me as good teacher, but I can definitely understand what there is to be dissatisfied with. I quite enjoyed being a highschool teacher myself. However the abysmal salary, and lacking recognition for my work from other adults was a shame, but the kids were cool and very grateful for my personalised curriculum. Now I have moved into UX Design, software and apps, because I like problem solving, but I don't think I've checked off any more boxes towards purposeful life satisfaction. 🤔
@@-grey I also like UX design! I do it as a freelance gig now and then but mainly when building out the EYExplore website. :)
I really liked the concept of ikigai that you mentioned here in this video. Glad to know something new. Thank you for sharing it. May be a question regarding the focus mode and AF area mode. I often see you capture subjects that are moving. May I know which focus mode and AF area mode in Nikon z6ii worked best for you to get pictures in focus. Thanks in advance!!!
Thank you! On my Z6 I almost always used Subject Tracking which is a sub-mode of the Auto Area AF mode (have to press OK to access it). :)
@@EYExplore Great. Thanks for the response. And is it AF-S that you use for street shooting ?
@@charanteja1944 Ah, I always use AF-C! :)
@@EYExplore Got it. Thanks 😊
Interesting concept of how to look at and measure modern living. Have people always needed a reason or purpose to live? Have existential questions always plagued human? Seems like these kinds of questions would have been a luxury for most people who ever existed. Most would have just worked to survive and died relatively young compared to current humans. Now without our every waking moment given to just surviving, we are more vulnerable to ennui. Maybe a nice problem to have? 😅
I think reasons to live in the 'old days' were implicit. If you live in a tribe of hunter gatherers, and go out and kill a mammoth to feed our family, I imagine the experience ticks all four boxes easily. Life was hard and dangerous, but also simple. Feedback to one's actions was clear and immediate. Anyway, that's just my potentially misguided imagination of early human life. But I agree I'd rather have our modern 'problem' as there is so much more variety to life, so many more ways to live it. :)
I watched this on mute with the auto-generated subtitles whilst also feeding my infant daughter. The subtitles kept making Ikigai into ‘icky guy’…perhaps not the best philosophy for a man walking the streets with a camera! :)
Hahah, that's funny! :)
Girl's Bar is my Ikigai
Haha :)
Good vid. Love these personal beliefs and opinions. Shld talk abt ukraine. Regards from Malaysian utuber
Thank you!! :)
Hopefully bring my Nikon D5500 with me
Nice! :)
I hope Nikon gives a firmware update to all there Nikon Z camera's past and present where they all get unlimited recording time limit
Yeah, I dunno if that will ever come. I heard there is some government regulation that is the reason for cameras having a 30 minute clip limit. But anyway, it's not a big deal in most cases. I think it's rare to need takes longer than 30 minutes (unless you're recording a show or something).
Yep. Without knowing the philosophy of "Ikegai" I managed to make a living that ticked all four boxes. Now freshly retired that money side of it is not a problem any more and I concentrate on the other three points for living a fullfilling life.
P.S. Did you - and Axel - just refuse that woman to reach her Ikegai? ;)
Ah, that's great! Once you can reach that point then it becomes moot. Haha, yeah we totally denied her. But I'm sure she landed some other happy customers. :)
I don't want to be rich, I just need enough to make art.
I feel the same! :)
Check - raison d'être
Yes, I am aware. It's a similar concept. :)
I understand there are some rather strict laws in Japan regarding street photography. Other than deleting images of people who object to being photographed, have you ever had a serious challenge to your work? I'm thinking of the image you shot at 3:36 that clearly shows an identifiable individual.
I've never deleted a single image of anybody I've ever photographed. I have no legal obligation to do such a thing. Where do you get this understanding? In fact, there no laws that prohibit street photography in Japan. Street photography is protected by the constitution under freedom of expression. There are only laws prohibiting exploitative photography (the kind of things perverts do, I'll leave it to your imagination). There is absolutely nothing illegal in Japan about images that identify individuals. There is an ethical questions of course, and for that I direct your to my blog post on this topic: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/the-ethics-of-street-photography
You can also read about the issue of legality here: www.lkazphoto.com/blog/is-street-photography-legal-in-japan
To be honest,. You look so sneaky when taking photos on the street.
Cool. :)