Q. It’s truly an honor to speak with you today. Could you provide a brief introduction for those unfamiliar with your work? I’d also love to hear what initially led you to pursue photography.
A. Hello. I’m just an ordinary person living in a mid-sized city in Korea, working in a completely different field. I turned to photography as a way to overcome feelings of loneliness and boredom.
When I moved from the city to a rural town in high school, I struggled to adjust to the unfamiliar environment and social setting. Although I was not directly subjected to bullying, I often felt a sense of isolation, as no one seemed inclined to initiate conversations with me. This period of solitude had a profound impact on me, shaping my personality and altering my perspective on life.
To ease my loneliness, I began capturing moments with my smartphone. Before long, that simple act blossomed into the foundation of my ongoing photographic journey.
Q. Could you share more about your approach to photography and how you express yourself through your work? When taking photos, what do you prioritize most, and what values guide your creative process?
A. On average, I shoot about four rolls of film each month, though it can sometimes be fewer. This limitation has made me more thoughtful and intentional in my approach to photography. I make an effort to avoid revisiting the same subjects or locations, always seeking out something new and unique. I often go out with my camera during the golden hour, when lighting conditions are at their best. If the results are unsatisfactory on a cloudy day, I’ll return on a sunnier day, often capturing the scene in a completely different light, as if it were an entirely new location.
I firmly believe that without personally overseeing the development and scanning process, the final image cannot truly be called one’s own creation. Photography, as I see it, is a collaborative effort: the photographer captures the initial moment, while the developer brings it fully to life. This is why finding the right photo lab—one that complements my vision—is just as critical as taking the shot itself.
Q. Could you share a photo from your collection that holds a special place in your heart or one you’re particularly proud of?
A. I generally prefer photos that are straightforward, crisp, and instantly captivating to the viewer. One particular image that stands out for me is a photo I titled “Strawberry Cake”.
Q. Where do you draw inspiration for your work? I’m also curious about what motivates you and serves as the driving force behind your artistic pursuits.
A. I feel that loneliness continues to be my main source of inspiration. Since childhood, I’ve found it difficult to connect with others, feeling intimidated by people, finding conversations challenging, and struggling to build lasting friendships. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to solitude—so much so that I now find a sense of comfort and peace in it. However, Instagram serves as a lifeline that helps me maintain a connection to the world. Sharing my photos there and having small conversations on the platform reminds me that I’m not entirely isolated.
While browsing Instagram, I often think that even though I may not have close companions nearby, there are like-minded individuals somewhere in the world—or even among the strangers I encounter—who share a similar perspective. This thought inspires me to create images that can resonate with others, offering them a sense of connection too.
Moreover, Instagram is filled with incredibly talented photographers. I draw great inspiration from their work, and when such gifted individuals choose to follow me, it feels humbling and validating. That recognition not only affirms the value of what I’ve done so far but also fuels my creative drive and encourages me to keep exploring new possibilities.
Q. Could you share the core message or underlying theme you aim to communicate to your audience through your photographic work?
A. I believe that no matter how different our backgrounds may be, we all share certain experiences or emotions that connect us on a human level. Even if my work is humble, I hope it can inspire others and provide them with a sense of connection, motivation, and encouragement in their lives and passions.
Q. What would you consider to be your dream project? I’m also curious about your future plans or any challenges you’d like to take on.
A. I feel there’s still significant potential for growth in my photography, so I’m eager to push myself further and broaden my horizons beyond film photography. There are several avenues I’m excited to explore, including experimenting with medium-format cameras and investing in a film scanner that would allow me to personally manage the scanning and editing process. I would be deeply fulfilled to have a small, sunlit studio of my own, where I could fully immerse myself in capturing meaningful portraits. Additionally, exploring the world of album cover design would be an exciting and rewarding challenge I’d love to pursue someday.
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Artist : Jimin
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