An Evening with Daido Moriyama

Sounds a great night Michael. Am I jealous? Oh yeah you better believe it!!! But thanks to your photos and sharing your trophy - the signed GR - I'm left with a better impression of what it was like.

So, curiously, from the formal 45 minute presentation and your time with Daido before and after the show, can you share some key takeaways? I'd especially be keen to hear about anything he might have said, or any impressions you got from the spirit of his speech or images, that really resonated with you and still does...
 
Sounds a great night Michael. Am I jealous? Oh yeah you better believe it!!! But thanks to your photos and sharing your trophy - the signed GR - I'm left with a better impression of what it was like.

So, curiously, from the formal 45 minute presentation and your time with Daido before and after the show, can you share some key takeaways? I'd especially be keen to hear about anything he might have said, or any impressions you got from the spirit of his speech or images, that really resonated with you and still does...

I'll try to keep the subjects short & simple.

My question to him was if he prefers to photograph during the day or at night. Right now he prefers to shoot during the day because of the way Tokyo is shimmering.

For B&W he prefers film and digital for color.

He has friends that do his Photoshop work.

When it comes to the printed image it doesn't matter how it was printed, only the image matters.

He still doesn't like exhibitions that much and prefers the photobook as a means to distribute his images. ( He now has over 300 books ).

He has an accordion style book coming out that's 60 feet long when opened.

At 73 years old he slowed down a little. Instead of walking for 6 hours a day he can only walk for 4 hours.

When called a celebrity in Japan he shook his head, laughed and said "Araki" was.

He will not photograph the earthquake damage or area.

He has a major exhibition next year with the photographer who inspired him William Klein at the Tate.

While he doesn't shoot 20 rolls of film a day he still shoots everyday.
 
Thank you, Michael. I'm touched that he does not nor will not photograph the earthquake damaged area. Earlier today, I was talking to a Japanese friend and asking about the earthquake and its aftermath since at least in most American papers it's no longer front page news. Our daughter is going to Japan over Christmas and New Years...the trip will not include this area of the country due to radioactivity concerns. So much is at stake and so much to be done. I am sure it is an emotionally charged subject to photograph and there are many reasons why Mr. Moriyama chooses not to photograph it.

I wonder if the photobook is the preferred form because it is more one on one, more personal?

Just found this article on William Klein and am about to read it: PHOTOGRAPHY VIEW; William Klein, Impolite Photographer - New York Times

Many thanks again, Michael. I am sorry I was too otherwise engaged to make it in. My loss, for certain.
 
Thank you, Michael. I'm touched that he does not nor will not photograph the earthquake damaged area. Earlier today, I was talking to a Japanese friend and asking about the earthquake and its aftermath since at least in most American papers it's no longer front page news. Our daughter is going to Japan over Christmas and New Years...the trip will not include this area of the country due to radioactivity concerns. So much is at stake and so much to be done. I am sure it is an emotionally charged subject to photograph and there are many reasons why Mr. Moriyama chooses not to photograph it.

I wonder if the photobook is the preferred form because it is more one on one, more personal?

Just found this article on William Klein and am about to read it: PHOTOGRAPHY VIEW; William Klein, Impolite Photographer - New York Times

Many thanks again, Michael. I am sorry I was too otherwise engaged to make it in. My loss, for certain.

You should watch this on Klein

William Klein "Out Of Necessity" | Icontent | Douglas Sloan Director - YouTube
 
Thanks so much for the report and the photos. I wish I had been there! I only have the Stray Dog DVD and Memories book, but I find both of them endlessly fascinating. The way he tells his stories is captivating, full of descriptive language and his personal feelings.

I wonder what digital camera(s) he uses for colour work? Surely Ricoh would give him anything for free!

Like many street photographers, Moriyama seems almost obsessed with the act of photography, journeying to places for the express purpose of taking photos, spending hours every day shooting roll after roll. I wonder what his 'rejected' images are like, the ones that never made it into books or exhibitions. He is fortunate that even though he's had a struggle with alcohol and drugs, he's got friends, and has survived to continue to do what he loves.
 
381843_10150357205771761_602751760_8651939_389506087_n.jpg
 
Back
Top