Tatsuo Suzuki, a prominent Japanese street photographer, is renowned for his high-contrast black-and-white images that capture the raw energy of Tokyo's streets. His gear choices reflect his dynamic and immersive shooting style.
Camera Gear
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Fujifilm X100 Series: Suzuki primarily uses the Fujifilm X100F, a compact mirrorless camera with a fixed 23mm f/2 lens (equivalent to 35mm in full-frame terms). He finds this setup ideal for his street photography, stating, "I use Fuji X100F. For me, it fits pretty good for my street shooting style."
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| Fujifilm X100F |
Ricoh GR : Suzuki has also been know to use the Ricoh GR range of cameras.
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Fujifilm X-E2: Earlier in his career, Suzuki utilized the Fujifilm X-E2, another mirrorless camera known for its portability and image quality. This camera was notably used during his black-and-white explorations of Tokyo's urban life.
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| Fujifilm X-E2 |
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Nikon D70: Suzuki began his photographic journey in 2008 with a Nikon D70, marking his transition from music to photography.
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| Nikon D70 |
Shooting Style and Preferences
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Focal Length: Suzuki favors the 35mm field of view, aligning with the fixed lens of his Fujifilm X100F. He appreciates this focal length for its natural perspective, stating, "35mm is the angle of view that is suitable for me. I really love the distance feeling of this lens. It's so natural to me."
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Black and White Imagery: He exclusively shoots in black and white, believing it conveys deeper emotions and essentiality, allowing viewers to feel profound emotions.
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Shooting Volume: Demonstrating his dedication, Suzuki captures between 1,000 to 2,000 images daily, emphasizing the importance of practice and immersion in street photography.
Philosophy and Approach
Suzuki's approach is deeply influenced by punk rock aesthetics, focusing on spontaneity and emotional expression. He describes his style as emotional and impulsive, aiming to capture the tension and energy of urban life. His inspirations include photographers like Robert Frank, William Klein, and Daidō Moriyama.
While his confrontational shooting style has sparked discussions about the ethics of street photography, Suzuki remains committed to his vision, seeking to evoke genuine emotions through his work.