Exploring Japan through the lens of HIEP
Volume 2 of our monthly photography series FRAMED is here. Yokogao has a chat with Vietnam-based designer, creative director, and photographer HIEP (@hiepng), while his work takes you on an aesthetic trip through Japan.
Picture by HIEP
For someone who is not based in Japan, what do you love about shooting there?
Japan is such a 180° flip compared to the hustle bustle of Saigon, Vietnam. In day-time it’s somewhat quiet and peaceful, which I like. Everyone is just minding their own business. It becomes more lively when the sun is setting and city lights will shine. While in Vietnam it’s always hectic.
I felt very comfortable taking street photos, people weren't yelling or saying anything. Maybe because I was a tourist and got away with things more easily. I felt like they just let me do my thing, while they’re doing theirs. In my home country (Netherlands) there’s not so much going on on the streets and in Vietnam there’s too much going on. Japan has a good balance of all and is aesthetically more my taste.
Picture by HIEP
Do you have a favorite location or city to shoot?
I really enjoyed Kyoto, it’s more traditional and has some kind of romance. There are lots of beautiful places in and near Kyoto. But one thing that has stuck with me the most is walking along the Kamo river. It was a summery bright day with a good crowd. People were walking their dogs out, families going on a stroll together, couples sitting next to the stream of water, foreigners crossing the river on stepping stones and locals passing by on bicycles. Simple and beautiful.
Picture by HIEP
Picture by HIEP
What exactly are you looking for when wandering the streets?
What I tend to look out for is some sense of solitude. Most of the time it’s a person but could be an object as well. I like photos that convey melancholy very strongly. Sadness or loneliness is hard to verbally communicate, but your body will tell naturally.
When not searching, I’m also naturally drawn to moments that are usually heartwarming or wholesome. They hold a sentimental value, often lingering with nostalgia or tenderness, making me think about the past and the future.
Picture by HIEP
Picture by HIEP
What’s the difference in your process when shooting people vs environments?
It’s my own interpretation versus the subject's mood and expression. Objects and environment, I will have my own interpretation of and it can be different for everyone. People show a certain mood and expression so it’s easier for viewers to relate to. It can still be different, but the direction is there. An object or environment on the other hand is more abstract. It can lead up to anything or be just a purely aesthetically-pleasing photo.
Picture by HIEP
Want to tell us something about your gear and how you adapt it to the environment you're shooting in?
I mainly shot on my Leica M4-P with a Voigtlander 35mm 1.4. On the second day, I bought a Nikon 35Ti as a reminder of the trip. Favorite filmstocks are Cinestill 800T, Kodak Vision 3 500T & Fujicolor 100, also used during my vacation.
Depending on my fit and activities I’ll grab the right camera for the day. If I really need a second camera, that’ll be a P&S for sure for built-in flash and less thinking. My goal is to move as light as possible.
Picture by HIEP
What was the context for this photo series?
This trip was mostly run and gun type of shooting because I was there to enjoy my free time with my cousin. I did carry at least one of my cameras with me wherever I went but focused more on our activities, such as eating and sightseeing. Next time I would like to take it slower and connect with the places more deeply. I also met up Luis (@el_bebop) through Hopes & Dreams Club. We grabbed some drinks and went on a little photo walk after. I would say my best photos were from that night. Definitely going back in the near or far future.
Picture by HIEP
Picture by HIEP
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Be sure to check out more volumes of the Yokogao FRAMED Series.
