JAPAN PRE-TRIP

I have been doing a lot of research for this trip to Japan. As this is my first time preparing to travel to this fascinating country, I want to experience all it offers and find something that can redefine what photographs mean to me.

As I read Susan Sontag’s book On Photography, I often think about why I enjoy Photography: If I take photographs to document my life, materialize my experience, and collect memories… who else should care besides my vanity? On the other hand, sharing that memory with whoever may find it on social media and this website makes it feel like I’m offering something new to the world.

So now the question is, what am I hoping to get out of this trip?

Most importantly, I want to find new inspirations and break out of my routine and the familiarity of New York City. Though the city is a photographer’s paradise, I need a reset to refresh my eyes.

My Goal is to observe as much as possible when I get to Japan; I want to be retaken by sight, sound, smell, and texture.

7/10/24 - Chao