LomoAmigo: Takeshi Suga

Takeshi Suga is a Japanese music photographer who has recently moved to London. He has a passion for film photography and especially loves Lomography. Takeshi is exhibiting his photographs at our East London store and has agreed to be our Lom Amigo for the month. We gave him a La Sardina and sent him out into the city. Read on to find out what he got up to.

Hello Takeshi tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Takeshi Suga from Kobe, Japan. I’m a photographer currently based in London.

You recently moved to London, how are you finding this city?

I've been here for nearly three months now and I've finally started to find my feet. The most exciting thing about living in London for me is that the city is full of opportunities. Of course, they don’t come my way automatically. But if I work hard, I’m sure they will.

"I see Takeshi Suga’s photography as an inviting lighthouse, supplying an endless stream of color, to a world that can at times feel grey and lonely." Alessi's Ark (from her introduction to the exhibition)

How does it compare to Japan?

As opposed to what many people believe, almost everything is less expensive in Tokyo than here. Also, exchange rates for yen are currently low, so I recommend you to visit Japan if you have a chance! While I’m not happy with London prices, my music life couldn't be happier with a gig or two to go almost every week.

What is it you love about film photography?

I love it for its uncertainty and limitations. Digital photography is, in many ways, free of uncertainty and limitations. I benefit from it a lot when shooting live music and weddings but I don’t feel the same magical vibrations as when shooting on film.

I also like the names of my film cameras, Aria and Diana Mini. Generally speaking, the names of DSLRs are so bland, aren’t they? I have a Canon EOS 1DX and 5D MarkⅡ. I enjoy shooting with them but it’s difficult for me to feel affection for their names.

How did you get on shooting with the La Sardina?

I loved it! I’ve shot 3 rolls with it so far. Looking at some of the photographs, I can tell this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I especially like the ones I took on the train from Edinburgh to Glasgow. La Sardina’s soft touch added a painterly quality to the imagery.

If your photos could have a soundtrack, what would it be?

Winter Beats / I Break Horses
Genie (For Amaya) / Remember Remember
Summer Message / Epic 45
Paradise / Wild Nothing
Rembihnutur / Sigur Ros

What exciting things have you planned for this year?

I have another collaboration with a fashion brand coming up. They make dance-inspired clothes and they are doing what nobody else is doing. I cannot wait to share the outcome of this collaboration with the world! On the music front, I’m on board for doing an album cover for one of my favorite artists. Naturally, I’m quite excited! I’ve also contributed to a book that will be published in early summer by a US publisher.

Thanks for taking part!

You can see more of Takeshi's work on his website or his Lomohome

Euphoric Serenity by Takeshi Suga runs from Feb 6th - Feb 28th

LOMOGRAPHY GALLERY STORE EAST LONDON
117 Commerical Street,
London E1 6BG.

CONTACT & OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Sunday 11:00am – 7:00 pm
T: 02074260999
Nearest Tube: Liverpool st
Email:eastlondon@lomography.com
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written by hannah_brown on 2014-02-10 #people #music #developing #vintage #uk #lomography-gallery-store #japan #gallery-store #workshops #cross-processing #features #news #diana-mini #exhibitions #lomoamigo #eastlondon #la-sardina #takeshi-suga #regular-contributors #35mm-films #editorial-series #120-films #londonsoho