~:[CH12 - Day 175]:~ Junya Watanabe

 
~:[CH12 - Day 175]:~ Junya Watanabe

A lot of people talked to me when Kanye released his song with Junya Watanabe. It was funny to hear my name in a song, even though I realized that it is a common last name. It reminded me the time when I realized my name was in Norwegian Wood. In any case, today, I got to meet Junya Watanabe, of course, it wasn't THE Junya Watanabe. There is a photographer from Japan with the same name and he shoots awesome reflection photos. He's been the inspiration behind a lot of the rain shots we've been aiming at. He didn't have any photos of himself, so it was challenging to know who he was. All my guesses were wrong. I thought all his photos were in this cafe, but I wandered around and stumbled into a studio were most of the pieces were displayed. He chatted with me and even offered me a photo as a keepsake. As an artist, I refused to take it for free. As a photographer, I'll shoot school events for free and do things here and there, but the reality is, when people ask for things for free, I feel the pain of other artists. For one, simply the time is something that should be considered, but especially for photographers, there is a life on a camera and each set of photos you take subtracts from the lifespan of the camera. Each and every shutter clip subtracts one more photo. I've been asked a few times since I've been here just to do that and with a few exceptions, I respectfully decline. Similarly, I declined the free photo knowing the costs of even the print itself along with the time to capture it, and decided to purchase one. I carried it and kept glancing as it, as it inspired me to work hard over the next few days during the final legs of this project. It was a nice break between a brunch with an alum and two meetings later that day and really helped me push through until it was finally time to hang out with my friend for her birthday. It was a nice gathering as it was just super chill with some drinks, snacks and just a good vibe. In the end, I survived the marathon day, ended with a celebration and in my hand is a photograph from Junya Watanabe. I may not have met THE Junya Watanabe from Kanye's song, but I met the Junya Watanabe that mattered to me as I wrap up this photo project and personal adventure, looking for some new inspiration. Whether the person who inspires you is more or less famous than others in life, know that their value lies not in their popularity, but how close in relevance they are to you in the things that you do. Who is THE Junya Watanabe in your life?