Teppei Takahashi is the sort of friend you have on Flickr whose every move and upload you stalk, pouring over his compositions and subjects and light and asking yourself how you can get your photos looking even half as good as his.  Luckily, I was able to put my jealous aside for a few moments to ask Teppei some questions…

Who is Teppei Takahashi?
“I’m a freelance graphic designer and photographer. Since 2009 I have been on the creative team at “SONAR” (http://www.sonars.jp/). I live in Tokyo, Japan.”

How long have you been taking photographs for?
“
Around 10 years.”

What’s your favourite thing to photograph?
“My favourite thing is that a photograph is able to cut through time and space by some kind of view. It’s one of photography’s special privileges.

I can see that a graphic design and a photograph are the complete opposite process of each other but it’s that process that gives me that fresh feeling. Needless to say, photography is so fun.”

What do you look for in a photograph? Do you wait for the photo or is every photo you’ve taken pure chance?
“I look for myself in a photograph. I think a photograph is like mirror. This mirror reflects my mind at that time.

Almost all my photographs have been pure chance, but I don’t want to miss an opportunity for meeting people and place. ”

How do you feel about film VS. digital? Do you use both?
“I use both. I’m changing use for both, such as digital for a work, film for artwork. Also digital is so convenient. And film is a troublesome machine. However I do like film.

It might just be my prejudice, but with film I can feel all kinds of atmosphere, such as smell, warmth, air, sound…”

Teppei’s Flickr – http://www.flickr.com/photos/76spread/