“How can I take photos like you?”

One time, I asked this to Honma. His answer was simple, saying

“First, you need to know what kind of photos you like. Something you like without thinking, something you feel in your gut. I think it really helps if you look around at other artists' work.”

I really admire Honma’s photography, and I long for the day when I will be able to shoot like him. So I feel very lucky to have spent these past few years in such close proximity to him and his work.

For a typical ON THE TRIP piece, I will first gather the information and write the guide. Then, Honma will photograph the area as we guide him around the location. Afterwards, Honma will send us all of his photos and we select which ones fit best with the guide.

Even though we both went to the same areas and saw the same spots, Honma could see everything differently and portray his perspective in his photography. It never ceases to amaze me. I would look at his photographs in order, and there I could catch a glimpse into his process. Sometimes he would take photo after photo, each at a different angle until he found “the one”. Other times he would use the same angle for multiple shots. As I select the photos for each guide, I can trace the story told through Honma’s point of view. I feel special, as I'm the only one that get to enjoy this process.

After doing this for years, one day I took a look at my own photography and saw a noticeable improvement. Exposing myself to the raw talent of Honma had no doubt honed my own artistic talent. At the same time, I had a feeling that Honma’ perspective and style had, even in the smallest of ways, inspired me and my style.

It was an ever-so-slight feeling, as faint as the aroma wafting off the lake of Miyakojima. Speaking of "ever-so-slight," I have decided to insert a slight amount of mischief right here into this guide. Within this guides collection of photos, there is one photo which was not taken by a professional- it was taken by me. Can you figure out which one I took? I wonder if it was too easy...

Writer: Akihito Shiga
Translation: Sara Scarf, Autumn Smith
Photographer: Hiroshi Homma