Interview with Tokyo Candid

You can find Toky Candid on Instagram as: @tokyocandid

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m Hal S., a Japanese office worker based in the Tokyo area, navigating the ups and downs of life in my mid-forties.

I was born and raised in Japan, but I also spent two and a half years living in New York City and San Francisco as a college student. That experience deeply influenced my perspective—not just in life, but also in how I see photography.

When I’m not behind the camera, I enjoy spending time with my family and watching pro wrestling. You might even see the occasional wrestling photo pop up in my feed—just another passion of mine.

How did your photography journey begin?

It all started with the film “Lost in Translation” by Sofia Coppola.

The movie beautifully captures a feeling of loneliness and disconnection within a foreign culture, even while appreciating its beauty. That really resonated with me because I’ve experienced something similar—being a Japanese person who has lived overseas.

I asked myself: Should I capture Japan’s famous landmarks? Should I present Japan as a local or as an outsider?

The answer was no to both. Instead, I wanted to capture Tokyo from a unique perspective—one that exists between Japanese and foreign viewpoints. My goal is to find and express moments that feel "lost in translation."

That concept has shaped my approach to photography ever since.

Do you prefer to shoot alone or with company?

I prefer to shoot alone. Most of my photos are taken after work, just before heading home. That time is like a reset button for me, a moment of solitude and creativity after a busy day.

Shooting with company sounds fun, but I worry that I wouldn’t be able to fully concentrate on my surroundings while talking to others.

When you go out to shoot, do you have specific shots in mind, or is it all freestyle?

80% freestyle. I love the serendipity of photography—the way all the elements (lighting, weather, shadows, people, timing) can unexpectedly come together to create a perfect moment.

These moments don’t happen often. Even though I take photos almost every day, I only experience that "perfect shot" feeling 2-3 times a year. It’s rare, but that’s what keeps me going.

It’s like buying a lottery ticket every day—hoping for that one incredible, unpredictable win.

Do you use presets, or do you edit from scratch every time? What software do you use?

I use Adobe Lightroom and a few custom-made presets.

Rather than starting from scratch, I usually pick a preset that fits the mood of the image, then fine-tune the color grading and adjustments until it feels just right.

What gear do you use?

Most of my work is shot on a Sony A7RV with Sigma Art series lenses.

I used to shoot with a Canon EOS R5, so I still use some Canon lenses with a Mount Converter MC-11. Some of my favourite lenses: Sigma Art 35mm f/1.2 DG DN – My current favourite for its perfect field of view and bokeh. Sigma Art 40mm f/1.4 (Canon version).

I have several lenses, and I rotate them daily—I love them all like different children.

How do you stay motivated when photography feels repetitive?

I actually don’t believe in staying 100% motivated, 24/7. Life is full of other responsibilities—work, family, daily stress. Some days, my focus isn’t on photography. Maybe I’m thinking about my salary, what to drink at the izakaya, or helping my kids with their exams.

And that’s okay. When I do have time to fully immerse myself in photography, I do. But I don’t force it. That balance is what keeps me going.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing photographers today, and how do you address them?

Hahaha, I’d say family cooperation!

Since the pandemic lockdowns ended, we can travel freely again. But every time I want to go shoot, I have to ask my wife:

“Can I go to Osaka this weekend?”

“How about Shinjuku tonight?”

“Shibuya okay?”

Her answer is always: “Sure, just let me know if you’ll be home for dinner.” She’s not into photography, but she respects my passion. And I love her for that.

Do you have any advice for photographers who are just starting their journey?

Trust your own feelings. Be honest with yourself. Even at a famous photo spot, I try to shoot from my own perspective, not just copy what others have done. I don’t want to duplicate someone else’s vision—I want to discover my own.

After you take a photo, ask yourself:“Is this really the moment I wanted to capture today?”

If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right path.

Do you ever shoot film, or only digital?

Right now, I’m all digital, but I have deep respect for film. If I ever slow down from daily shooting, I’d love to experiment with medium format film photography.

What’s your dream location to shoot outside of Japan?

I’d love to return to New York City and see how my photography perspective has changed since I lived there as a student.