Takashi Hanasaka and ZIZO have been active as photographers in the snowboarding scene for about 20 years with their unique characters.The two of them are actually the same age, 2 years old in the 1976s.After about 40 years as a snowboard photographer (20th year in the 2016-17 season), we asked them about the snowboarding scene they saw through the camera and each other's snowboarding life.
How long have you been two photographers and snowboarders?
Takashi Hanasaka (H): I started snowboarding when I was about 16 years old, so I think I've been snowboarding for about 23 years. What about ZIZO?
ZIZO (Z): I've been in the first year of high school, so my snowboarding history is almost the same.
H: I've been a cameraman for a few years longer, maybe next season will be the 20th anniversary.That's about it because I started getting a photography job in a few years after I entered university.
Z: I'm about the same.By the time I went to America, Hana had already got a job.
Is your first encounter in America?
H: Yeah, when I first met him in America, he said, "I'm longing for Mr. Hanasaka!" I remember lol
Z: There was a laugh. The part I was longing for Hana wasn't the part where I could speak English, but the part where I was able to connect with overseas riders and take pictures.That was ideal for me.I think it was Whistler for the first time, but ...
H: Chige, Hood, lol Summer camp.It was the first time I met him, so I remember clearly lol
How old were you when you first met each other?
H: Maybe when I was 20 or 21 years old.
Z: When I first met, I think I knew by looking at a picture of Hana in a snowboard magazine.I didn't know any Japanese photographers at that time, but lol
H: I didn't know at all at that time.Giri, maybe Maru (Dice-K)
Z: I didn't even know Maru-san at that time lol
Did you look at overseas photos more often than in Japan?
H: That's right.That's because I saw a cool photo of snowboarding.
Z: Andi Wright and Chris.At that time, when I went to America, they took pictures normally.I was more attracted to the cameramen who are working overseas than in Japan.That was Hana.I was more envious of the name Takashi Hanasaka and the fact that he was working with an overseas rider rather than the photo.At that time, I was superior, or rather, I was already doing what I wanted to do.You saw it as a rival.
H: No, I'm not a rival, so lol
Z: For example, lol
When did you start to be aware of each other as cameramen?
H: I was consciously wandering around with my camera.The photos are full of anxiety.And this is my personality.I was sick when I saw it.But when you hit it, you hit it lol
Z: Parents!Lol
H: Maybe I saw it like that ... lol By the time ZIZO was active as a cameraman, I was working on video.When the number of magazines was running low.
Z: I first saw Hana's photos on the street.
H: How long have you been talking about?I don't even remember myself lol
Z: I wonder if that was the case.I'm wondering what kind of equipment you are using on the street.So, I used the same thing, and I felt sympathy there.At that time, only Hi-See and Hana were using strobes.
Movie, LB series latest work Teaser by Takashi Hanasaka
What is the cool thing that the two of you have in common?
Z: It was really cool that the picture of McDow was on the cover of a magazine.
H: That's right.McDow, I had a chance to shoot over there and it was a really good experience.That was the peak at that time.As a rider and a filmer, I had a longing for McDow.It's unforgettable since I was called to shoot there and the photo was used on the cover.
Z: And at that time, I'm Rio.Actually, at that time, I went to the video instead of the photo, lol RED EYE, so there was a time when I was away from the photo for a while.Because of that, I don't have much history of posting photos.
McDow "The Resistance" that the two were strongly influenced
What are the criteria for taking pictures of two people?
H: You're a completely cool rider.Take a picture of a person.That's because if money isn't involved, no rider who doesn't want to shoot will shoot.
Z: I also want to shoot the rider.I think some of today's cameramen are shooting in the field.Some people are shooting powder, street, and other scenes.
H: There aren't many places where you can show good pictures, like magazines and other things.Also, I wonder if it's modern that there are too many details.I think it's also great that ordinary people can improve.Until now, there was only paper media, and it was all composed of works by professionals.Now, SNS is full of photos and videos, and amateurs are starting to take the initiative in S.There are times when the value has diminished.
Z: That's right.
Both of them are firmly connected to overseas riders, but how did you connect?
H: First of all, live together.It's just a matter of going where they are and talking to them.
Z: I didn't have the courage to talk.Anyway, nori.
H: Starting from talking to someone and getting to know each other
Z: Gradually, gradually.
H: In my case, I would give something I took.They acknowledged that they are doing it year after year.From a normal point of view, it seems like you're doing something really difficult.
Z: Maybe I originally liked foreigners.I entered because I wanted to shoot it.I didn't think it was hard at all because I liked it.
H: I'm a cameraman, so I'm only thinking about how to shoot that rider.
ZIZO is perfectly connected to the AIR BLASTER team. Participated as a cameraman during the JAPAN trip.Appeared in a rainy day riding part?
What do you think of each other?
Z: Hana has respect for herself.See it as a selfish rival.Is it a rival or is it enviable?
H: Actually, you don't meet in such a mountain.In the old days, there was a place called Hood's camp.There are 1-2 events in almost a year.
Z: In the old days, I was worried about who I was shooting when I went to Hood.I'm shooting AIR BLASTER and Hood riders.I thought it would be nice when Hana took a picture of MACK DAWG.There is no such thing now.But I think it's amazing that I continue to work in English over there.After that, Hana is good at rounding up the rider.I wonder if it's good to make you feel that way.It ’s good to take a girl lol
H: I thought I was doing my best at ZIZO.I took pictures of the music from the middle, and it was amazing to have a photo book.
Z: I was the one who chose the sound source of RED EYE.Music also came in because of snow.I think music and snowboarding are connected.
Finally, a message for the next generation
H: I think it's about moving around.In my case it was there.Whether you're a cameraman or a rider, you're moving closer to the ideal of being the person you admire.Make sure you plan yourself.After that, don't end up with strange self-sufficiency.Don't be fooled by the number of likes.
Z: Nori and momentum!The rest is how much self-satisfaction you can do.I wonder if I will open a new door with a focus on my own expression.I think I will continue to express myself in my own way.I will never stop and I can't stop
H: If you quit, it will be a metamorphosis for free lol
Takashi Hanasaka PRO FILE
Maverick in the industry.Based in California, USA, he continues to release the shutter in search of the essential coolness of snowboarding.In recent years, he has produced the LB series, which expresses the coolness of snowboarding with images. He has a deep connection with overseas riders including GBP and SMOKIN.
ZIZO PRO FILE
A popular photographer with his unique character.Not only snowboarding, but also music and LIVE photos are taken vigorously. The AIR BLASTER team has released a signature T-shirt with a caricature of ZIZO, which is recognized as a family.Recently, one child's dad debuted.
To Be Continued ...
