Using Ichigo Ichie to Develop Your Photography Eye

As designers, we’re constantly on the lookout for beauty, whether it’s in the perfect piece of furniture, a beautifully styled room, or the texture of a hand woven rug. However, when it comes to photography, we often wait for those "wow" moments—like a stunning sunset, a flower in bloom or a vibrant rainbow—to pull out our cameras and capture the scene.

Capturing an image of natural beauty is great for likes on comments on social media.  However, if you really want to improve your photographic eye, I want to tell you about the concept of Ichigo ichie.

What is Ichigo Ichie?

Ichigo ichie is a Japanese concept that translates to "one time, one meeting" or "one encounter, one opportunity."  It's the idea that each moment is unique and never to be repeated. It reminds us to appreciate the present moment, as each encounter or experience is fleeting and will never happen again in the same way. This idea invites us to be more present in our surroundings —helping to develop a keener eye for capturing beauty in even the simplest of things.

Seeing the Beauty in Everyday Moments

Instead of waiting for grand scenes like sunsets or dramatic skies, Ichigo ichie encourages one to embrace the beauty of ordinary moments.This concept applies to photography because it teaches that even the simplest things can become the focus of truly stunning photos.

Tips for Embracing Ichigo Ichie in Your Photography

1. Slow Down and Observe

Start by slowing down and truly observing the world around you. When you're out on a walk or working on a design project, take a moment to look at the details. Is there something in the scene that catches your eye? It might be the reflection in a puddle or the delicate lines of a tree branch against the sky. It’s these small, seemingly insignificant details that, when captured thoughtfully, can transform into a powerful image.

Walking along a seawall, I noticed a drainage pipe sticking out of the wall under the water. A shot of a water drainage pipe may seem ordinary at first, but the lines and shapes can create a striking composition when captured in a unique way. I stood for awhile taking it all in. Never again would I experience this unique, moment in time, again. 

Lots of people were walking on this seawall and I didn't see one other person look down and appreciate the unique beauty was that right below them. This is what is so wonderful about Ichigo ichie. It reminds us to take a moment, be present, and with the camera, we can preserve this single moment in time forever.

2. Focus on Patterns and Textures

Ichigo ichie encourages us to see beauty in the unremarkable. Look for patterns and textures that are all around you. The patterns in a crumbling wall, the textures of a fabric, or the way light plays across a surface can all be incredibly captivating when viewed through the lens of your camera.

I'm sure no one besides myself saw the beauty in this manhole cover with the cigarette butt acting like an exclamation point.

3. Frame Your Subject Creatively

Instead of just snapping a photo of something interesting, try experimenting with different angles or compositions. Change your perspective by shooting from above, below, or through objects. This will allow you to see the world in new ways and highlight details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Use the technique of framing to draw attention to certain aspects of your shot, creating a sense of focus that directs the viewer’s eye toward the subject you want to highlight. While sitting at a bar enjoying a glass of wine I noticed an interesting pattern on the glasses behind the bar. 

The image above was the exact view from my seat....not very intriguing, yet with thoughtful cropping, I created the image I wanted to capture.

4. Use Natural Light

Natural light can work wonders when capturing beauty in everyday objects. Whether it’s the soft, warm light of early morning or the cooler tones of the afternoon, light adds a layer of depth and mood to your photos. When you take the time to appreciate and observe the play of light on everyday objects, you'll start to notice how it enhances textures, shadows, and colors in unexpected ways.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Finally, apply the concept of mindfulness to your photography. Rather than rushing through your photos, take the time to truly connect with the moment. Think about what you're trying to capture and why it resonates with you. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight hits a leaf, or the interesting details of an industrial pipe juxtaposed with nature. Approach your subject with curiosity and an open mind, and the world will reveal its beauty in ways you may not have seen before.