Yohei Hirano: Capturing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
Yohei Hirano, a Japanese-born artist and international student, has unveiled a captivaing new photography series in his latest portfolio work. His project features backdrops set against everyday sceneries, capturing the essence of ordinary people in a remarkable light. We sat down with Yohei to discuss the inspiration, challenges, and future plans behind his innovative work.
Inspiration Behind the Series
Moving to the United States opened Yohei’s eyes to a world of new cultures, scenes, and people. Fascinated by the individuality and carefree nature of the people around him, he wanted to capture their unique lives. Inspired by ArtU alumnus Nick Haste, who used a backdrop for a fashion shoot, Yohei applied this idea to street photography, setting up backdrops on the streets of San Francisco to highlight the context in which people live.
The magic of Yohei’s photographs lies in their authenticity. The individuals in his photos are unaware they are being captured, emphasizing the beauty of everyday life. By presenting these strangers as models, Yohei’s work celebrates the notion that every life can be a work of art with the right perspective. “These people are 100% strangers,” Yohei says. “Every time someone asks if they are staged, I feel like I achieved my goal of showing the beauty of ordinary lives.”
Creating this series was not without its difficulties. Yohei often had to position himself far from the setup, making it hard to manage the strobe light and ensure the backdrop stayed in place. With the support of his friends Mike, Dylan, and Chris, he navigated these challenges successfully. “I couldn’t have done this project without their help,” he acknowledges.
All the photos in this series were taken in various neighborhoods in San Francisco. Yohei hopes to expand his project to different cities and countries, capturing the unique essence of everyday people worldwide. After graduation, he aims to pursue a career in photography in the United States, with dreams of becoming a sports photographer for the SF Giants.
Journey to Photography
Born and raised in Tokyo with a Malaysian mother, Yohei’s multicultural background enriched his artistic perspective. Skateboarding has also played a significant role in shaping his aesthetic and helping him form connections wherever he goes. Without the means to buy a camera, he asked his parents for one on his 18th birthday. His passion for photography grew from capturing skateboarding moments to creating a photo book of his work before entering Academy of Art. “I feel that being a skater and an artist is a good combination because skaters have a unique perspective compared to non-skaters,” he says.
His favorite project to date is a photo series of motels in the U.S., inspired by a photo he saw in Japan, which led him on solo road trips through California, Nevada, and Arizona. “I intentionally picked and stayed in cheap, old, and dusty motels in small towns because I believe that is what motels are supposed to be. I hope those elements and the emptiness of a solo trip in this giant land can be conveyed to the viewers through the photos of this project,” Yohei shares.
Yohei chose ArtU after researching art schools in the United States. He was impressed by the university’s long history, industry connections, and professional facilities, he also appreciated the support for international students. He’s focused on honing his skills and establishing a unique style, hoping to become indispensable in the U.S. photography industry. “If a company interested in my work, I’m always open to opportunities,” he adds.
Yohei Hirano’s work offers a fresh and unique perspective on everyday life, capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the beauty of diverse cultures and experiences. Click the link below to see more of Yohei’s work and contact him.
