Hikarigaoka
Hikarigaoka is a story shot by Zoë Lena, a fashion photographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, featuring Juan Bermejo. The locations chosen are two parks in Japan: Hikarigaoka and Roppongi. The couple decided to explore the area and capture some of the personal moments on a black and white film.
The romantic mood strongly present during the photoshoot is left as behind-the-scenes nuance, while the story presents an invisible acquaintance of cultures, getting to know an unfamiliar life. The presence is of authentic nature, remaining oneself out of context, enjoying the present moment, finding peace in the time spent together.
Zoë tells about the atmosphere and the easiness with which the series was shot. The kite which didn’t make it to fulfill its purpose before darkness fell, and the saxophonist playing music in the background - contribute to the elevated feeling of a meaningful night out with a camera. Zoë remembers the most emotional part of the day, “the most memorable moment was when we shot the lights moving.” Revealing some of the additional colors, as the intention and the emotional background, emphasizes how much is left behind for the viewer to imagine.
‘We shot part of the editorial at Hikarigaoka park. It was also where Juan was living at the time, so for us, it's a very special place.’
What’s the main theme you decided to develop in this story? What is Hikariogaoka?
We shot part of the editorial at Hikarigaoka park. It was also where Juan was living at the time, so for us, it's a very special place. The other part of the shoot was at another park near Roppongi. There’s no particular theme; we tried to capture special (and personal) moments of our everyday life.
What is the symbolism for you in the kite, more precisely in the kite that wouldn’t be lifted to the skies?
It wasn't intentional. We couldn't get the kite lifted. By the time we figured it out, it was already too dark to shoot, but it turned out really nice.
Tell about your stay in Tokyo, what was the most striking cultural difference for you when compared to Buenos Aires?
I think the difference I find the most pleasant is the respect people have for each other.
What is the most memorable moment or episode from the shooting day or the preparation for it?
Maybe the most memorable moment was when we shot the lights moving. At that moment, the saxophonist was still playing, and it felt like we were in a movie.
