Shining Passion: A Momentary Art Captured by Makiko Taguchi

Exploring the ephemeral beauty of Japanese fireworks through photography

Makiko Taguchi, a seasoned photographer, has found a unique way to capture the transient beauty of Japanese fireworks. Using the night sky as her canvas, she captures these fleeting moments, creating works of art that will never be replicated. The strength of her design lies in the conflict between the momentary and the eternal, a concept that is beautifully encapsulated in her photographs.

Taguchi's process involves shooting in Digital RAW format, followed by adjustments in brightness, color, and contrast using Adobe Lightroom. The technical specifications of her design include digital photos with a resolution of 4896 x 3264 pixels, taken with a Panasonic LUMIX TZ60. Despite the advanced technology, the essence of her work lies in the pursuit of natural beauty drawn in an instant.

The project, which took place in Hokkaido, Japan, in August 2014, presented a unique challenge for Taguchi. She wanted to demonstrate that the medium of expression, whether film or digital, or the type of camera used, does not limit the potential for artistic expression. This belief led to the creation of her award-winning work.

Taguchi's work is not just about capturing an image; it's about predicting and calculating the composition of the fireworks, timing the shutter release, and adding a touch of serendipity or divine playfulness. The result is a photograph that resembles Japanese lacquerware with gold leaf, a testament to the original color of the fireworks and the sparks that remain in the night sky.

Taguchi's dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed. Her design, "Shining Passion," was awarded Silver in the A' Photography and Photo Manipulation Design Award in 2017. This prestigious accolade is given to designs that exhibit outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.