Inspiration and Concept Development

For this project, I was inspired by how cherry blossoms in Japanese culture stand for the shortness and beauty of life. I looked at the work of photographers like Nobuyoshi Araki and Photoguiderjapan, who captures the delicate and short-lived beauty of cherry blossoms, and Rinko Kawauchi, who is known for her soft and thoughtful photos of everyday life. I wanted my photos to make people think and feel a gentle sense of nostalgia. I also paid attention to how modern nature photographers use color and composition to show the difference between nature and people.

To develop my idea, I tried using natural light, bright colors, and different ways of framing the photo to show both the beauty and the temporary nature of cherry blossoms. I experimented with adding people, especially children, to show a connection between the short life of the flowers and the innocence of childhood. I also tried taking photos of just the blossoms against the sky to give a feeling of timelessness and renewal.

Photo 1

In the first photo, there are three children wearing matching bright blue outfits standing under a cherry blossom tree. Their playful poses and happy faces are very different from the soft, delicate blossoms above them. The bright blue of their clothes stands out against the light pink and white flowers, making the photo feel lively and energetic. Natural daylight makes everything look fresh and clear. The way the children are arranged—one reaching up, one smiling at the camera, and one standing quietly—shows different ways people connect with the world, just like the different stages of the cherry blossoms’ life. The yarn balls they are holding add a fun and innocent touch, reminding us of childhood and the passing of time1.

Photo 2

The second photo focuses only on the cherry blossoms, set against a bright blue sky and green pine trees. There are no people in this photo, so the attention is all on nature. The blossoms, in full bloom, fill the top right of the picture, while the clear blue sky takes up most of the background, giving a feeling of openness and possibility. The green pine trees add depth and make it feel like nature is always there, even as the cherry blossoms come and go. The photo feels calm and balanced, inviting viewers to pause and think about the beauty and shortness of the moment.

Photo 3

In the third photo, you see a group of people walking up and down a set of stone steps under blooming cherry blossom trees. There is a large wooden torii gate in the center, which shows this is likely the entrance to a shrine or temple. The cherry blossoms frame the top of the image, their white and pink petals standing out against the green and yellow trees in the background. Bright red lanterns on either side of the stairs add a strong pop of color and help guide your eyes toward the center. Overhead, black power lines cut across the sky, mixing modern life with traditional scenery. The people in the photo, some wearing masks, show a mix of ages and give a sense of daily life continuing beneath the fleeting cherry blossoms. The photo captures a moment where nature, tradition, and everyday life all come together.

Photo 4

The fourth photo shows people walking along a path in a park, surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom. The branches stretch across the top of the image, creating a canopy of light pink flowers. Two people in dark coats walk side by side under an umbrella, while others with umbrellas are seen further down the path, making it look like the cherry blossoms are starting to fall. The path curves gently, bordered by wooden railings and lush green bushes, leading the viewer’s eye into the scene. The mix of umbrellas and blooming trees gives the photo a peaceful, calm feeling, and the soft, natural lighting makes the colors look fresh and gentle. This image highlights the beauty of everyday moments spent in nature, even on a rainy day, and shows how people continue to enjoy the cherry blossoms despite the weather.

Theme:

My main goal was to use these photos to show how time passes quickly, using cherry blossoms as a symbol. In Photo 1, the way the children interact with the blossoms shows how people and nature are connected, and the bright colors and real expressions bring a sense of joy and living in the moment. In Photo 2, the focus on the blossoms and sky encourages viewers to quietly think about the cycles of nature. Together, these photos show both the lively and quiet sides of cherry blossoms.

I think I have explored the theme well by showing both the human and natural sides of things that don’t last forever. The first photo captures a fun, short moment, while the second gives a peaceful, timeless feeling.

Decisions and Research:

When choosing how to display these photos, I thought about the feelings each one gives. For Photo 1, I would show it in a bright, well-lit area to bring out the energy and colors, making people feel the moment. For Photo 2, I would use a simple display with lots of empty space so viewers can focus on the calmness and details of the blossoms. When I looked at Japanese photography and nature exhibits, I found that showing images with different moods together can help people think more deeply about the idea of things changing over time.

Personal Aspect of the Work:

This project is personal to me because I am interested in how short moments—whether in nature or in life—can make us think deeply. Cherry blossoms remind me of the cycles in my own life, and the children in the first photo show the innocence and wonder of seeing these cycles again with each new generation. Through these photos, I share my feelings about both the happiness and sadness that come with seeing time pass.

What I Hope Viewers Will Understand:

I hope viewers will notice the balance between happiness and the idea that nothing lasts forever in these photos. The first photo encourages people to enjoy the present, while the second makes them think about the cycles of nature. I want people to reflect on their own experiences with time and to see the beauty in both things that are brief and things that last.

Future Improvements:

If I had more time, I would try to take photos of the cherry blossoms at different stages—when they are just buds, in full bloom, and when the petals are falling—to show the whole cycle more clearly. I would also experiment with different lighting, like taking photos at sunrise or sunset, to create different feelings, and maybe add elements like wind or rain to show time passing even more.

Connecting to My Vision:

Statement of Intent: By showing how quickly time passes through cherry blossoms, I want to make my audience think and reflect. These delicate flowers, with their short but bright bloom, are a strong reminder of the cycle of life and time. My photos show different stages of cherry blossom growth—from buds to full bloom to falling petals. I will look at how photographers use lighting, composition, and tone to capture the short-lived beauty of nature and show the passing of time.