I Had to Photograph TAO

TAOHajime-san had photographed me a few times for fashion magazines, and we'd also had dinner together privately a few times.

SawatariStylist Sonia Park was very fond of TAO, and we did three or four fashion shoots together with Sonia.

TAOThen one day, Hajime-san suddenly called me.

SawatariIn late June to July of this year, Sonia held "Nadia with White Exhibition," inspired by a girl named Nadia from my debut work. I met TAO again at the opening of that exhibition, and that's when I decided on this shoot.

TAOThe white outfit I'm wearing today was also made by Sonia, and I wear it in the photo book as well.

SawatariActually, the initial plan was a joint exhibition with Daido Moriyama-san, whom I deeply respect, and I was pondering what to photograph. That's when I thought, "I have to photograph TAO."

I'm So Glad You Chose Me

TAOI was able to check the photos that were taken, but this is my first time seeing them in a gallery like this. All I can say to Hajime-san is "Thank you." I'm truly glad I did this.

SawatariTo hear that from TAO, the subject, gives all the meaning to everything I shot.

TAOActually, during the shoot, Hajime-san asked me to be completely nude. At that moment, I wasn't sure if I could commit and considered refusing. I thought it would be okay if he disliked me, and I even worried that my agency's president might abandon me...

SawatariYou were troubled then, weren't you?

TAOA woman's nude body is beautiful, and if it weren't me, I could have honestly said "beautiful." But this is my own body, and even if he said "beautiful" or "very good," I couldn't process it; I lost my composure. However, seeing it today, even though it's only been a few months since the shoot, I feel it was worthwhile. As more time passes, I believe it will become even more precious. I'm truly grateful that my opinions were considered, and I'm so happy you chose me.

SawatariHaving this kind of experience will undoubtedly have a positive impact on your work as a model.




TAO Official Blog
http://ameblo.jp/okamoto-tao/