Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

When you’re out on the city streets, you’ll inevitably run into hordes of people taking photos of everything and everyone in sight with their phones. It seems normal. But would your perspective change (pun intended) if those people were using actual cameras and not just smartphones? For some people, the difference is huge. And unsettling.

Japanese photographer Tatsuo Suzuki lost his status as a Fujifilm ambassador and a promotional video featuring him using the new X100V street photography camera got taken down (though you can still find it in some corners of YouTube).

All of this happened because some people complained about the professional’s “intrusive” and “offensive” shooting style which made them feel uncomfortable. Fujifilm also apologized for the backlash.

More info: TatsuoSuzuki.com | Instagram

Tokyo photographer Tatsuo Suzuki lost his status as a Fujifilm ambassador due to his “intrusive” shooting style

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Fujifilm also removed their video where Suzuki promoted the new X100V

Some people described the photographer’s shooting style as “offensive,” “creepy,” and “weird”

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

However, some people believed that Fujifilm should’ve stood behind their X-Photographers member. Especially since they were the ones who decided to publish the video with Suzuki in the first place.

While others were appreciative that Fujifilm admitted to their mistake. It’s still not known what exactly transpired behind the scenes between Fujifilm and Suzuki and whether there’s any bad blood between them.

Here are what some of Suzuki’s photos look like

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Here’s a video of photographer Bruce Gilden who has a similar shooting style to Suzuki

Image credits: WNYC

PetaPixel compared Suzuki to well-known photographer Bruce Gilden. He’s known for walking up to strangers, pointing his camera and flash into their faces, and taking their photos without asking for permission.

Gilden shoots in New York which has a different culture than Tokyo. What’s more, Gilden’s actions are most commonly described as “obnoxious” and “brash.” While Suzuki’s shooting style sometimes gets called “creepy” and “weird.”

What do you think of Suzuki’s shooting style?

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Image credits: No.J工場

Now that you’re done reading and watching the video, dear Pandas, let us know what you think of the photographer’s shooting style. Do you agree that it’s too intrusive? Do you believe Fujifilm did the right thing by pushing the photographer away? Does art have to follow all social conventions?

Some people expressed their dislike for what the photographer does

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Despite the controversy, other internet users rushed to defend the photographer

Japanese Photographer Lost His Fujifilm Ambassador Status Because Of His “Offensive” Shooting Style

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

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As a Visual Editor at Bored Panda, I indulge in the joy of curating delightful content, from adorable pet photos to hilarious memes, all while nurturing my wanderlust and continuously seeking new adventures and interests—sometimes thrilling, sometimes daunting, but always exciting!

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What do you think ?

POST

Alia G. 4 years ago

they're beautiful photos, but no one should be recorded without their consent.

60points

John C 4 years ago

For argument's sake: If we're going to agree that no one should be recorded without their consent, where do security cameras fit into that?

4points

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Isaac nicholson 2 years ago

In a private environment like a house thats true, but public environments its not. In public you should expect to potentially be on camera, and even without being on camera your still showing your public appearance, your not hiding anything bc your already in public. in a private setting tho, you may do stuff you wouldn't do in public. If your in public you can be photographed and showed publically, it's the same thing with more people but you don't need to be with those people. Fun fact: in the movie called 'elf' where there's an elf named buddy, the scenes in the streets of new york have real people and not actors, including the guy all in red that looked like santa, buddy just walked up to them in public and the reaction they have is genuine.

0points

Rodrigo Silva 4 years ago

you are being recorded without consent ALL THE TIME, there is not a single street block without a handful of security cameras.

0points

K.Kobayashi 4 years ago

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ShireenAin'tWoke 4 years ago

I'm sorry but this guy is clearly a troll! Look at his face when he's taking the photos, he knows exactly what he's doing! 🤣

16points

Marcellus the Third 4 years ago

"Professional knows what he's doing" is your hot take? Sharp.

2points

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Demi Zwaan 4 years ago

There are no privacy laws in Japan?

14points

onitsuka 4 years ago (edited)

There are ALOT of privacy laws in Japan...also well established public etiquette. This type of street photography is incredibly frowned upon in Japan. Having said that, Fuji should've known what type of photographer they were signing on.

8points

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