I remember the day that I joined KAGE quite vividly. I was in awe. I was in awe that I got to join a group of like-minded people that I not only looked up to as a photographer, but that I actually idolized somewhat.
I still cannot believe that I get to interact with my KAGE brothers and sister(s) on a regular basis. To get feedback and inspiration from people that I truly admire is a gift that I’m very thankful for everyday.
But what happened over the course of these past years, is that the interaction grew to an almost halt. We each had way too much on our respective plates, dealing with living and staying clear from angst and depression during a very altered reality/world.
We tried to kick it into gear several times, but we were always on the backbeat. We were dragging. Not pushing.
But I think that the glow of KAGE never died. It just faded.
Now, more than ever I think the lot of us wants to see that glow spark into a burning fire. Like it once did.
I sure know I do.
At the end of 2021 I ended my ambassadorship with Fujifilm. It was a very hard decision that I simply had to make. It required me disappointing a lot of good friends in Tokyo and the rest of the world. But I have a profound belief that the friendships go deeper than my involvement in the ambassadors program.
So what I need to do with this project is a return to basics.
A return to a time when I made images for me. Just me. A time where I experimented with all sorts of brand, materials and nuances, not thinking about reviewing a piece of kit, or testing/giving feedback to developers.
I need to re-learn how to do storytelling that has my unique footprint.
How will I get there? I have absolutely no clue.
But I will wear my camera everyday - And I will chase the life around me looking for the story in the mundane.
Jonas Dyhr Rask
January 27th 2022