Instant Inspiration (33) – Ichigo Ichie

I haven’t done an Instant Inspiration post in quite a while. I have written already about Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates the beauty of perfect imperfection. There’s another Japanese concept, that’s been on my mind lately—Ichigo Ichie (一期一会). It loosely translates to one time, one meeting or once in a lifetime. The idea? Every moment is fleeting, never to be repeated in quite the same way. And because of that, we should embrace it fully, be present, and take it in before it slips away. For a photographer, this philosophy is everything. Continue below for Episode 33 of my Instant Inspirations, my series for you if you look for something to overcome “Photographer’s Block” or simply want to shoot something that you have never tried, or at least not recently.

Capturing the Fleeting

Light shifts. A glance is given. A street scene unfolds and vanishes in the same breath. No moment is ever quite the same. That’s why we chase them. That’s why we shoot. Because the beauty of photography isn’t just in the technicalities—it’s in the impermanence of it all.

Presence Over Haste

It’s easy to fall into the trap of clicking away, hoping for the perfect frame. But Ichigo Ichie suggests something else: pause. Take in the scene. Feel it. Observe before pressing the shutter. Because sometimes, the act of seeing is just as important as capturing.

Perfection Isn’t the Point

Blurry, grainy, slightly off-kilter—some shots might not be technically perfect, but that doesn’t mean they lack soul. Some of the most powerful images are the ones that weren’t planned. The ones that carry emotion. The ones that could never be repeated.

The Extraordinary in the Ordinary

A child’s laughter. Light dancing through an old café window. A quiet street, empty but full of stories. The magic of photography isn’t just in grand landscapes or perfectly timed street shots—it’s in learning to see the small moments for what they are: fleeting, irreplaceable, worth noticing.

Letting Go

We all know the feeling. The shot that got away. The moment missed by a fraction of a second. But instead of frustration, Ichigo Ichie reminds us to move forward. Another moment will come. Another story will unfold. And when it does, we’ll be there, ready.

At its core, Ichigo Ichie is an invitation—to slow down, to see deeply, to appreciate every single frame life offers. Because once it’s gone, it’s gone. And that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

So get your creative juices flowing, grab your camera and do your visual push ups photographing following Ichigo Ichie philosophy.

If you look for more “Instant Inspirations”, you will find them and all my Street Photography quick tips in my free Learning Center. 

Wish you all a great Tuesday!

Marcus

Related Posts:

The Beauty of Perfect Imperfection

Soggy outside? Shoot in an exhibition!

Street Photography Quick Tip 17 – Shoot with what the sun gives you

Instant Inspiration (13)- Pictures in an Exhibition