Kazuhito Hirai
PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris 2025 – Non-Professional First Place Winner in Special – The Third Man
Why is it called The Third Man? What inspired the title ?
The title is borrowed from the 1949 b&w movie by Orson Welles, a movie that has meant a lot to me.
I also consider myself a triangle of three roles; the man I am in this world, the silent, observing photographer, and last but not least my own shadow. The photo features all three sides of me. Like myself, the man in the photo is quiet, looking down, minding his own business, and paying no attention to the world around him, and followed by his own shadow.
In your images, how do you think shadow, silhouette, and negative space function as storytelling tools?
In photography, shadow, silhouette, and negative space are incredibly powerful storytelling tools. In this photo, I have deliberately removed the identity of the subject. This can convey emotions, create atmosphere, and shape a narrative even without the need for explicit details. Depending on the eyes that see, the viewers are maybe left with more questions than answers to the story.
Do you ever engage (verbal or nonverbal) with your subjects, or do you always maintain distance? How do you feel about that boundary?
I am an introvert, minimalistic person, so keeping myself in the shade, observing from a distance, is quite natural for me. Please note that none of my images are prearranged, I always take pictures spontaneously. The man in the photo was actually there, I was on the other side of the street when I saw him. The only time I might engage with my subjects, is when I take portraits, but even then, I try to be as neutral and invisible as possible. I do not want to disturb the mind of the subject, so I leave it up to the subject to engage. The only exception is when I meet children. Their spontaneous behavior are impossible to avoid.
Winning the Special Photographer of the Year title at PX3 is a major honor. What does this recognition mean to you?
I am honored to receive the recognition among so many talented photographers. It inspires me to continue to take pictures, and to always look for the unique perspective and little details that capture my eyes. With that said, I have to admit that it gives me a really good feeling to be acknowledged by others who shares the same kind of passion.
Many thanks to the members of the jury who appreciated my work. For more of my work, please visit @kazuhito_hirai_photography
In your opinion, what is the role of street photography today?
I am unsure how to define street photography, it embraces widely. In a way, the obvious purpose of street photographing has always been, and always will be, to document, or to tell a story of what is going on here and now. It tends to embrace imperfection and spontaneity, capturing real-life moments that are sometimes messy, awkward, or beautifully imperfect. Life is not always beautiful, but a good street photographer can find poetry and beauty everywhere.