Kylie Giggins
@kylie.giggins
As the modern world continues to evolve, are we starting to lose tradition and culture or is it intrinsically cemented in the Japanese way of life. Will modern life continue to evolve around this ingrained culture or will it push aside the traditions of Japan to make way for a faster, more modern way of life. 2016 Kylie P Giggins
My name is Kylie and I am a 41-year-old Mother and married to Anthony. I am a primary and high school trained Japanese teacher and part-time photographer. I am passionate about travel, photography and life. I love to document every day life with my family and our adventures and thrive on the natural high that photography gives me.
At the age of 13 my parents gave me the opportunity to travel as part of a school group to Japan. I quickly learnt that not only was culture diverse between countries, but within countries it was evident that diversity was seen with modern and traditional culture. Early on I had a deep desire to learn language so I could become more immersed in a culture when I travelled.
I love to people watch but as I developed my skills as a photographer, I have learnt that the view through my camera gives me a new perspective in what I see. It provides an opportunity to tell a story through a single image that encapsulates life, culture, tradition, religion and change.
I am passionate about Japan but there is something inside of me that desires to go beyond just being a tourist. I want to learn about a countries people, their industry, the evolution of life and culture as they know it. It motivates me to get up before the hustle and bustle of the day starts and see what happens in those early hours of the morning. To stop amongst the crowds and observe what is going on in the busyness of everyday life. This desire has provided me with an opportunity to see elderly people in Japan sweeping the streets and parks of Japan before the day begins for everyone else. It has allowed me to see Tokyo dancers and entertainers returning home as the sun is rising after a big night out. It has provided me the opportunity to see a Maiko’s face strained as she tries to find her way through the crowd to reach her taxi and how tourism has impacted on an ageing tradition.
My dream is to become a travel journalist and continue to evolve and learn about Japan, it's people and culture.