Are, Bure, Boke

I’ve always been drawn to the raw, restless energy in the work of Daido Moriyama—the way his photographs feel less like careful compositions and more like fragments of life caught in motion. His style, often described as are, bure, boke (grainy, blurry, out of focus), rejects perfection in favor of instinct, embracing harsh contrast, deep blacks, and blown-out highlights that mirror the chaos of postwar Japan. Influenced by photographers like William Klein and Eikoh Hosoe, Moriyama turned everyday streets into something electric—alleyways, stray dogs, neon signs—nothing too polished, everything alive. Growing up in Osaka and coming of age during a time of rapid cultural and economic change, he developed a fascination with the collision between tradition and modernity, often wandering cities for hours, shooting compulsively. What I love most is how his work feels immediate and unfiltered, like memory itself—imperfect, fleeting, and deeply human.

I recently sat down to create a custom, manual VSCO Pro film recipe that emulates the style and look that Daido makes so recognizeable in his work. It might not be perfect. But perfection can often lead to boredom. Similarily, Daido himself once stated, “For me, photography is not a means by which to create beautiful art, but a unique way of encountering genuine reality"

If you're interested in the settings I used to create this VSCO Pro recipe, shoot me a message or find me on Instagram @gregschmigel. Thanks for stopping by! —Greg