Interview With Ryo Utsunomiya from Japan

Hi! My name is Ryo Utsunomiya and I am a wildlife and nature photographer based in Japan.

I have loved playing in nature since I was a child, meeting animals in the forest, diving in rivers, etc. When I was in my teens and twenties, I played in a band in Tokyo and aspired to be a musician.

I started taking photos when I visited Hokkaido with my family in 2018 and felt the scale of the place and the preciousness of wildlife and life. After that, I started my photography activities in earnest around 2021.

As for photography, I am self-taught, but I draw inspiration from music, relationships, and various everyday environments. Anyway, I learned through trial and error by taking a lot of pictures, seeing them in exhibitions, and thinking about how I want to express myself each time.

In Hokkaido, there is a waterfall to which cherry salmon return in summer to spawn. There, I photographed for the first time a cherry salmon that repeatedly jumped towards the waterfall, risking its life trying to climb over it.

I remember being moved by the preciousness of life and their refusal to give up.

I am often inspired by things other than photography. For example, the sensations I gained through my musical activities, playing with and counseling children when I was a high school homeroom teacher, and my life itself has made me who I am. Some ideas come from my association with painters, craftsmen, and musicians. I believe that these daily activities appear in my work.

I think it is very important not only to seek beautiful things but also to be moved and feel various feelings yourself.

I am proud to have received this award. I remember it as a moment of recognition for my style. It encouraged me to continue my creative photographic activities.

I like beautiful situations, but I wanted to pursue something more sharp, so I'm happy to be appreciated by this award.

This year's winning entry represents me well this year.

I was inspired by wild animals. I am delighted to have received excellent recognition in both categories.

I decided to participate in this project because I wanted to try an international competition to further my artistic development.

Although we have just received the award, we believe that winning the Gold Winner in the Professional category will influence our future activities.

It is becoming clear that my photographs are internationally accepted.

Being recognized through awards is a powerful source of inspiration and motivation. It encourages us to continue to hone our creativity and seek new perspectives.

Everything is connected.

It is important to hone your skills, but more than that, it is the seemingly innocuous things around you that make you who you are.

I still remember the advice my guitar teacher gave me when I was a teenager who was serious about becoming a musician.

What you shoot is important, but perhaps even more important is that you are your work of art.

That is why it is important to have your attitude and consideration for others. Remember that you are a human being before you are a photographer, and make every effort to be one.

Work harder than anyone else.

But do not boast of your efforts.

Humility can lead to success.

I believe that your photographic ability is not determined by the performance of your camera. It is new ideas, originality, and me.