Interview with Tomoaki Katsuba | A Multi Award-Winning Photographer Capturing the Livelihood of Human Lives

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Blooming Sanctuary, A Rustic Getaway
Blooming Sanctuary, A Rustic Getaway by Yewu Design Studio
June 25, 2024

Tomoaki Katsuba

Tomoaki Katsuba is a multiple award-winning Japanese photographer based in Hong Kong S.A.R., focusing on photographing the allure of nature, the grandeur of human ingenuity, and the livelihood of human lives around the world since 1998. Through his artwork, he aims to transform everyday scenes into extraordinary visual narratives, imbuing a profound sense of mood and emotional depth.

1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?

I am a Japanese photographer based in Hong Kong S.A.R.. My photography journey began when I purchased my first SLR camera in 1998 to record my overseas travels. It was merely a hobby until I started offering professional photography services in late 2018.

While my photography services are mainly business and branding portraits, my artistic endeavours primarily focus on capturing landscapes, cityscapes, and streets that have deeply inspired me across the globe.

Through my artwork, I aim to transform everyday scenes into extraordinary visual narratives, imbuing a profound sense of mood and emotional depth.

2Where did you study photography?
When I was a hobbyist photographer, I did not study photography as I wasn't interested in techniques. Since I decided to start offering professional photography services, I have taken a series of physical workshops as well as online courses led by world-class photographers.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
A cityscape of Perth, Australia from a hill around mid-day.
4What do you hope to achieve?
One day, I would like to have my exhibitions and gallery around the world.
5What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Someone once told me that he could stare at my work for hours and not get bored. It was a touching comment from someone who appreciates my work.
6What inspires your unique storytelling?
The allure of nature, the grandeur of human ingenuity, and a mixture of both.
7What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Creative, Emotion, and Mood.
8Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you. I am extremely honoured and happy to receive the awards. This encourages me to pursue this path further, improving my skills and inspiring others.
9Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

Slovenia was one of my priority destinations for photography since I had come across its incredible scenery captured by one of my favourite photographers, Mr. Piotr Skrzypiec. However, I couldn't visit there until last December due to the global pandemic.

In Dec 2023, I was fortunate enough to be guided by Piotr himself across Slovenia and to capture its incredible landscape. It was one of the best moments of my photography journey.

The scenes I captured were taken on an ordinary winter morning in Slovenia with a sea of clouds covering the terrain. As time passed, the clouds moved gracefully, the sun lit the clouds and terrain gently in beautiful colours, and what was beneath the clouds kept appearing and hiding from the clouds.

All those came together to create extraordinary scenes that made me speechless.

10Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.

Street Photography: Fan Ho

Landscape Photography: Piotr Skrzypiec

11What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Set a specific goal through photography and identify the most efficient and effective way to achieve it. Focus on what part of photography positively affects you to maintain your perseverance.
12What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Define what success is so that we can identify the most efficient and effective way to achieve it. Then all we need is perseverance.

Tomoaki Katsuba

Tomoaki Katsuba is a multiple award-winning Japanese photographer based in Hong Kong S.A.R., focusing on photographing the allure of nature, the grandeur of human ingenuity, and the livelihood of human lives around the world since 1998. Through his artwork, he aims to transform everyday scenes into extraordinary visual narratives, imbuing a profound sense of mood and emotional depth.


Read about the interview with Julianne Rose | An Australian Photographer with 30 Years of Capturing Moments in Paris here.

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