1Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I'm a British-Japanese photographer and illustrator from Brooklyn, New York. I'm always on the hunt for rare shots, and I love to snap slices of life and the world around us, bringing my images to life through storytelling, and illustration techniques - playing with composites, scale, colour and lighting - to create vibrant and colourful scenes that capture our escapist fantasies for travel.
2Where did you study photography?
I’m self-taught. I got my first SLR when I lived in Japan when I was 19, where it was cheap to develop film. I always loved to snap photos of my friends and community and just experimented through trial and error. I got my first drone 8 years ago, and loved learning how to fly and how the new tool opened up lots of avenues to capture photos from new perspectives.
3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
My first shots were with my parent’s compact camera - pictures of my family usually while travelling in Japan.
4What equipment do you use?
Today I use a Mavic 3 Pro for aerial photography and a Sony A73 for ground work.
5What do you hope to achieve?
At the end of the day, I want to capture images that are unique, rare, highlight different angles or perspectives, and conjure a mood or feeling. Even better, if it's something you enjoy looking at immersively over time.
6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I think any kind of compliment is great to hear, and helps you stay motivated and gives you feedback that people might enjoy the same aspects of your work as you.
7What inspires your unique storytelling?
In my work, I aim to capture images that are playful, warm and delightful and importantly I try to capture rare or alternative perspectives that only a drone can capture. I also illustrate and a lot of inspiration for my style comes from illustration and animated film and Japanese art and photography which often approaches the same medium with different values.
8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Vibrant, uplifting, and playful.
9Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
It's a fantastic feeling to have my work recognised by such an illustrious creative body. I'm thrilled to be noticed among some amazing photographers across the world and am excited to continue sharing in the future.
10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
A few of my photos received recognition. In "Spa at Saturnia," I wanted to capture the lovely nature of Italian locals basking in the early morning sun, in a very special and unique landmark. In the edit, I focused on drawing out the vibrant and warm vibes of the place and I chose this image because I love images with lots of groups of different people experiencing the same thing at the same time. Dozens of conversations and moments about the same thing are captured in one moment.
In "A Face in the Dunes," this was a photo I entered last minute. As I went back through my hard drives of photos, I originally had the photo cropped in a different way. Un-cropping the photo, I noticed how the peaks and valleys in the sand dunes created a very clear distinct face. It was a shock to find this treasure having missed it before and instantly felt like I had fortunately captured something very unique not fully realizing it at the time.
11How has winning an award developed your career?
It's lovely to be officially recognised for my work and to gain some form of feedback from well-established photographers. It's inspired me to continue pursuing photography and fine art and it has led to calls or inquiries from press and private commissions.
12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Sebastien Nagy, Brad Walls, and Hugo Healy.
13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
To not overthink the edit, and go with imagery I like to get my work out there, and not to be too concerned about perfection.
14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Just get snapping and enjoy the learning journey, and definitely experiment and stay persistent!
15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Persistence! Although I think if you enjoy it stay in that energy and in the zone when you find it!
16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
I spend a lot of time on YouTube and looking for inspiring photos on Instagram to give me new ideas for things and images I'd like to shoot. The challenge is finding the time to do everything!
17Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Just a heartfelt thanks for taking the time to check out my work, it means a lot!
