Takuma Kimura

Takuma Kimura took up photography after being impressed by a photographer's work. He worked in an advertising photography studio for 12 years and took his first photo of a cat in his neighborhood. Takuma Kimura now loves taking photographs as works of art.

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

I love movies and wanted to become a film director. One day, I was so impressed by a photographer's photographs that I started taking photographs as works of art.

2Where did you study photography?

I worked in an advertising photography studio for 12 years. I trained there.

3Do you remember your first shot? What was it?

The first photo I took was of a cat in my neighborhood.

4What equipment do you use?

I shoot my work mainly with OM SYSTEM cameras and Fuji Film GFX.

5What do you hope to achieve?

Just as I became a photographer because I was influenced by someone else's photos, I also wanted to capture a photo that inspired someone to become a photographer.

6What compliment inspired/touched you the most?

Only you can take your pictures. Don't worry about other people's opinions.

7What inspires your unique storytelling?

Get inspiration from your favorite movies, music, and paintings.

8What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?

Curiosity, challenge, freedom.

9Congratulations! As the winner of the New York Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?

It will encourage me to create new works, and at the same time, it will allow me to aim even higher.

10Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 New York Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I wanted to shoot a piece with my model as the subject. And she wanted to disseminate her work not only to Japan but to the world.

11How has winning an award developed your career?

It will allow you to further develop your career.

12Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.

Mitsuaki Iwago, Henri Cartier-Bresson and Ed van der Elsken.

13What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?

I see myself in the photo. Don't lie to yourself when taking pictures.

14What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?

First, shoot the shutter a lot. See and be influenced by many things.

15What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Believe in yourself.

16How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?

Utilize the Internet and have your work seen by a variety of people.

Winning Entry

Wild Flower | 2023

She has the strength of a wildflower. I used dried flowers to express her way of life. ...
(Read more at New York Photography Awards)

Takuma Kimura

Read more about this article from Klaus Maria Einwanger from Germany, Silver Winner from the 2023 New York Photography Awards!

Interview With Takuma Kimura from Japan

Interview with Yue Gao and Yifeng Wang from United States

The Visionaries Behind the Vega Digital Awards 2024: Meet the Esteemed Jury

Takuma Kimura

Winning Entry

Wild Flower | 2023

Takuma Kimura