Ryuta Suzuki
1. Congratulations on winning in the London Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Thank you for awarding the Gold in the Nature/macro category!
I started photography around 2020. I have loved insects and flowers since I was a child, so I think I have a better idea of what makes them beautiful and fascinating than other genres.
Currently, I am trying to increase my genre of speciality as a weapon by trying Street Photography, Architecture, Fine Art, as well as insects and flowers, which are subject to be photographed depending on the season.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
Insects are seen fighting at feeding stations and other places, but they seem to get along just for that brief moment on a beautiful flower. I took this photo thinking that people are the same way.
Although I only entered one picture this time, I think the Gold Award was a great joy for me, my family, and others around me. I felt it was the perfect opportunity to let people know about me by including it on my website and introducing my past works when I hold a solo exhibition.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
First of all, something you like. Second, choose pieces that will help you remember the scene.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
I purchased a mirrorless camera for my son's entry into elementary school. I thought that a smartphone would be too far away to take pictures.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
What I like best is nature photography. Since I was a child, I loved to play outside in all weathers, especially summer, because there were so many insects. I love nature the most because I am outside a lot and have spent a lot of time seeing and touching insects and flowers.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
I think it's what I like best, so how do I make it look beautiful, cool, and memorable? What comes to mind more easily than other genres? With digital, I can release the shutter as many times as I want without fear of making mistakes, and I can go from learning to reviewing quickly.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
The Gold award winners are Flowers and Insects. I feel that many people dislike or dislike insects, so I want them to feel that the work is beautiful and not creepy.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
I wanted to have a little originality, so I didn't use a tripod, didn't do depth compositing, and didn't use strobes. Since the work is made from the very image captured by the macro lens of a full-frame camera, a thin or blurred focus plane is a learning point every time.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
It is a secluded place where flowers and insects are usually seen casually, but not paid attention to. Themes often use my emotions at the time.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
There is no specific person. However, I consider all photographers, including nature photography works, to be my source.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
It is a costly affair, and many people are not sure of their level of expertise. Let's start with just one piece, the one you like best. It is also important to take a good look at past work, which is an opinion I was given by a friend of mine.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Manners must be absolutely observed when taking pictures. However, we believe that there is no set way of doing things when it comes to photography techniques. This is because we are not shooting at the request of the photographer. Unless you are a commercial photographer, if you want to present your work to the world as your own, you should be free to do so.
13. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
It is indispensable. It is an important process that brings us closer to completion.
14. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
I want to photograph the air and the air around joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure.
