Kenji S
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Japan, where I work as a full-time electronic engineer. I have a passion for traveling and I always have my camera with me where I thoroughly enjoy capturing photos of my surroundings.
Before I even knew it, I had become deeply engrossed in photography, investing in higher-quality cameras and lenses, and actively pursuing it. I can confidently say that photography has evolved beyond being a mere hobby for me!
2. Where did you study photography?
I am a photographer who acquired my skills through self-teaching, studying books, and closely examining the works of my favourite professional photographers.
3. What equipment do you use?
I own several cameras and ten lenses. I now mainly use the following:
Camera: Sony A7RIV.
Lenses: Carl Zeiss Batis 18mm F2.8, Tamuron 180mm F3.5 MACRO.
4. What do you hope to achieve?
My aspiration is for my photos to resonate with a wide audience and evoke various emotions and reactions.
5. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
I find that the simple, honest and heartfelt compliments are what touches me the most. I feel the most happiest when people tell me they are moved by my photography. For instance, just looking at my work, tears of joy start welling up or they feel calm and have a peace of mind. Some tell me that they get inspired, motivated and even feel stronger to brace life.
It's truly mesmerising how powerful a photo can be!
6. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Evanescence, sentiment and beauty.
7. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
First off, thank you so much indeed. I am so thrilled and it means so much that the glimpse of my beloved beautiful country of Japan gets to be seen by so many from all over the world. This distinction and honour encourages and continues to inspire me to hone photography skills for many more years.
8. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 London Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
I have come to really love landscape photos because I get to capture the moment that I will never get to see again. After all, that’s the beauty of the photography, right?
9. How has winning an award developed your career?
It reassures me that my work touches others the way I hope and aim, and that's a wonderful thing!
10. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
The best way to improve your skill is to simply enjoy taking photos and then you slowly yet surely get better skills.
11. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Always believe that the persistence pays off. Always.
Besides that, I believe it's important to get to know your subject or the place really well (I mean, really well). This way, you can figure out when and how it looks most beautiful for a perfect capture.
12. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
To a certain extent, I get the information and knowledge on the net, SNS, photo magazines, etc., but I’m not really too hung up on it to be honest.
