Atsuko MIURA
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am an artist living in Hokkaido, a northern island of Japan. Ever since I was a child, snow, frost, icicles, and ice have been near and dear to my heart.
I started photography when I raised my children. I bought an SLR camera and a telephoto zoom lens to take pictures of my children playing in the outdoors. Shortly after, I started photographing small things like spider webs and morning dew. From winter 2019, I have been photographing bubbles in ice like the award-winning work.
2. Where did you study photography?
I have never studied photography professionally but in terms of photo editing software, I learned through books, web sites, and videos on YouTube.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
It was the children that I photographed with my SLR camera. I observed the children playing in nature from a short distance away and captured their precious moments such as their innocence and of them fighting.
4. What equipment do you use?
I used the following equipments for taking the award-winning work:
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I am eager to delve deeper into this world I've uncovered and express it with greater richness, perhaps through abstract art. Additionally, I'm curious to understand the emotions and thoughts this photograph stirs in those who view it.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
The comments I received from an elderly gentleman at my private exhibition in 2020 deeply moved me. He shared a profound insight, saying, "I've kept this to myself, but I've always believed in a soul's world. I thought it was a place I'd return to after death. However, now I must say that this world exists right here among us, on the very earth we inhabit!"
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
The movement of nature, physical actions of human beings, changes occurred in my inner self, and the great movement existing behind them all.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Curiosity, impulse and love for the subject!
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
My work is unique both in the subject matter and in the way I shoot. So, I am grateful that the jury members in the London Photography Awards were interested in my work, and appreciate the high evaluation of the picture.
10. 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?
Currently, my favorite subject to capture is the captivating world of bubbles in ice. I selected my award-winning piece for its enigmatic quality, as it wonderfully broadens the horizons of my imagination.
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
I am excited to see what will happen in the future.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Hiromi Nagakura, Michael Kenna and Akio Hachinohe.
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
"You know nothing about photographic techniques, do you?
But you know what you like! There are so many people who take pictures, but few of them know what they really like. It is very important and precious to have your own world!
14. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
To be able to get carried away.
To enjoy the process itself.
