Interview with Masahiro Okumura from Japan

BY Maizura June 27, 2024

Masahiro Okumura | MUSE Photography Awards

Masahiro Okumura

Masahiro Okumura, from syukoc.foodphoto, is a food photographer based in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, in central Japan. His photography journey began while working at a facility for the disabled that produced and sold sweets, where he started taking photos for promotional purposes.

My name is Masahiro Okumura from syukoc.foodphoto. I work as a food photographer in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, the center of Japan. I started taking photos when I was working at a facility for the disabled that was making and selling sweets, and I started taking photos for promotional purposes. Now that I have moved to a different office, I am not directly involved, but I am in charge of taking photos.

At first I was self-taught, but a few years ago I began studying with art director Kazumi Nishimoto and studying camera photography techniques.

The first thing I photographed for work was pudding. I remember taking many photos and thinking about how I could take photos that would make me feel good, even though I didn't know anything about it.

I don't use that many devices. I only have one Canon APS-C camera, one Godox MS300, a diffuser, and a reflex camera. All that's left is the wallpaper

Shoya Kubota, the photographer who inspired me to start photographing food, saw my Instagram and sent me a message. I can't put it into words, but it has greatly influenced my work as a food photographer. I still keep in touch with them and am learning a lot from them.

Think about how to organize the environment while making the food the main character. There are many cases where I decide on the accessories first and the main character later, but I always make the food the main character.

Food, image and freedom.

I think that the fact that we were able to receive acclaim at a photo exhibition where people from all over the world submit their works will be useful in our future activities.

I decided to participate because I thought that by testing my skills at an award event where photographers from all over the world participate, I would be able to understand where I am now, with the aim of working internationally.

This is still my second career, and I think it's something I'll build on in the future.

Kazutami Nishimoto and Shoya Kubota!

I've just started working in photography and don't have much experience but I'd be happy to receive advice like that in the future.

You could focus on learning the technical details of photography or just select photos you personally think feels good for you.

Success is yet to come but I am pretty excited about it!

I'm getting older, but I want to live a fulfilling life so that I can enjoy and accept new things.

I'm still in my infancy as a photographer, so I'd like to aim for even greater heights in my work.