Interview with Takahashi Hiroto from Japan

I'm a self-taught photographer from the beginning and never learned from others.

The first one was a nondescript leaf in the park in front of my house. Even now, that photo is the first one in my data.

At first, I used a compact digital camera that I had at home but now I use a Sony full-size mirrorless.

After all, compliments from relatives and friends feed our photography activities.

None in particular.

I'm often surrounded by:

1: Gentle style.

2: Nature in its natural state.

3: Inspiring.

It will lead to my own personal growth and motivation for the future.

With this year's awards, I received a Gold Award for Brilliant Time in the Natural Landscape category and a Silver Award for Growth in the Natural Landscape Fine Art category. I entered this award because I wanted to know what level my work was at, and also as a new challenge.

I believe it has given me increased motivation and credibility as a photographer.

They are "Michiko Yone," a Japanese female landscape photographer, and Toshiki Nakanishi, a landscape photographer who was a member of the jury when I won the silver prize in a contest held by a magazine called Nippon Camera. These are the photographers I still admire and wish to become such wonderful photographers.

I may not be in a position to give much advice since I am still a novice, but what I would like to tell you is to keep going. I didn't win any awards at all at first. Sometimes I felt insecure and wanted to quit photography, but I still believed in myself and continued to take pictures with just one thought in mind, "because I love it" and this year is my 9th year.

Recently, I have finally started to receive recognition for my work. If you want to become a photographer, please don't give up! The day you are rewarded will come one day. Believe in yourself!

You have to keep going and not give up.