Through the Lens of Reverence: Rintaro Ukon’s Vision of Everyday Sacredness

ICON is about transformation. By capturing Skytree through the frame of a monument, I wanted to show that what we consider ordinary can suddenly appear sacred. The work reflects my belief that photography is not only about documenting reality but also about shifting perspective, inviting people to recognize the extraordinary in their own lives.

I choose works that embody my philosophy—images that carry both technical mastery and emotional resonance. For me, a competition entry must not only impress the eyes but also reach the heart.

It was my desire to preserve the invisible “aura” of places and moments. ICON reflects that same impulse—the wish to capture what lies beyond the visible.

I regularly practice Shinto training in Japan to cultivate concentration. This discipline influences me to see things in a simpler, more essential way, which is why I also love creating conceptual works like my award-winning piece ICON. However, my greatest passion is underwater photography through freediving. For me, it is not just about using a camera, but about how I can push my skills to the limit in such a challenging environment—a pursuit that excites me deeply.

My go-to setup is the SONY α1 and the α1 II, paired with wide-angle lenses. Their ability to capture decisive moments with unmatched reliability makes them the ultimate choice for a professional. But more than that, I’ve been a Sony fan since the DSLR era. Do you remember the legendary α900? I admired that camera as a student, and ever since, I have been chasing my dreams with Sony by my side. To now stand here, holding a Category Winner of the Year honour with a Sony camera, is truly a dream fulfilled.

A realization—that even their everyday life is sacred and worth cherishing.

The greatest challenge was to capture not just the landmark, but its invisible aura. Light, timing, and framing had to align perfectly to reveal the transformation from ordinary to sacred.

Urban landscapes seen through symbolic frames inspire me most—like the moment Skytree became a sacred window in ICON.

I have spent many years as a wedding photographer, and that experience has been one of my greatest influences. Weddings taught me that what feels extraordinary for one person can become an everyday moment for another. Since then, I have felt the responsibility to keep seeking that same sense of wonder and emotion, just as my clients do on their most important day. 

This philosophy has guided me toward a life of constant exploration. It led me to embrace spiritual practices such as Shinto waterfall training and extreme challenges like underwater freediving photography. These experiences sharpen my spirit, allowing me to see beyond appearances and capture the invisible essence, as reflected in ICON.

The ocean and the mountains inspire me the most. When I return to nature, I feel both humble and renewed. The vastness of the sea and the silence of the mountains remind me of my smallness, yet also give me the strength to keep creating. Even when I photograph works like ICON in the city, the perspective I bring is shaped by these experiences in nature.

First of all, don’t hesitate to press the shutter and follow what you love. Keeping that feeling alive is the most important thing. Don’t worry about taking the “perfect” shot or about how others may see you. Just never forget the joy and excitement that rises within you when you take a photograph.

For me, editing is about refinement, not alteration. I place great importance on keeping the process simple, without relying on heavy or complex manipulation. Even in ICON, I used very few layers, focusing only on enhancing the light and perspective while preserving the essence of the scene.

When I first saw images created by AI, it felt as if the strongest rival had appeared—as if it were “humans vs. the Terminator” (laughs). But now, I feel differently. AI has actually highlighted how remarkable the time, effort, and process behind a human-made work truly are. Every human creation carries a story unique to its creator. 

That is our proof of life, our proof of humanity. AI has reminded me that people can only truly feel happiness through touching the lives and hearts of other people. That is why I continue to refine my mind, technique, and spirit to create—so that I can keep experiencing the greatest joy of being human.

I would love to photograph the “unseen windows” around the world—ordinary places that, when framed, transform into sacred icons. To do so, I know I still need to deepen my ability to truly see what is right in front of me. My journey is to cherish the everyday more deeply, to move between the ordinary and the extraordinary, and to keep traveling with that perspective.