Ayumi Kawakami
1. Congratulations on winning in the European Photography Awards! Can you share a little about yourself, what inspired you to pursue photography, and how has your journey evolved since your first shot?
Born in Yokohama, I began my photography career in earnest during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst a global crisis, it was the butterflies that brought a smile to my face. Initially, I photographed them with a sense of total immersion.
More recently, however, I have come to view myself as an observer of nature’s often cruel reality, and I now shoot with the aim of capturing the true essence of these insects' lives.
2. Can you share the story or inspiration behind your award-winning piece? How does winning this award make you feel about your journey in photography?
I visited the same spot every day to study the changes in the mantis eggs, as well as the temperature and wind, eventually witnessing the very moment of their birth—the beginning of a cruel rebirth.
My ultimate goal for the year is to capture the story of these mantises, documenting their lives in a harsh world that is far from idyllic. Meanwhile, I photograph the "Chrysis" wasp—a gift from the heavens—with a smile on my face.
3. How do you decide which photo to submit for a competition?
The inspiration I felt at that moment.
4. What first made you pick up a camera?
At first, I used to go to Disneyland and take photos of my favourite characters, Chip and Dale.
5. What’s your favorite type of photography, and why do you love it?
Nature and macro photography. Nature brings me a sense of peace, and I love macro photography because it allows me to get a little closer to insects.
6. What’s your go-to camera setup, and why does it work best for your projects? What’s your favorite feature?
AF-S VR Macro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. I’ve been using the AstrHori 28mm F13 2:1 Macro Probe Lens since last year, and I love it because it lets me see a world I’ve never seen before—even if managing the lighting is a real challenge.
7. If someone looked at your work, what’s the one thing you’d want them to feel?
I want the people who see the photos to smile.
8. What was the most challenging part of capturing your winning shot?
The wait until the mantises hatched was the hardest part.
9. Is there a specific place or subject that inspires you the most?
Parks and areas rich in nature.
10. Who or what has been your biggest influence in photography?
Insects and certain mountain photographers.
11. What message would you share to inspire photographers to participate in photography awards, and what advice would you give to help them excel in the competition?
Photograph what you love with a smile. The skills will surely follow.
12. What’s one piece of advice for someone just starting in photography?
Laugh! And have fun!
13. What role do editing and post-processing play in your creative workflow?
I view editing and post-processing primarily as a means of refining an image.
However, I also work as a digital artist who creates drawings based on photographs, drawing inspiration from that very process of editing and post-processing. Inspiration lies all around us.
14. How do you see technology, like AI, influencing the future of photography and your own approach?
I believe that AI is something we coexist with. I do not think it is right to rely on it completely. AI lacks the ability to make decisions or to imagine; those are qualities that humans possess.
15. If you could photograph anything or anyone in the world, what would it be?
Everything you've never seen before!
