This week on the Prodibi Pixel Magazine, we go to Tokyo, Japan, to meet with the prolific photographer Akiomi Kuroda.
Working as a commercial photographer since 2016, Akiomi is also known for his beauty and portrait photographs for which he has received many photo awards.
Let's discover his work through stunning photos in full resolution powered by Prodibi!
A few words about you, how did you start photography?
I was born and brought up in Tokyo, Japan. So I am the type of man who doesn’t prefer nature, I appreciate the city atmosphere at one hundred percent. When I was in my late twenties, I bought my first DSLR camera for some trips I had planned. So initially, it was just for some trips I was taking. I had enjoyed photography previously but it was always for fun, as a hobby, I never enjoyed it in an artistic way.
In 2014, I had a chance to exhibit some of my images in a portraiture exhibition, and it was at that time that I realized how many people are addicted to photography. They inspired me so much, and it’s the reason why I became a photographer myself.
Can you briefly explain your creative process for a great beauty shot?
I have never thought about my photography has great, but thank you for the compliment. Actually, when I imagine the idea of a beauty shot, it’s mostly from a curiosity standpoint with the lighting and retouching. I always want to be surprised by the result of the shooting. You can expect the result of a beauty shot depending on how you have planned the lighting and makeup, that's why I try to go over my expectation.
Any advice for beginners who want to start beauty photography?
My advice is simple, shoot a lot and with a lot of preparation and thinking. It’s okay if you don’t have a wonderful idea, just shoot. But you need to think a lot about the reason why your set-up is like this, why you use this gear, why you set the light there, etc.
Are you inspired by the work of other photographers or directors, painters?
Yes. I get inspiration from some photographers and painters such as Edward Hopper, David Fincher, Gregory Crewdson, Nick Knight. But in beauty fields, I don’t know who inspired me.
Is there someone in the world you dream to photograph or a particular goal you wish to reach?
Hmmm. Maybe Lily Collins, Rooney Mara, and Daniel Day-Lewis. They are my heroes.
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About your photography gears, what are your favorite tools?
Leica M. I have some mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, but my favorite camera is the Leica M. I don’t know why I love it so much, but it works for me very well and I shoot a lot with it.
Do you have projects for the future like workshops, personal series?
I don’t have special projects. I just have some on-going series, not only beauty series though. Mostly in fine-art and portraiture fields. I wish you'll see my other series some day somewhere.
To see more from Akiomi:
His Website
Instagram page
Facebook page
Youtube Channel
All photographs copyright Akiomi Kuroda and used with his permission.
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