Riku Hasari
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am delighted to receive this award. I felt joy when my work was praised after sharing it on social media.
I never imagined I would grow to the point of selling printed works and holding two solo exhibitions in Tokyo over the past few years. Participating in contests has been an important part of building my portfolio and confidence.
2. Where did you study photography?
This Horsefly is carnivorous and ferocious. With its streamlined body, it moves at high speed toward its prey to capture it.
It was a tense moment, capturing its “battle-ready stance” on camera. Winning this award contributes to my track record and confidence, making this single photograph both insignificant and yet immensely significant.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I select works that I believe bring out the charm of those insects and flowers to the fullest.
4. What equipment do you use?
When I photographed flowers, several people complimented me on how skillfully I did it.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
Macro photography. There is joy in bringing a world that cannot be seen unless you look for it to those who have yet to discover it.
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
SONY ILCE-7RM3 + SEL90M28G
The peace of mind and reliability only genuine products can provide.
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
It's "Beautiful".
That's all there is to it. For those who dislike insects and the like, I want to create beauty as art—something that might help ease their feelings, even just a little.
8. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Since it's my policy not to use focus stacking, I focused on maximizing the depth of field while being careful not to end up with commonplace colors or appearances.
9. Congratulations! As the winner of the Global Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
In nature, insects, flowers, and unpredictable weather.
10. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 Global Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Nothing in particular, but photography was the medium that allowed me to express myself without hiding.
11. How has winning an award developed your career?
We especially encourage those without a foundation or track record as photographers to participate. Even just one award makes it easier to explain your work during exhibitions, and that single achievement demonstrates your recognized skill to others.
Also, to achieve results, carefully study the work of others. Then, look for areas where you can improve.
12. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
First, shoot however you like. Nothing starts without shooting, and there's nothing to be ashamed of, so just shoot.
13. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
It is essential for achieving a more polished result. It also fosters a mindset to shoot as close to the final form as possible.
14. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
It's not a bad thing at all, so I hope it can be put to good use. However, there are always those who will inevitably use it for evil, so it's a double-edged sword.
15. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
For us Japanese living in Japan, winning prizes in photo contest or competition is not a common thing. I believe there are still many places outside of Japan that we are unfamiliar with, so I wish I could go out there and photograph as much as I can while participating in photography awards like this.
16. How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
Ah! I don't use social media at all. It just makes you feel that you don't know anything. Photography is a very open art, you can achieve a masterpiece with low-budget equipment if you have a clear goal in your mind.
17. Which THREE (3) friends/peers would you nominate to participate in the next Global Photography Awards?
18. Which THREE (3) peers, within the photography industry, would you nominate to be a judge in the next Global Photography Awards? (You may include yourself within, and please include the email addresses)
19. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thanks to Global Photography Awards for the opportunity to showcase my visual stories on this global stage!
