Interview with Atsushi Maeda
Atsushi Maeda is a professional photographer based in Tokyo, Japan. His interest in photography started in 2004 when he was still a university student.
Designer Interview
16 June 2019
I started to take photographs when I was still a university student. I found my grandfather’s camera and started to take snap shots.
I was not interested in art in particular, nor photography. However, I was attracted to the contrast of light and shadow reflected on a glass or wall that created a world of fantasy, so that made me start taking photos in black and white which stimulates my imagination.
The best part of photography to me is how to clip the image of what we see. And I became a photographer because I like that process. I never thought of becoming a photographer when I was a child.
I was not interested in art in particular, nor photography. However, I was attracted to the contrast of light and shadow reflected on a glass or wall that created a world of fantasy, so that made me start taking photos in black and white which stimulates my imagination.
The best part of photography to me is how to clip the image of what we see. And I became a photographer because I like that process. I never thought of becoming a photographer when I was a child.
ATSUSHI MAEDA PHOTOGRAPHY is a studio that specializes in commercial photography: commercial products, food and cars. However, if there is an opportunity we would like to offer a different approach, a direction that enhances the “essence” of the product.
To take a photograph is a process of capturing my feelings when I look at the object. It is a process of realizing/expressing my “senses”.
I like designing many objects and I do not have anything in particular.
Geometric patterns and combination of strong contrasts often takes time to find out what it is, yet the mysterious air triggers my imagination, so that is my favorite.
The first object I designed for a company was a Japanese cake of TORAYA, which I took at the corner of the studio.
Whether one likes it or not, digital photos are clear and complete without leaving any room for imagination. Opposed to that, the grain of analog photos gives a tone or a sense that is not perfect, thus I prefer analog films.
I feel most creative when I discover something that I have never seen; when my inner vision expands.
I focus on the shadow instead of the light because I feel that the true self is always hidden among the shadow.
When I design, I try to put myself in the neutral gear. The mental part will always remind me of the rules however, my senses tells me to disregard…and I enjoy the conflict and adventure.
Photos have more factors relying to the senses than design and since a moment is captured, the word “mindlessness” could be closer than emotion.
Since most shots are done at the moment, I think the first shot tend to be good when I do not know what I am doing. Maybe, the knack is to trust your instinct than rationalizing it.
The result always changes according to the perspective you have at that moment. Hence I think there is no “right” or “wrong”, but just the extent of how much you have “invested “ yourself into the object.
The result always changes according to the perspective you have at that moment. Hence I think there is no “right” or “wrong”, but just the extent of how much you have “invested “ yourself into the object.
As for my work, I will check on the texture, the tone, brightness and structure, but as an artist I think the importance lies in whether you were there for the object at that moment.
I think in one word, it is “respect”. Respect for the object, the environment and the purpose. At times, photography can be a weapon that hurt others when used through the media.
I do not think I can answer this question because commercial photography is defined to the “T”, with a lot of external influence and the need tends to change like time.
I participated twice for the BLANK WALL GALLERY in Athens last year. This year I am trying to accumulate more work so I will be able to organise a private exhibition.
My last exhibition was for the Blank Wall Gallery at Athens. I have not planned anything yet for this year.
My last exhibition was for the Blank Wall Gallery at Athens. I have not planned anything yet for this year.
I guess it comes from my daily routine; sleeping, taking walks, eating and relaxing. It is not about doing something, but more about not doing too much.
I take my photo using my subjective view. So there are many abstract photos that can not be explained by words. Perhaps Dreamscape fits my style.
Probably when I work for a client I need to be more objective, hence I prefer to take something more subjective for my own work. Main characteristics would be abstract, mysterious and geometric. Photos capture the spur of the moment but even so, I think it is important to observe.
Probably when I work for a client I need to be more objective, hence I prefer to take something more subjective for my own work. Main characteristics would be abstract, mysterious and geometric. Photos capture the spur of the moment but even so, I think it is important to observe.
Currently I live in Tokyo, Japan. The house where I lived in my childhood was a Japanese house with paper screens and sliding doors. Like any other Japanese house, the layout and design could be changed to suit the function by shifting the sliding doors illuminated by the unique Japanese light and shadow created by the environment. I think these factors have influenced me on the structure of my photographs.
Since I have very little experience working abroad, I do not know my strong points nor weak points. However, when I encounter that, I am certain that another window will open for me.
Since I have very little experience working abroad, I do not know my strong points nor weak points. However, when I encounter that, I am certain that another window will open for me.
At the point of taking a photograph, the choice of monochrome/colour is quite apparent, so once I load the data on the Lightroom I will add a bit of tone and texture with DXO and check the balance, Basically I do not photoshop.
Brompton / bycicle, Muji / regrigerator, SUZUKI jimny / car, Arflex / table and Caligaris / chair.
It is quite simple and routine. I get up in the morning, drink coffee and the work and in the evening I eat and then take a bath and go to bed.
I think it is important to trust yourself and just continue doing whatever you want to do.
Good and bad, all the experiences creates “now”, so whether you succeed or not, you will be aware of yourself when you keep on doing it. I hope I will be able to say the same in 10 years time.
Good and bad, all the experiences creates “now”, so whether you succeed or not, you will be aware of yourself when you keep on doing it. I hope I will be able to say the same in 10 years time.
My positive aspect as a photographer is that I can realise my vision and the negative aspect is the absence of a clear standard; i.e, I have to find it out myself.
To trust my instinct.
I think it may not be a skill, but to work with what you like and continuing working.
When a photo is taken by a digital camera, the tone and contrast are determined by me, so as a tool I use LIGHTROOM of ADOBE and FILMPACK of DXO.
The most important tool is my motivation when I step outside.
Often photography is the result of luck, however the will of “wanting to shoot a photo” must be there. Thus I can not take a photograph when my heart is not in it.
The most important tool is my motivation when I step outside.
Often photography is the result of luck, however the will of “wanting to shoot a photo” must be there. Thus I can not take a photograph when my heart is not in it.
I just try to focus on different positive feelings and take mini breaks. Perhaps a cup of coffee?
Basically, photography is “stopping the moment/time”, so the project continues until you let it go.
Since many of my approach is abstract, the questions of “What is this” and “Where did you take it” are quite common.
Each job is important so I try to enjoy each shoot.
Each job is important so I try to enjoy each shoot.
Vehicle : BMW Mini Japan.
Hotel : ST REGIS Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Food : MIZKAN, KIRIN, MARUKOME, BARILLA, NIPPN, YOKUMOKU and many brand companies and restaurants.
Hotel : ST REGIS Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Food : MIZKAN, KIRIN, MARUKOME, BARILLA, NIPPN, YOKUMOKU and many brand companies and restaurants.
I would like to visit other countries, organize my own exhibition and publish my photobook. I would like to challenge many new things.
I do both, since I am a free lancer.
Yes, there are a few, which I wish to exhibit when the time comes.
Please contact me via the Instagram and web site.
I think it was covered well.