Interview
Mariko Okubo
Japan
Mariko Okubo is a curious Tokyo-based Portrait/Street photographer that is inspired by her love for movies, books and the ordinary but mostly her love for her wonderful daughters.
1 Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is Mariko Okubo,Tokyo based Portrait/Street photographer. I am curious about the people who are living or visiting to Japan from other countries. My main question is, "How come they decide to come to Japan?" I would like to keep taking their pictures to prove their history of life in Japan.
2 Where did you study photography?
I studied under Shinobu Imai who is a wonderful kids/family photographer.
3 Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
When I was a junior high student, I took a flower picture by using my father's film camera. It was a black and white film and I still like it.
4 What equipment do you use?
Sony ?7iii Canon EOS90D
5 What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
Daily life.
6 What inspires your unique storytelling?
Movies, books, the ordinary but wonderful days with my daughters.
7 What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Creative, Classy, Modern
8 Congratulations! As the winner of the MUSE Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
Thank you so much for choosing my pictures. It is very big deal for me and encourage me a lot. You gave a big confidence.
9 Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the MUSE Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The main theme is a "Japanese beauty". You can find various styles of the beauty in my pictures.
10 How has winning an award developed your career?
I can write to my resume about this prize and some companies offred me the job.
11 Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
William Claxton Daido Moriyama Michaela Noroc
12 What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
Don't be hesitate to yourself to begin the new things.
13 What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Just follow your photographer's eyes.
14 What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Thinking about a good future that I want to.
15 How do you stay in that space of being receptive to new information and knowledge?
From Internet and books.
16 Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Thank you so much. I really appriciate to get those prizes.
