Setsuna Kurouzu

I have photographed cherry blossoms with this model every year, and because we have consistently created strong images together, I approached this year's shoot with the goal of capturing something even more memorable than the year before. This was our fourth year working together. Having always been drawn to Japanese culture and traditions, I wanted to create an image that reflected the beauty and spirit of a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. This award-winning photograph perfectly captures that vision.

When deciding which photos to submit for competitions, I usually choose photographs that I personally like, feature models whom I admire, and showcase beautiful composition and lighting.

At the time, I was satisfied with taking photos on my smartphone and didn't feel the need to use a dedicated camera. However, a friend repeatedly recommended that I try a DSLR, saying it offered a completely different experience. Eventually, I decided to take their advice and purchased my first camera. What started as a simple recommendation unexpectedly became the beginning of my journey in photography.

My favorite type of photography is portrait photography. I enjoy creating portraits and making beautiful models look even more beautiful through my work. These photographs are only possible because of the connection between the photographer and the model, and that's why portraits are the genre I love most.

I use a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV paired with a SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 lens. The color reproduction and dynamic range make it ideal for portrait photography, which is why I consider it the best setup for my work.

I want my audience to feel the emotions of the people in the photograph, as well as the atmosphere and even the scents of the moment.

The most challenging part was selecting the final image. There were several similar shots to choose from, and deciding which one best represented the moment was not easy. In the end, I trusted my initial instinct and selected the image that stood out to me from the beginning.

The world of manga, anime, and video games inspires me the most. Since I work full-time in the video game industry, there are naturally some parallels between my professional work and my photography, and I believe that influence is reflected in my photographic style.

My biggest influences come from anime, video games, and films. Their storytelling, visual style, and creative worlds have had a significant impact on my approach to photography. As for individual creators, I am particularly inspired by Yuji Okuyama, Mikiya Takimoto, and Uni Yoshida, among others.

My advice to photographers is simple: trust the model, trust your equipment, and trust yourself. Confidence in your subject, your tools, and your own creative instincts can make all the difference when creating meaningful photographs and presenting your work in competitions.

Photography can be challenging at times, but every photographer who has achieved meaningful results has walked that path. At the same time, if everything feels easy and enjoyable all the time, there is probably little room for growth. No matter what challenges come your way, keep taking photos and continue moving forward.

I would compare it to the final touch in cooking, or perhaps the careful preparation that happens behind the scenes. A dish can be enjoyable without it, but that extra element can make it even better. That's how I view it.

I don't believe it will have a negative impact on my photography or my work. On the contrary, I see it as a positive opportunity, as working with others can inspire new ideas and lead to creative approaches and shooting techniques that might not have emerged otherwise.

I would love the opportunity to photograph Earth as seen from space, marine life—especially large creatures such as whales—and Hollywood stars, among many other subjects.