sayaka minemura photography interview

Like much of the goodness to come out of Japan, Sayaka Minemura’s snaps are cute, eye-pleasing and occasionally downright odd. We had a little chit-chat with the lovely lass to find out more about where her photographic knack comes from.



What is your name and how old are you? Sayaka Minemura, and I'm 30 years old.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I was born and raised in a country town in Japan, namely in Nagano. I'm still living in the town at the foot of the mountain.



What areas, things or people in your neighbourhood do you most like to photograph? I like taking photos when I am travelling, but anywhere is OK to me. It is everyday life what I want to take pictures of. I prefer taking photos of my friends, my family and places that are very close to my heart.

What kind of subjects interest you the most? I find a lot of inspiration from my daily life and the nature around my apartment. I always listen to the chirping of birds, the soughing river, and look at the full beauty of nature from a distance.

What kinds of ideas are you working on at the moment? I took a lot of photos of my breakfast before. I often still do it. And now I try to collect all those precious simple moments of my emotions.



When it comes to taking photos, do you have more of a controlled/set-up or spontaneous style? Some ideas appear in my hea, and then I require a more set up approach. But generally I prefer to capture fleeting moments.

What advice can you offer on finding your personal style or aesthetic? Try to be natural and stay true to your emotions.

What other photographers do you love? I love Shoji Ueda, Robert Doisneau, Duane Michals, Ryan McGinley and Stephen Shore.



Where can we see more of your work? On Flickr or my photo blog.