Yosh Hase
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
I am a full-time banker who has been self-taught photography for about 5 years. I attended a workshop and a professional Spanish photographer showed us how he edits his photos with Lightroom. I never thought that almost every photo had a post-editing to make it look better. It was sensational.
The first time I used Lightroom myself, I couldn't stop moving the cursor over "Contrast " from far left to far right. You must have had a similar experience, haven't you? That was about five years ago. The next step was Photoshop. During the lockdown due to COVID-19, I had plenty of time to play with Photoshop.
Having said that, I always took photos when I was in high school. I was even the captain of a photography club in high school, but it was just fun and all the pictures were just snapshots to keep fun memories. The above workshop by a Spanish photographer made me think seriously about learning photography.
2. Where did you study photography?
It is mainly self-taught. Otherwise, I often go photo-walking in which there are people with similar/same interests. Some are very experienced, others are beginners. I had many opportunities to learn a lot from the fun photo walk. Although they are usually free, I've joined paid workshops as well. It's always good to see other people's photos/style.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
It was when I was in high school or something. It could have been high school, but I don't remember what I shot. All I can say is that it was a 35mm film at the time. My first photo might be a family photo. When I was a high school student, I had a part-time job at a camera shop where 35mm films were also developed. I'm pretty good at retrieving film from rolls.
4. What equipment do you use?
Currently, I have Canon 6D, Leica Q3, Leica SL-2, DJI Mini2, and GoPro8. I use SL-2 the most. Sometimes my iPhone 12 gets the best shot, though.
5. What do you hope to achieve?
I would love to share the world with you all with my pictures. I love traveling too. I've been trying to get to off-the-beaten places. If my photographs could show you different cultures, different people, different lives, and more, would people be aware of diversity?
6. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
"I like your picture!" Someone started learning photography after he saw my pictures. That is the simple and best compliment.
7. What inspires your unique storytelling?
I get inspired when I am in a situation that is very different from my daily life. Maybe when I'm in developing countries, I feel like I have to take pictures of people. Fortunately, I live in one of the richest countries and am surrounded by advanced technology and infrastructure. I often forget to appreciate this lucky situation, but some people can't even get clean water, but they still laugh and have a vibrant life under the circumstances.
8. Congratulations! As the winner of the New York Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I can finally add something remarkable to my portfolio. Thank you so much for the New York Photography Awards.
9. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 New York Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
Most of the pictures I submitted show the unique culture and daily life in their own countries, which I would love to share with the world. What we have is not always standard or average. We shouldn't take it for granted that we have it all. Our local tour guide in Syria took us to a hammam and it cost about/less than US$3 to enter. I found it very cheap, but you know what? The guide almost shouted, "It's very expensive, I can't afford it." Everybody has different values.
Some photos are landscapes. The country I live in has no nature at all. Whenever I experience beautiful nature, I'm just in awe!
10. How has winning an award developed your career?
This win definitely will help my new life with a new career.
11. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
Jord Hammond, Tariq Zaidi. Jord's pictures always look amazing and I want to take travel photography like his. Tariq's photography in Congo inspired me.
12. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Shoot as many as you want to find out which genre is your strongest zone.
13. Anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I am very honored to have received awards. I found the New York Photography Awards just two days before the deadline. Fortunately, there is no time frame for the picture taken. Thank you so much again.
