FER CAGGIANO

Interview with Ricardo Takamura: Fine Art Photographer

Fer Caggiano: Ricardo, thank you for joining us. You’re renowned for your captivating night photography. Can you tell us how your journey in photography began?

Ricardo Takamura: It’s challenging to pinpoint exactly when my journey in photography started. As a child, I would use my father’s film camera, which often got me in trouble because film and development were quite expensive. However, the turning point for me came in 2008. I had a construction business that was robbed, leaving me with a $150,000 debt. That year, I received a digital camera and started working relentlessly. Amidst the stress, a friend invited me to join a monthly photography group. With my small Sony super-zoom camera, I found solace and companionship among other photographers.

Fer Caggiano: How did these photography outings impact your life?

Ricardo Takamura: Those outings were life-saving. I traveled with the group every month for four years, which helped me immensely. People would even help me with fuel costs. By 2012, my financial situation had improved slightly, allowing me to buy a Nikon and some lenses. That year, I took a photograph called “Across the Universe,” which gained significant attention and changed my life. It was featured in photography magazines, and I began receiving offers for various photography jobs.

Fer Caggiano: You mentioned that you initially resisted turning your hobby into a profession. What changed your mind?

Ricardo Takamura: At first, I refused the offers because photography was my mental escape. However, as I studied and learned more, I began accepting work to pay the bills. By 2014, I started receiving requests to lead photography workshops and accompany trips. Though I was initially hesitant, I eventually closed my construction business in 2015 and fully embraced photography. That year was transformative, filled with happiness despite the financial challenges.

Fer Caggiano: Your work, “Across the Universe,” won a major award in 2016. How did that impact your career?

Ricardo Takamura: Winning the Metro Photo Challenge was incredible. It brought significant media attention and filled my workshops. I began organizing global photography trips, and by 2019, I had paid off my debt entirely through photography. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit hard, causing many businesses to go bankrupt and leading to financial losses as I had to refund clients for canceled trips. Nevertheless, I managed to reschedule the workshops over the following years.

Fer Caggiano: How did you transition into the NFT market, and what has been your experience with it?

Ricardo Takamura: I discovered the NFT market through the photographer Reuben Wu, a significant influence on my work. Intrigued, I explored the Foundation platform and eventually received an invitation from a Brazilian artist. Though photography wasn’t initially recognized in the NFT space, I was captivated by the optimism surrounding the technology. It allowed me to share my work globally and connect with a broader audience, for which I’m very grateful.

Fer Caggiano: Can you elaborate on how your childhood influences your photography today?

Ricardo Takamura: My photography is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences. Growing up in a semi-rural area, I was fascinated by cinema, science fiction, and the night sky. This blend of rural living and a love for the unknown fueled my imagination. As a child, I often explored the woods at night, mesmerized by the stars and the mysteries they held. Over time, city lights obscured the stars, but my passion for capturing the essence of those nights persisted.

Fer Caggiano: How did you develop your unique style, blending photography with cinematic elements?

Ricardo Takamura: My style evolved from my early interest in cinema and storytelling. Initially drawn to painting and sculpture, I transitioned back to photography with the advent of digital cameras, which allowed me to experiment without the high costs of film. This freedom enabled me to capture and manipulate light in new ways, creating an imaginary world uniquely mine. I aim to tell stories through my photographs, often depicting a poetic emptiness or a pause between actions, a concept known as “Ma” in Japanese culture.

Fer Caggiano: What message do you hope to convey through your work?

Ricardo Takamura: I aim to evoke a sense of peace and contemplation through my work, inviting viewers into a world that blurs the line between reality and fiction. My photographs often reflect a moment of tranquility, a pause that allows for reflection and a deeper connection with the unseen elements of our world. Through this, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty in the unnoticed and the value of stillness in a fast-paced world.

Fer Caggiano: Ricardo, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. Your work continues to inspire many.

Ricardo Takamura: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to share my story.

Find Takamura:
https://lynkfire.com/ricardotakamura

https://warpcast.com/ricardotakamura
https://instagram.com/ricardotakamura
https://ricardotakamura.com
https://takamura.substack.com