After the article about his photographic work, Tatsuo was so kind as to grant us an interview. You can get a glimpse of his photographic work here.

Can you briefly tell us about your photographic background? When did you start taking photographs, how did you start?
I started taking photographs 5 years ago, in 2008. My first camera was a Nikon D70. At first I photographed mostly scenery, everyday objects, etc.
While doing this, I noticed that I liked very much to picture people. So I went out and started taking pictures in the streets. It suits me very well.
It has continued until now.

What photographic style do you prefer? Would you like to specialize in a specific area, such as street photography or portrait photography?
I prefer to portray people’s emotions, action, imagination, etc.
It fits the class of street photography and portraits I have done thus far.

Can you tell us how your work flows from the moment you get the idea to the stage of final presentation?
I can’t explain.
I only shoot objects I like when I find them. I follow my own instincts. I do not want to copy someone else’s style.

Could you possibly provide a tip to the amazing street photograph style, how much the pictures are processed afterwards, and what else one should take into consideration?
I shoot as Raw files. I put a lot of effort and care into taking a good photo. I do the processing very carefully.  This is just as important as the photography itself. Processing is done with using Silver Efex Pro and Color Efex Pro, and Nikon Capture NX2.

In your opinion, what constitutes the art of producing extraordinary street photographs, and what are the characteristics of a good picture in this field?
I don’t know much about the theory of the art. I only take pictures every day of my life. I can’t understand how people nowadays do color street photography with comical and humorous meanings.
I struggle to take a good photo, so in my opinion, it can only be possible to express an  object’s real soul if one puts in serious effort, and this causes a lot of tension.

What equipment do you use and what are your favorite focal lengths?
These days I mainly use Fuji X100S and Ricoh GR
And I like 35mm.

What characterizes your work in comparison to other street photographers?
I don’t know!

Were there interesting incidents in your photo shoots, whether funny, embarrassing or sad?
My pictures are meant to express my emotions, such as my grudges, sadness, anger, etc. Yes, it comes mostly from my negative feelings.

What are the most important experiences you had during your photographic career?
Nothing extraordinary happened. I will shoot next weekend, as I am doing this weekend.

What advice would you give to a newbie for his/her photographic career?
Keep shooting!

Were you inspired by other photographers, and if so, which ones?
I like William Klein and Robert Frank very much.

Do you have a dream for photography that you would like to fulfill?
I would like to express people’s real emotions or scenery and if someone who has seen my photos  has experienced such emotions as well, it will be my pleasure.
I like music very much: Punk, New Wave, Free Jazz, Blues, Rock, etc. I have more than 5 000 CDs. I often photograph while playing music in the background. It’s the beat, passion, speed, emotional feelings, etc.
Here is one of my favorite Japanese rock band, Friction.
href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwHDD2DRZo4″
I would like to express emotion in my photos like Friction express their passion in their music..

Thank you very much for this interview. We will follow your progress in photography and will continue to be inspired by it.