Kosuke Inui

TIFA 2025 Interview with Kosuke Inui
1st Place winner in Nature, Non-Professional, “Under A Sky That Seems to Be About to Fall”

Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background in photography?

I am based in Japan, where I work full-time while spending my days off diving in different regions across the country and creating underwater photographs.

I began photography after starting scuba diving in university, when I felt a strong desire to document the beautiful scenes I encountered beneath the surface.

Today, I focus on expressing the underwater world through both macro perspectives that engage closely with small marine life and wide-angle views that capture the vastness of the ocean.

There’s a quiet balance in the image between the vastness of the environment and the intimacy of wildlife. How do you seek that balance when photographing natural scenes?

When photographing wildlife, I try not to approach too closely. I keep a sense of distance, thinking of it as a moment of luck if the subject chooses to come closer on its own. In that way, I wait quietly for the right moment rather than trying to force it.

At the same time, I imagine a composition where the island landscape, the sky, and the underwater environment all come together within a single frame, and I wait for that balance to naturally emerge.

You began underwater photography relatively recently, in 2020. How has your perspective on nature and the ocean evolved since you started working beneath the surface?

When I first began underwater photography, my desire to capture images was very strong, and I realize now that I did not always give enough consideration to my subjects, often trying to get too close.

Over time, my perspective has shifted. Today, I aim to photograph natural scenes as they are, being mindful not only of the marine life I photograph but also of the surrounding underwater environment, and making sure my presence causes as little stress as possible.

What does winning at the Tokyo International Foto Awards mean to you personally and professionally?

First of all, I feel a deep sense of pride in having my work recognized and appreciated.

This recognition has become a source of confidence for me and a strong motivation to continue pushing myself toward higher goals.

Underwater photography often requires patience and acceptance of unpredictable conditions. What challenges did you face while capturing this scene, and how did you adapt in the moment?

Rather than trying to force the moment I had in mind, I chose to wait patiently for the shutter opportunity to arrive on its own.

When photographing split-level scenes, I remained still in the water instead of swimming, allowing the subject to approach naturally.

By doing so, I was able to capture a moment that felt calm, genuine, and true to the environment.