Interview with Ryuta Suzuki
BIFA 2025 Winner, Gold, Non-Professional Nature, “Frogs Like A Weekend Night”
Q: What was the inspiration behind your winning project? How did the idea come to you, and what message were you aiming to convey through your work?
The inspiration came directly from the subject itself: a tiny frog nestled in a cluster of Amethyst Sage in late November, during a surprisingly cold spell. To me, it looked exactly like a person on a Friday night, just stepping out of the bath and relaxing in a dressing gown.
I immediately envisioned the end of a long week, a human figure savoring a quiet moment of leisure—perhaps with a glass of wine—to welcome the weekend. This piece is about that universal moment: shedding the fatigue of the week, finding deep healing, and entering one’s own peaceful world. I wanted to capture the powerful energy of a small, tranquil creature in that personal, isolated moment.
Q: Every great story comes with its challenges. What were some of the hurdles you faced while capturing your award-winning project, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is the fact that I’m still an amateur photographer who can’t make a living from it. Like many people, I have a day job to support my family, and this severely limits the time I have available.
I firmly believe everyone can express their unique worldview through art and share it with the world. Yet in reality, these time constraints often mean I miss countless moments I want to capture. Finding those brief yet precious moments that arrive within my limited time is the constant wall I face.
The solution isn’t to “work more,” but to “work smarter and with complete focus.” I’ve learned to maximize every precious second I can hold my camera, keep my vision clear, and hone my skills so I can capture the perfect shot the moment opportunity strikes.
Q: What motivated you to enter the Budapest International Foto Awards? What does winning 1st place in your category mean to you personally and professionally?
My motivation for entering was the prestige and authority of the Farmani Group, which operates some of the world’s most significant photography competitions.
For me, winning 1st Place in the Nature category is profoundly meaningful. I am a self-taught amateur who started photography purely out of passion and, initially, with the pragmatic goal of establishing a side business for tax refunds/filing. As I had no professional foundation or established credentials, this major award fills a crucial blank space in my career.
It signifies that my unique worldview, developed through years of passionate, solitary work, has been officially validated on an international stage. This achievement is not just a personal honor; it is a vital benchmark that allows me to move forward professionally with newfound confidence.
Q: Could you share some insights into the equipment and techniques you used to create your winning images? Is there a particular tool or method you always rely on?
I primarily rely on my Sony ILCE-7RM3 paired with the SEL90M28G macro lens.
However, the core of my technique lies in what I do not use. My absolute commitment is to natural light only, which means I strictly avoid using tripods, monopods, electronic flash, or focus stacking (depth compositing).
I strive to push the limits of natural light in the field, working handheld at the subject’s level. My goal is to capture the image as close to its final form as possible, minimizing the need for extensive adjustments during post-processing. This dedication to natural light and the challenge of handheld macro photography allows me to fully immerse myself in the moment and capture the purest essence of my tiny subjects.
Q: What’s next for you after this incredible achievement? Are there any upcoming projects or goals that you’re particularly excited about?
This incredible achievement serves as a powerful catalyst. My immediate goal is to aim for a higher recognition in major international competitions.
In terms of my artistic career, I am focused on the physical presentation of my work. I have already held two solo exhibitions in Tokyo in 2024, and my goal is to continue selling my framed, large-format prints (A4, A3, and A3-plus) exclusively within Japan initially. Ultimately, I wish to expand this connection globally. My final, long-term ambition is to eventually become fully independent and earn my living entirely as a professional fine art photographer.