Atsuyuki Shimada, is a Japanese photographer who has specialised in watch photography for the last 20 years.

1. Describe briefly your childhood

When I was a kid, I was a shy kid who was doing something wrong. I didn't like to play with other kids and I was alone with thoughts and pictures.

2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?

I wanted to be a driver when I was a kid. For example, train drivers, truck drivers, airplane pilots, ship captains, etc.

3. What is your first significant memory as a child?

I have never remember what is the first significant.

4. Have you ever had another profession?

I wanted to be a musician before becoming a photographer, I wanted to be a drummer. And I've actually played as a professional several times.

When I wanted to be a photographer, I was an assistant at Osaka University of Arts, Department of Photography.

5. What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?

I wanted to go to Osaka University of Arts, where the band was active. I really wanted to do music department at the University of the Arts, but I can't study at the music department because I can't play the piano. The Department of Photography accepted me unconditionally, so I went to the Department of Photography forcibly. I was planning to study music while enrolled in the Department of Photography.

6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do?

Charge collection from clients who do not pay the shooting fee.

7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?

To study English? It is so hard for me as ever.

8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?

Photographers :

YUKIO KUNIHIRA, William Eugene Smith, Helmut Newton, Andy Warhol,

9. What are you most proud of?

Photography and drum performance.

10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?

A Japanese proverb says “3 years on the stone” it means, continue at least 3 years if you want to be a professional. Whatever you start, I want you to work hard.

11. Name three things on your bucket list.

There is no particular.

12.Where do you think the industry is going to be in 10 years time.

The photographic industry will replace to CG, etc. especially for commercial photography. The art and fine art photography worlds will surely remain in the future. And the news photo is likely to be the center of business photography.

What about the watch industry? I don’t know well.

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