Tetsuya Okubo has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award in the 2025 Autumn Season of the World Grand Prix Photography Awards for his photo "Golden Carpet." The jury praised Okubo for masterfully capturing the overwhelming vitality and beauty of summer through his lens.
Tetsuya Okubo, a visionary photographer, blends technical skill with rich emotional expression in his work. His focus revolves around the natural world, often conveying profound messages through vivid imagery. With a commitment to showcasing the beauty of life and nature, Okubo's photography invites viewers to explore the world with a fresh perspective.
Interview
Q: What inspired you to take this award-winning photo? Is there a story behind the piece you’d like to share?
Tetsuya: The inspiration came from a simple desire to capture the overwhelming vitality of summer. I wanted to photograph a place where life felt most abundant and vibrant. When I arrived at this sunflower field, the sheer scale of the blossoms was breathtaking. The way the light hit the endless expanse made the field look exactly like a "Golden Carpet" woven by nature. The real story is the feeling of being completely enveloped by that light and warmth—it was a truly humbling and exhilarating moment that I knew I had to share.
Q: Were there any challenges during the process of creating this series or image? How did you navigate them?
Tetsuya: The biggest challenge was translating the sheer scale of the scene into a two-dimensional photograph. While the human eye can easily capture the sense of scale and depth, the camera often struggles to replicate that feeling. I overcame this by focusing on two key elements: depth of field and texture.
By selectively blurring the foreground and background, I aimed to draw the viewer's eye deep into the field. This technique was used to help them feel the sense of being completely surrounded by the flowers and to convey the rich, velvety texture of the petals, just as I experienced it.
Q: How do you approach the balance between technical skill and emotional/artistic expression in your photography?
Tetsuya: For me, technical skill is the foundation, and emotional expression is the structure built upon it. I believe it is crucial to stop thinking about camera operation and focus entirely on the "feeling" of the moment. When the technique is sound, the emotional intent—the warmth, the joy, and the overwhelming energy of the scene—can shine through without any distraction.
Q: What message or feeling do you hope your photography conveys to viewers?
Tetsuya: I hope my work conveys a sense of unadulterated hope and life force. Sunflowers are the ultimate symbol of joy and optimism, always turning their faces toward the light. I want viewers to feel a sense of renewal and be reminded of the simple, yet profound, beauty that exists in the natural world. It's a gentle invitation to pause, look up, and feel the warmth.
Q: In your view, what role does photography play in today’s world?
Tetsuya: Photography plays a crucial role as a universal language of connection and reflection. In our fast-paced world, it forces us to slow down and truly observe. It serves as a visual bridge, allowing us to share diverse perspectives, celebrate the planet's beauty, and, most importantly, document moments that might otherwise be forgotten. It acts as a necessary reminder of the beauty, hope, and humanity that persists globally.
About the Award
The World Grand Prix Photography Awards is an esteemed international competition dedicated to celebrating creativity and innovation in photography. The award aims to recognize and honor outstanding photographers who push the boundaries of visual storytelling and convey powerful messages through their art.
