National Geographic EDITORS' SPOTLIGHT
In National Geographic Spotlight feature, we ask our members some questions to learn more about what inspires their photography, the processes they use to make images, and the stories behind their favorite pictures.
“Blue Pond and First Snow” Biei in Hokkaido,Japan.
Kent Shiraishi is a Photo Producer and SAMURAI Photographer.
When it comes to art and design, the hottest thing out of chilly Hokkaido is photographer Kent Shiraishi. Mac enthusiasts working on the latest Apple operating system probably already have one of his simple yet arresting photographs – “Blue Pond and First Snow” – as wallpaper on their laptop screens. The Blue Pond, which Shiraishi has captured in every season, is fed from a volcanic hot spring, so its hyper-natural turquoise color can be partially explained by the presence of minerals.
★Spotlight: Kent Shiraishi, Japan
Q: What’s the story behind this photo?
A: I won the prize of Honorable Mention in the 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest. The work is “Blue Pond and First Snow, Hokkaido.” The blue pond freezes in winter. That winter, for tourists, we began lighting the pond. As a result, many of the tourists now like to enjoy the winter nights. Especially [during] snowstorms, you will watch a great night of snow.
Q: Why do you take pictures?
A: I take photos because it is my self-expression.
Q: What do you like to take pictures of and why?
A: I like to take pictures of the landscapes of Hokkaido. My favorite place is Hokkaido, because it has the most beautiful nature in Japan. I live there now and love it. I want to be able to show photos of Hokkaido all over the world.
Q: How would you describe your photographic style?
A: My photographic style is to reproduce as much as possible the landscape that I have seen with my eye. I call this photographic style “retina photography.”
Q: Are you a self-taught photographer? If not, how did you learn to shoot?
A: While I was studying photography at a university, I began feeling bored in the middle, and I dropped out. Then I studied photography at the vocational school, and even now, I am continuing to learn by myself.
Q: Are you currently working on any long-term photography projects?
A: Yes, I am. As Hokkaido’s “samurai photographer,” I would like to make Hokkaido into a more famous tourist resort in the world. For that purpose, I continue to take pictures of Hokkaido.
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Kent Shiraishi's "Blue Pond & First Snow" is chosen by Apple as one of its desktop backgrounds,now.
Apple WWDC 2012 - MacBook Pro with Retina Display Introduction
(Blue Pond in Biei,Hokkaido)
The Blue Pond in Hokkaido Changes Colors Depending on the Weather
To foreigners who would like to purchase the photo of "Blue Pond & First Snow".
There is only one size for this photo. Framed photo is not available and not able to be delivered to overseas. I only deliver the printed photo.
About the actual size, you may refer to the attached photo for your reference. It is hanged on the wall and the size of the frame is 69cm×94cm(Width×Length). The size you can see in the attached photo of "Blue Pond & First Snow" is 48cm×73cm(Width×Length). 1inch = 2.54cm.
About the packing and delivery, the printed photo will not be folded for sure. It will be rolled properly and put into a huge paper box for overseas shipping. It will be delivered within 2 weeks after we confirm your deposit.Payment method: Paypal account only.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Kent Shiraishi
Mail Address : kentshiraishi2016@gmail.com
kentshiraishi@outlook.com
Professional & SAMURAI Photographer Kent Shiraishi
Kent Shiraishi Photography Workshop & Hotel
Kent Shiraishi Photography
★Photo Site 500px
Kent Shiraishi