As a still life photographer and director working between New York and Tokyo, Takahiro Igarashi constantly navigates the nuances of two distinct creative landscapes. While his visual style remains consistent, his approach to crafting an image can shift according to the cultural and aesthetic expectations of each location. From the detailed mockup used for the “Shiseido Ultimate Trio” (above, left) to the more spontaneous shoot for the “Stila Liquid Campaign” (above, right), Takahiro discusses how he switches between approaches to shooting photos while maintaining his bold, clean, and intentional photographic style.

By: Takahiro Igarashi, Photographer, Igarashi Photo, LLC

Working as a still life photographer and director on two different sides of the world (New York and Tokyo), I have always admired the differences between the two cultures. I feel that the differences in the cultures and aesthetics greatly affect the workflow and needs of the clients, thus impacting the image-making process. Dividing my time between the two countries has given me the chance to enjoy the perspectives and keep things fresh. 

Although my visual style doesn’t change heavily between the two, the approach to image-making differs quite a bit. For instance, the “Shiseido Ultimate Trio” shoot consisted of referring to a highly detailed mockup that showed the composition, lighting attributes, and other details to base the visual on. Every little detail mattered, whether it be the placement of highlights or shadows, as well as perfecting the orientation of the products in relation to one another. On the other hand, the “Stila Liquid Campaign” had a looser, more playful direction that did not have a mockup—a shoot that was, in a way, more spontaneous and organic. Regardless of the thought process leading up to the shoot, my bold, dynamic, minimalist style remains the same. 

In this day and age, I firmly believe that having a distinct style is key to success. Year after year, the industry is being shaken up, especially post-pandemic, with AI, CGI, and budget cuts affecting the industry. However, I still believe that photography and videography in still life cannot be beaten as long as the photographer has their own taste backed by a sense of business. A jack of all trades will have the toughest time in the years to come, so specializing will become more and more important. As with a pen, a camera, or AI software, these are still “tools” rather than quick solutions. After all, CGI and AI cannot replicate what is real, and most seasoned and creative directors, as well as art directors, love this, as having a shoot can be much more effective.

Taka (Takahiro Igarashi) is an internationally award-winning still life photographer and director based in NYC and Tokyo. Having been in the States since 1995, he is fully bilingual and appreciates the differences between the two cultures. Intrigued by capturing the essence of beauty, his visuals strike a balance between minimalism and dynamism. Powerful compositions and sophisticated lighting techniques further express the character of an object while emphasizing simplicity. Rather than creating a scenery with props, he focuses on bringing out the beauty within. His sense of direction has proven successful in many areas of still life and has led to creating campaigns with some of the most discerning agencies and brands. Taka values heritage, timelessness, and craftsmanship in all aspects of life, as well as in his image-making.

Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn

Check out more of our Photography 2025 winners on our website!