Ryoji Iwata is a 30-year-old architect living in Tokyo, Japan.
Ryoji got started with photography about 7 years ago, using only his iPhone 4. He now shoots with quality cameras, such as Nikon D850, Sigma and Tamron. Thanks to his talent and attention to detail, he was selected last year by Apple for the “Shot on iPhone” campaign.
Ryoji’s style can be described as pure minimalism, focusing on people, buildings and everyday scenes.
Five Questions to Ryoji Iwata
How would you describe your photography to someone who has never seen it?
A day in life with minimal style. My photography is usually a flat composition which has a main object with light and shadow. My process of capturing things is as if I’m drawing pictures – when we’re drawing, we only project things we imagine. My photography is always something I imagine first.
What makes a great photograph?
It depends on the style – in my case, capturing the moment with good composition. Light, shadow, and the story itself make people imagine the behind-the-scenes process.
What’s your main source of inspiration when you’re behind the camera?
My inspiration comes from movies, paintings, music, and real life.
How is the photography industry changing in the digital era?
I think photography now has а different meaning than back in the film era. We should understand that film and digital photography are two different things. The device you’re using is not the most important thing. It’s the result you get in the end. Do you care if the movie you’re watching is shot on film or digital? Digital technology makes it easier to shoot, edit and share – just like mobile photography.
Have you heard of Blockchain and if so, what are your views on it?
I’ve heard about it. Most people in Japan, including me, still use cash, so we are quite unfamiliar with Blockchain.
You can find Ryoji’s work on 