Interview with Ros Woodham
For over two decades, Hiroto Fukuda has focused on photographing Japan’s wild birds, earning recognition as one of the country’s leading nature photographers. His work requires patience, precision and a deep understanding of the natural world, offering viewers an intimate look at native birds in their habitats. A member of the Japan Photographers Society (JPS), Canon Professional Services (CPS), and Sony Professional Services (SPS), he is respected for both his artistic and technical expertise. He has collaborated with major clients, including Canon, Tamron, National Geographic Japan and the Wild Bird Society of Japan. Through his photography, Fukuda not only showcases Japan’s birdlife but also encourages a greater appreciation for nature.
RW What initially drew you to photographing wild birds, and how did your journey as a nature photographer begin?
HF It all began with a single encounter – a kingfisher. The first time I saw this beautiful bird, I was captivated and felt an irresistible urge to photograph it. That moment ignited my love for wildlife photography.
My journey was also shaped by my father who, before he passed away, encouraged me to live without regrets. His words stayed with me and motivated me to pursue nature photography wholeheartedly so that I would never look back with disappointment. My late mother, who once dreamed of becoming a photographer herself, also supported my passion, making this path even more meaningful.
RW What equipment do you typically use for bird photography? Are there any specific techniques or settings you rely on to capture birds in motion or in challenging lighting conditions?
HF I use a camera with a high-speed continuous shooting capability of 30 frames or more. To photograph birds in motion, especially in difficult lighting, my priority is to use the brightest lenses available. For instance, I opt for a 600mm lens with an aperture of f/4 or a 400mm lens with f/2.8. When capturing fast-moving subjects like kingfishers in flight, I set the shutter speed to at least 1/1000 of a second to freeze the action. Additionally, I maximise the lens’s aperture and increase the ISO as needed to ensure proper exposure, even in low-light situations. These settings allow me to achieve sharp, dynamic images.
RW Tell me about the image that won first place in the Anthology competition.
HF The image features a red-crowned crane, one of the largest and rarest crane species. The shoot took place at the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary in Tsurui Village, Hokkaido, Japan, a protected grassland dedicated to crane conservation. Once on the brink of extinction, the species has been protected by the people of Tsurui Village, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and the Wild Bird Society of Japan, with its population now having grown to about 1,800.
I began photographing red-crowned cranes in 2012 and spent nearly a decade on this project. My goal was not just to capture images but to convey their true beauty, which required years of patience and countless attempts. For this image, I used a Sony α1 camera with a Sony 200–600mm lens.
RW How has photographing birds changed your perspective on nature and wildlife conservation?
HF My love for nature and wildlife has deepened over time, along with my awareness of the connection between people and the natural world. The red-crowned crane’s recovery from near extinction through human efforts has been a remarkable success. Now, I hope my photography can inspire appreciation and play a role in protecting nature.
RW Are there any photographers, artists or naturalists who have inspired your work?
HF I very much like the work of Mitsuaki Iwagō, Ken Domon and Yoshiteru Eguchi.
RW What plans do you have for the future?
HF In recent times, my health has declined and I require dialysis every other day while also managing a heart condition. Despite these challenges, I remain dedicated to my work, focusing on selling prints online to cover medical expenses. Winning this competition is especially meaningful, as it allows my photography to reach a wider audience. I am truly grateful for any support and my full collection can be viewed at hirotofukuda.com.
- ‘Photography Competition Winner: Hiroto Fukuda’ is published in Anthology Volume 23. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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