My Eyes Have Seen You
Photographer Atsuko Tanaka

A truly great photographer has the ability to tell a story with one picture. Atsuko Tanaka has the ability to catch a moment in time with each picture. We had the privilege to sit down with the artist to discuss her past, present and signature shoe.

Q: Who & Why?

R: I grew up in Tokyo and came to America when I was 18. I went to college in Orange County. I had to pick a major and the college didn’t offer a good program of fashion that was what I really wanted to study. I was into styling at that time. My friends’ boyfriend was doing photography as a hobby and I guess I just picked it up. I never thought I would be a photographer, but as I started taking pictures, the more I enjoyed it. I styled my friends and took pictures of them. I was also really into Hip-Hop and I saw all the artists in the magazines and I thought.....I can do that! The college I attended didn’t have a lot of black people so I started going to clubs in L.A. and made friends there and took pictures of them.

Q: How has the industry changed since you’ve been in the business?

R: When I started taking pictures of Hip Hop artists, Hip Hop wasn’t as big a business as it is now. I think it wasn’t really taken much seriously. There were not so many photographers interested in shooting them, but now that it’s a huge business and there are more photographers out there. It might be more competitive now, but hey, I can’t be jealous of other photographers who get another good opportunities.

Q: What do you think your impact on the industry/culture has been?

R: I think I’m really blessed that I have gotten so many great opportunities to take the pictures and worked with so many interesting artists. Looking back at all the pictures I’ve taken of such artists as Diddy, Mobb Deep and Jay-Z in the beginning of their career. I loved Hip Hop so much so I was just happy doing it. I think I was very fortunate because at the time I didn’t have that much experience as a photographer. Now, more than ever, I want to capture every moment.

Q: How do you feel Japan has influenced the West (especially NYC) over the past 5 years?

R: I started seeing Japanese brands like Swagger in U.S.magazines and stuff. It used to be more like people in Japan would come to New York and buy stuff here and resell them in Japan. They’ve always checking what stuff are hot here and kind of studying about them. Now people in New York started checking stuff out in Japan and realized how good they are. That’s good because they deserved to get respect as well. You see there are lots of people now interested going to Japan more than ever.

Q: Is that flattering or offensive?

R: I don’t think it’s offensive at all. I think people like to see their own culture come up.

Q: You have a shoe dropping this month by Timberland.How did that come about?

R: Jeff Staple, we’ve known each other for a long time. He called me one day and said “I got something really dope stuff for you.” I was so excited about whatever it was and called him the next day. He told me he was heading up a project called “The Boroughs Project” about New York City for Timberland and wanted me to represent Queens to design my own boot for them. I was so happy!!! So that’s how my shoe came about. I would like to thank Jeff Staple & Timberland for such a great opportunity. I love shoes and I’m glad for the opportunity because I’m a photographer not a designer.

Q: What influenced/inspired you for your shoe design?

R: I love heels so I wanted to do a beautiful shape, but I had to choose the design from what they already had at Timberland so I went to a store in downtown and picked the one I like. Then I researched fabrics and fur. Jeff wanted me to some signnature that represents I'm a photographer so I added a charm necklace with lockets so people can put their own favorite pictures.

Q: What upcoming projects do you have on deck?

R: I’m doing some story of NY collection for magazines. Plus81 Magazine is going to do a NY issue featuring NY artists and I’m looking forward to meeting many creative artists. I’m also doing stock photography for Corbis and I signed with New York Times for their “Thursday Styles” so hopefully I can start shooting for them soon.

Q: What is it that interests you about urban culture?

R: My interests have changed since I’m grown. When I was younger, I was really into Hip-Hop, the energy, the dress, the attitude etc. When you’re young, you don’t really think about why. It was just so cool to me. They were real and I guess their soul reached into my heart. I still love it tough.

Q: Who was the most interesting person you’ve photographed?

R: Usually I have such a short time to photograph with artists so I don’t really get to know them well, but I would say it’s Method Man & Redman together. One time I took a trip to D.C. once to shoot them and they were sooo funny and crazy.

Q: Who was you first photo shoot as a professional?

R: It was De La Soul in 1995.

Q: What will your legacy be?

R: I’ll be more than happy if people realized I was there at the time. And I want them to feel the air was there behind the pictures when people see my old work.

Q: Yes or No

R: Roe v. Wade: Yes. Death Penalty: No

Q: Favorite Jeff Staple moment?

R: I’m so proud of him! The first time we met, I did a shoot of his products for one Japanese magazine. It was almost 8 years ago. I think they featured Staple as one of hot upcoming brand or something. Jeff just hung up 5shirts on the wall and I took pictures of them. Just to see him today...look at him now! I’m so proud of him. He makes me feel like “I gotta do better”. I love to see old friends doing well. He inspires me a lot.

Q: Jeff Staple genius or madman?

R: Genius!

INTERVIEW BY: QUE / PEACEDENIMCO