Mitsuko Nagone is well-known for her photography and well-liked for her inquisitive and approachable personality that never fails to strike up an interesting conversation. In much the same way, her work is a reflection of those exchanges between oneself and others but, more importantly, the questions we tend to play around with in thoughts that never make it out in the open. The visual richness of Mitsuko’s work is the first thing that draws the viewer in for a closer inspection and captivates them for entirety of the experience.

Her art has taken her through New York to Japan and back in a number of prestigious galleries, with encounters that have helped shape her creative thought process and approach to photography. Now based between Nagoya and Kyoto, we caught up with Mitsuko on our side of the pond to ask about her recent project and what is in the pipeline.

First, let’s get the obvious question out of the way. When did you
know that you could make a living with your photography?

Two years ago, I decided that I was going to challenge myself to make a living with just my photography. After I resolved that, I was fortunate enough start getting offered commissions to photograph. In my case, making the decision to make a living with my photography came before I knew what my chances were.

You have been all over Japan and even lived and studied in New York
City. How have your travels influenced your work?

I actually think the large cities I live in are very influential to my work, but I don’t know how or what exactly catches my attention. I can say that cities really open my eyes to art, life, and people in general. New York will always remain a very special and attractive place to me.

Which do find more rewarding, your commissioned or personal work?

Well, as for working on commissions, it is quick to get feedback from clients. When they are happy about my work, I often feel the motivation to get more done. When working on my personal work, I have to focus on completing the project in the way I want to express it. If I manage to do that well, I felt a sense of achievement. It is not something I experience very often, but when I do, it’s greatly satisfying!

Where would you like your camera to take you next?

I still have to solidify my latest project before I can think of where to go next. Once I know that I have a strong set of work behind me, I think it will be a natural progression. Maybe a series on couples? I’m not sure…but I’m looking forward to whatever it turns out to be!

To see more of Mitsuko’s work, please visit her website here [link]