January 14 : 2026
Masaru Takagi
by Lily Fierman
Image: Otters
Q:
Can you please tell us more about creating your winning image, “Otters”?
A:
Otters are immensely popular animals, possessing both adorable facial features and charming body movements. Otters are among my favorite animals, and I often photograph interactions between them. When capturing this image, two otters were swimming in water, and by chance, one appeared to have tears in its eyes. Seeing that otter playfully interacting with the other led me to take the shot.
Q:
What drew you to photograph this moment in black and white rather than color?
A:
To express the otter's expression and tearful appearance impressively for viewers, I finished the work as a monochrome photograph.
Q:
How do patience and attentiveness factor into your approach to wildlife photography?
A:
I believe the photographer's patience and attentiveness factors are essential elements for capturing the natural beauty of the subjects.
Q:
How do you ensure respect for the subject while creating images that feel deeply human in their emotional impact?
A:
Since one otter appears sad, as if tearful, I consider the expression suggesting recovery from sorrow through the other's comfort to be a sign of respect for the subjects.
Q:
Has this moment stayed with you since capturing it, and if so, why?
A:
The moment this photograph was taken remains vividly imprinted in my mind. Among countless shoots, it was profoundly impactful and exceptionally precious to me.
ARTIST
Masaru Takagi
Location:
Japan
