Interview with Toronto Photographer Taku Kumabe (@smaku)

Taku Kumabe is one of our favourite Toronto photographers. He explores landscape photography that showcases the waterfront of the city, particularly along the western shores near the Humber Bay. We are very excited to share these images and this interview with you!

TDOT SHOTS
Thank you Taku for participation in the Five Questions Interview!

Check out @smaku at Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/smaku

1. Who are you?

I’m Taku Kumabe, a Toronto-based freelance photographer.

2. How did you get started and how long have you been doing photography?

After playing around with my parent’s SLR for a couple years in the late 90s, I bought my first SLR in the early 2000s. I loved how I can freeze any moment in time and look back at the photos bringing back the memories. I documented my family vacations at the time, and my 2.5 month backpacking trip across Europe where I came back with more than 30 rolls of used film. I just kept shooting and learning, and self-taught myself everything I know to date. I have also started providing workshops and photowalks, which you can find more information on, on my website.

3. What do you like to shoot and where?

It might not be obvious from my IG feed, but I shoot a lot of events and festivals around the city. The variety of situations it allows me to shoot in keeps me inspired and creative. My IG feed, however, is about appreciating nature wherever we are and exploring our surroundings, so I try and showcase the beauty of Toronto and nearby areas mixed in with some travels that I love to do. I hope to inspire and encourage others to explore their own neighbourhood as well. I also love doing my ongoing personal project, the Toronto Sunrise Series (#TorontoSunriseSeriesByTaku), which showcases the city skyline and its parks during sunrise hours.

4. What gear do you use?

I currently shoot with a Nikon Z 7 and Nikon D800 with a myriad of Nikkor lenses. Nikon’s mirrorless camera has done wonders for my events and landscapes, and I love how compact it is. The D800 is an older camera but it’s a great workhorse for my freelance jobs. I love my Profoto B1x and A1 lights for times when I need the extra light in my shoots as well.

5. Who are your favourite photographers (on IG)? 

I am inspired by many photographers here on IG. They may not all be landscape or nature photographers, but they each inspire me to be better with the gear and programs that I currently use, and make me see things in a different light.
@elialocardi
@takahiro_bessho
@takaphilography
@salcincotta
@paulzizkaphoto
.
Thank you!

Links

Instagram: @smaku or https://www.instagram.com/smaku/

Website: http://www.takukumabe.com

Blog: http://www.smaku.com

This interview (original) on IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/BnCEE-NgaSq/

Video / Taku interview with Henry’s Camera / Nikon promo