A Gentle Proximity | Photographer & Artist: Utaumi | ISSUE #21

‘ISSUE’ explores the sensibilities and creative minds of artists worldwide, serving as a catalyst for new inspiration. ISSUE #21 spotlights Utaumi, a wedding photographer and photographic artist based in Okayama. This feature presents the story of her photographic journey, which cherishes a lifestyle close to nature and a practice that gently accompanies the emotions of others.

Drawn to the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, Utaumi chose Okayama as her new base. She is a popular photographer with Lovegraph and demonstrates her talent as a photographic artist. Through her images and words, she weaves a natural narrative that gently resonates with us, offering a comforting warmth.

Utaumi picked up a camera in her first year of university, stepping into the world of photography. Influenced by her father, a professional photographer, she gained early experience assisting on shoots and attending photography-related events, which inspired her to pursue a career as a photographer. That winter, she began working primarily on family and wedding photography through the on-location photography service Lovegraph, honing both her technical skills and artistic sensibility.

When creating her profile for Lovegraph, she registered the photographer name “Utaumi,” which she continues to use today. She has always loved singing, and the name is derived from “Utaumiu” (her given name is Miu). She later grew fond of the sea as well, and her gentle photographer name encapsulates her warm personality and passions.

“I’ll never forget my first wedding shoot,” she recalls with a smile. Her hands trembled with nerves, and she was focused solely on completing the shoot without incident. However, after more than three years as a photographer, her desire grew not only to create visually beautiful images, but also to deeply engage with the emotions and stories of those she photographs.

The phrase “gently touching the warmth of the heart” encapsulates how Utaumi’s photography expresses something beyond the visual.
Most of her guests are people she meets for the first time on the day of the shoot. Encountering the unique stories of those she photographs inspires her creative process.

“During a shoot, I sometimes suggest things that might feel a little embarrassing, like asking couples to look into each other’s eyes again, hold hands with family members, or express their gratitude. I want to capture those moments of warmth and happy memories so they remain tangible,” she explains.

While she may never fully understand her subjects, she strives to express the universal love and feelings people hold for their families through her photography. Through this expression, she hopes viewers can connect with the warmth within their own hearts.

Utaumi’s photographs are not assertive, but rather maintain a gentle proximity, characterized by emotional depth found in the spaces between. Her work is not simply about creating beautiful images, but about delicately portraying the emotions and stories that lie beneath the surface of her subjects, inviting viewers to imagine the narratives within.

It has been almost two years since Utaumi began living in Okayama. The region’s abundant nature and tranquil lifestyle have inspired her not only in her work as a photographer, but also in her activities as an artist, such as holding exhibitions.

“Moving to Okayama brought a fresh breeze into my life,” says Utaumi. The calm lifestyle and the unique beauty of nature, so different from the city, gave her a sense that she could sustain her life through her own creative expression—something she discovered through her encounter with Okayama.

“The nature of Okayama is indifferent to human worries, quietly cycling through the seasons and showing its beauty from morning to night. It teaches me to cherish things as they are,” she says. The nature of Okayama and the emotions it evokes add a unique palette to her photography.

Looking toward her future as a photographic artist, Utaumi says, “I don’t know what lies ahead, but that’s what excites me.” She wants to continue sharing small joys—doing what she loves, in spaces she loves, with people she loves. She hopes that, through these simple acts, she can bring warmth to those she encounters, and she looks forward to seeing what new photographs and expressions will emerge from these experiences.

Going forward, she hopes to expand her creative practice beyond photography, incorporating words and producing collections of her work. We look forward to witnessing the quiet narratives she continues to capture along the peaceful shores of Okayama.