Meet Hideki Aono | Photographer & Visual creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hideki Aono and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hideki, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When it comes to risk in business, I view it as the spice that adds flavor to the journey. It’s a bit like a roller coaster ride – thrilling, occasionally scary, but it’s where the best stories are made. I believe in calculated risks, where you mix knowledge, preparation, and courage in just the right proportions. Too timid, and you miss opportunities; too reckless, and you invite chaos.

Taking risks is a gamble, but often times leads to incredible successes or faceplant moments. Either way you learn something new and grow. I think it is essential to get out of your comfort zone once you recognize you are no longer taking any risks. In all, I approach risk with a blend of humor, positivity, and seriousness all in the goal of bringing out my best work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is all about capturing the energy, spirit, and diversity of New York City. I believe that every corner of this city has a story to tell, and my goal is to bring those stories to life through my lens. What sets me apart is my ability to find beauty in the mundane, to see the extraordinary in the everyday. I thrive on the chaos and vibrancy of this city, and it’s what fuels my creativity.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy, but I do enjoy the process. It’s been a rollercoaster of experiences, but always something to take away from it. I spent and still spending countless hours honing my craft, experimenting with different styles, and always keeping an eye out for new techniques to play around with.

One of the biggest challenges is the saturation of the market where to differentiate myself from others. I’m always looking for the next edge, I think networking has vastly played a crucial role in overcoming some of this hurdle. Slowly but surely, I started getting my first gigs, often unpaid or low-paying, but each one was a stepping stone to where I am now.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. Firstly, persistence is key. There were times when I felt discouraged, but I reminded myself why I started this journey in the first place. Secondly, adaptability is crucial. The photography industry is constantly evolving, and I had to keep learning new techniques and embracing change to stay relevant.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just a photographer; I’m a storyteller. Through my photos, I hope to inspire others to see the world with a fresh perspective, to find beauty in unexpected places, and to appreciate the magic of everyday life in this incredible city. My story is one of passion, hard work, and a deep love for New York City, and I’m excited to continue sharing it with the world through my lens.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I don’t have a single favorite spot in the city because I thrive on seeking out fresh experiences and exploring different areas and locales. My choice of location typically depends on the specific mood or atmosphere I desire, and I’m always eager to discover new activities and places to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I would like to give a big shout out to Leah & Cose for recommending me to you all. Too many to name individually here, but I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the incredible clients, producers, mentors, and fellow photographers who have been an essential part of my photography journey.

Website: http://www.hidekiaonophoto.com/

Instagram: @hideki.aono.media

Image Credits
Hideki Aono