Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelie Emi Uchiike.
Hi Amelie Emi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved making things with my hands. As a child, I was often drawing or painting. A family member of mine was a photographer, so cameras and images were always part of my life. I naturally paid attention to how things looked and felt.
Lately I enjoy working with musicians the most. I like turning their ideas into something visual, something they can see and connect with. Whether it is photography or film, I enjoy helping shape their world. I also work as a producer, supporting projects from planning to execution.
My background in painting still influences how I see. I am drawn to quiet moments, light, and emotion. I try to keep my work honest and personal.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been an easy path. Working as a freelancer comes with a lot of uncertainty, and there are so many talented people out there. It is easy to question yourself or feel pressure to fit into someone else’s idea of what things should look like.
One of the biggest challenges has been finding the balance between my own creative vision and what others expect. Sometimes what I want to create does not match what the client wants. That used to make me doubt my instincts.
But I was lucky to meet a mentor who encouraged me to keep doing things my way. That gave me a quiet kind of confidence. It reminded me that the way I see and approach things is valid. I did not need to change to fit in.
Since then, I have learned to trust my eye more and focus on what feels real to me. There are still ups and downs, but I try to stay grounded and keep creating from that place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work mainly as a photographer, creative director, and sometimes a producer or translator, depending on the project. Most of my work is visual, but I also care deeply about the overall mood and message behind each piece. Recently I have been focusing on working with musicians. I enjoy helping them turn their ideas and sounds into something visual and real.
People often tell me they feel a sense of calm or emotion in my photos. I do not aim for something flashy or overly polished. I like quiet moments, natural light, and subtle depth. My background in painting helps me think in terms of tone, texture, and atmosphere. I also feel comfortable working in limited conditions, which often brings out something more raw and honest.
One thing I am proud of is having had an incredible mentor. I do not want to say his name…lol , but he is a truly respected, and legendary photographer who helped me understand that my way of seeing is enough. His guidance gave me the confidence to keep going and to trust myself more deeply.
I think what sets me apart is how I listen. Not just to what people say, but to what they feel. I try to reflect that feeling in my work and keep it real.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I spent a lot of time drawing and making things quietly. I felt most like myself when I was creating. But at the same time, I often felt like I was not truly free to express how I felt.
My mother was very strict, and I was often afraid of making mistakes or saying the wrong thing. On top of that, growing up in Japan, there was a strong pressure to be like everyone else. Standing out was not always encouraged, and that made me very aware of how I was being seen.
Because of that, I think I became someone who was sensitive to others and easily influenced. I often adjusted myself to avoid conflict or keep the peace. It took me time to understand what I really liked and to feel okay with doing things differently.
Even now, I still carry some of that. But through art and creative work, I have found a space where I can be more honest and free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amelieuchiike.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelie_e_uchiike
Image Credits
© 2025 Amelie Emi Uchiike
