Today we’d like to introduce you to Mei Kobayashi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a Japanese-American born and raised in Torrance, CA by two Immigrant parents. Ever since I was a little kid, I had a hobby of taking photos. However, it wasn’t until my junior year of high school where I decided to take my hobby into something I wanted to study. I decided to pursue photography at ArtCenter College of Design in 2020 and graduated in April of 2024. My time at ArtCenter was beyond amazing. I loved the faculty and the staff. I was given guidance and knowledge on photography and life in general and I felt that I had a great support system while I was there. It was the faculty that pushed me beyond my limits and helped me be the photographer I am today. Ive had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. Working with a team and having everyone contributing to make a beautiful photo makes me the happiest.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road! So many sleepless and restless nights, and creative blocks! In my 3rd year at Art Center, I had a huge creative block where I hated my entire work and didn’t have the motivation to create. I was struggling with my style as a photographer. It was such a tough time for me. I was frustrated with myself and lost. But this creative block allowed me to find my own style and create work that I can confidently say is mine,
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I pursue many roles in productions. I am mainly a fashion photographer. I produce and creative direct my own shoots! As a fashion photographer, I love meshing fine art, fashion photography and my own Japanese culture and creating something unique! I love breaking the rules of fashion photography. My work was once described to me as “messy pretty” and I think that describes my work perfectly. I love creating textures with lighting, and a “messy” look through post production while; I maintain an elegant style with my subjects. I faced many challenges getting to this point and how I overcame those challenges is what I am most proud of today. In addition to the creative aspect of photography, I specialize in the technical side of photography and film as well. I work on sets as the photographer assistant and grip! I love assisting as much as I love shooting, because I get to see how other photographers work on set and learn from them. I value being on set in any role, because I always learn something new.
What makes you happy?
A lot of things make me happy! From the little everyday things in life to big accomplishments. But most of all the people around me make me happy. My sweet parents, my kind boyfriend, and my amazing friends. The people that I have connected through photography make my heart full of love. Without these people in my life, I think I would be so lonely and lose the person I am today. The support these people have given me can’t be put into words.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.meikobayashi.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meikobayashi_/?hl=en
Image Credits
Photo image of Spacey Jane for A Book Of Magazine.
