My introduction to photography came when I was 7 years old. My aunt gave me a little box camera as a Christmas gift. I soon became addicted to shooting photos. I shot 1 or 2 rolls every week. Film and developing was pretty expensive for a 7 year old boy, so I went into business for myself. I discovered if I took portraits of people, I could sell them prints and make enough money to pay for film and developing. At that time I enjoyed shooting portraits.

When in high school I dreamt of becoming a professional photographer. I didn't’ have a favorite subject at this time. As a person who likes to use mechanical tools, I was addicted to using the camera. I showed a photograph of a building to a high school art teacher, who said “You have a great eye for architectural photography.” This started my passion for architectural photography.

During architectural school I received an award and used the money to buy my first Nikon F black body with PC Nikkor 2.8/35mm lens. They were pretty rare during those times and everyone was dreaming of getting a black Nikon F.

Soon, I started taking photographs for architectural construction companies. This provided me with good spending money while I finished my education. I later became a professional architectural photographer. For more than ten years I shot photographs for many major Japanese magazines. I had the good fortune to photograph the works of world renown architects. Eventually, I started to feel architectural photography was too artificial.                                 

First of all, I am a fly fisherman. I love mother nature, especially beautiful streams. I spent many days fishing in mountain streams during the time I was photographing architecture. I decided to quit taking architectural photos, and I began focusing on my most favorite place in the world - streams. As an industrial designer and fly fisherman, my passion is fly rod design. I spent so many hours in the streams.

Stream side became my studio, like a design firm studio. I enjoy thinking of new creative ideas on the streams. I want to keep good memories of these beautiful streams. So I became a stream photographer. My intent is to be a good river keeper. I invite you to these beautiful streams - to enjoy visiting my favorite world. I enjoy sharing these pretty streams and beautiful native fishes. In sharing my photos, I hope to play a role in protecting our priceless waters for next generations - to keep these beautiful environments forever.

Henry Haneda