Haru and Mina Photobook by Hideaki Hamada | Hyogo (JAP)

In order to capture the growth and development of his children Haru and Mina, Hideaki Hamada began to take photographs of the pair from birth through to the present day. In December 2012, the wealth of images were individually selected and collated into a photobook entitled Haru and Mina, published by Riburoarute. Born in Aawaji Island, in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, Hamada is a relatively new freelance photographer and only began to work with this camera full time in September 2012. Starting his photography career at age 35, Hamada has since enjoyed great success and has published work in leading publications such as Kinfolk magazine (USA) and The Big Issue (Taiwan).

Hamada explains, "children always act more than I expect. The inspiration for my photography comes from this sort of behaviour. Though I direct some of my photographs, in most cases I take pictures of my children just as they are. When I take photos of my children, the important thing is to maintain an objective perspective. Not too close, but also not too far away, as if I am watching them from behind. My photos are the best gift for their future. They will be a time machine for them.”

Haru and Mina is due for release in October 2014 and is available for pre order and purchase on Hamada's website.