“I’m doing photography, but it feels like I’m building houses like a carpenter or cooking curry like a chef, because I’m constructing pictures based on my fantasies.”

Kazunori Nagashima, Getty Images Prestige photographer

Getty Images Prestige  is a carefully curated selection of the world’s most powerful imagery. Prestige images are distinguished by their unique aesthetic approach, exceptional craftsmanship and uncompromising quality – all available for use exclusively.

Much of the imagery in Getty Images Prestige is the result of the unique relationship between art director and photographer built, over many years of collaborating, to devise unique and original ideas or new takes on classic themes.

This imagery is shot and produced all over the world. In this video Getty Images Senior Art Director Masaaki Kobayashi discusses the simplicity of the Japanese aesthetic and introduces four of Japan’s most creative Prestige photographer.