Big photographer zooms in on the small details

Michael Yamashita is among the remaining photo journalists from the era when photographers commanded big budgets for ambitious projects.

"As a magazine editor, I admire Yamashita a lot because he has continued doing big stories over the past 30 years, devoting much time and effort to preparations and field-trips," says Lee Yung Shih, editor-in-chief of National Geographic's Chinese copyright partner.

"National Geographic editors are demanding. Once a photographer fails to give a satisfying performance on a big assignment, it is very likely he or she won't have an other chance to do big stories. Yamashita's ability is really outstanding. That's why he has won so many opportunities."