Assisted Masanobu Fukuda and Taiji Arita, before launching his career as an independent photographer in 1982. From editorial work, he went on to shoot numerous commercial photographs and films. International recognition for his commercial work includes the Tokyo Art Directors Club Grand Prize, New York Art Directors Club Award, and a Silver Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity among many others. In parallel, Ueda has also since 1982 continually pursued his artistic practice. As of 2013, he has published 29 photography collections. He is the director (since 2011) of Gallery 916, where he plans and produces photography-related exhibitions, publications, and talks.