English Speaking Photographers in Tokyo (2024)

Looking for great English speaking photographers in Tokyo, Japan? Our first few years in Japan, we took our photos but as the number of children increased we decided the job was beyond us and have outsourced the annual ritual. I have used Kerry at Keyshots, but all of the photographers below are highly recommended by members of the Tokyo Mothers Group.

To take some of the stress out of your planning, I have developed a short list of photographers based in Japan. After reviewing many online portfolios and contacting the photographers 1:1, I have curated this list to eight photographers. If you would like to recommend a photographer, please send me an email at BestLivingJapan contact. I hope this information is helpful, and that you get that perfect shot!

Having professional photos taken is an investment; not just the cost of the photographer, prints and digital contents but also the clothing, haircuts, etc. Do your homework and make sure you hire the right photographer for you.

Questionsto ask photographers

1. Has he/she done a shoot like this before?How many maternity shoots have they completed? Have they taken a family photo with ten people?

2. Do you like his/her portfolio? Even when someone has a strong reputation, do youpersonally like the photographers portfolio? Everyone has different tastes, make sure your’s fit.

3. Does he/she ask you questions that show they are prepared for your shoot? Have they asked details on ages of family members, how many outfit changes, what type of location and lightening you like.

4. Does he/sheemphasisegetting the right shot, or say they can fix in post processing? Will the photographer show you shots along the way? Does the photographer talk to you about what you want and like during the shoot?

5. When can you expect to see the initial photos and how are they delivered (email or secure server)? Also once deciding on the photos you want to purchase when will they be delivered? Photographers all get busy in wedding and also pre-holiday season. Make sure you understand their timelines.

6. Does he/she have the proper equipment? Do they have extra cameras in case of breakage, do they have the latestlightening and PCequipment?

7. What is his/her cancelation policy? Sickness can make a shoot miserable for all, check on cancelation/postpone policies.

8. Can you afford the investment? Make sure you understand the shooting price andwhat is included? What are the cost of printsafter? What is the cost of a digitalcopy? You do not want to be frustrated by having a great shoot, but not being able to afford the after costs.

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The following list of photographers is not in any particular order, please review each photographer’s website and choose the one that fits your style, investment, and schedule.

1. KEYSHOTS
Name of lead photographer: Kerry Raftis
Website:www.keyshots.com
Business address: Shoto Shibuya
Phone number: 03-6804-8586
Where are photos taken: We offer both Studio and Location Sessions
Photograph specialty: Photo-Booth Rental, Pregnancy & New Born, Family Portraits, Events & School Photos
Most popular photo package: Please enquire by email or call our office as we have many options available.
Avg cost of package: or range: Please enquire by email or call our office as we have many optionsavailable.
What makes you different than others?:Keyshots.com has been operating in the Greater Tokyo Area for more than 15 years and offersservices in both English and Japanese.Keyshots.com is a Company and as such we can offer many very types of photography coverage – our Coverage Team can recommend the best kind of coverage that willsuit your needs. Sessions can be made in our Studio conveniently located in Shibuya, or we can come to your home or meet you at your location of choice.We use the most up to date Photography & Computer equipment – Offer Professional Quality Printing and Photo Production Services and have an in-house Photoshop & Processing Team to make your photos shine.

2. 37 FRAMES PHOTOGRAPHY
Name of lead photographer: Tracey Taylor & Dee Green
Website: 37framesphotography
Business address: 3-8-25-703 Kamiochiai, Shinjuku-ku TOKYO 161-0034
Phone number: 080-3312-3021
Email address: dee@37framesphotography.com
Where are photos taken: On location
Photograph specialty:Weddings, Couples, Engagements & Pre/Post Wedding experiences. We accept Family appointments, newborn sessions etc when our schedule permits, and would love nothing more than to be part telling of your Japan Story!
Most popular photo package:For Families we have several options… Our most popular is our 37 Frames Mini-Session Collection. Which is 3 or 4 x 30 min Mini-Sessions pre-scheduled over the year at some of Tokyo’s most iconic locations. The perfect way to tell your Japan Story in all the seasons. Includes a private online gallery, five high-res images, with options to upgrade, & slideshow of the experience, all delivered digitally. Investment starts at ¥100,000. Collections are released at the end of October for the following year & sell-out quickly (also transferable between family/friends). Other popular Collections are our 37 Frames Signature Lifestyle Session (60-90 mins), a Private Mini-Session, A Day in the Life Session, I Love Tokyo (by night) experience & our yearly Baby Frames Collection (3 sessions documenting baby’s first year). Collections range from ¥45,000 to ¥250,000. Custom Collections are also available. We travel Japan-wide & also schedule family appointments while overseas in between Wedding Work (upcoming dates in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, the US & Europe). We are currently fully booked for all of 2014 & through to mid-Feb 2015 and expect our peak Cherry Blossom dates to be full by the end of the year. So we always encourage new clients to connect with us at the earlier opportunity to start planning!
What makes you different than others?: 37 Frames is Japan’s most award-winning studio & simply adore what we do – telling life’s most beautiful stories. We work as a dovetailing team of 2 photographers creating a very special client experience, natural & real with a cinematic feel to our work. We LOVE to feature & showcase on a world-stage where we have all collided – this incredible landscape – Japan! We are the only photographers in Japan on the Asia Wedding Photographers Association Top Photographers List, as well as Junebug Weddings World’s Best Photographers. We made Junebug’s Best of the Best Weddings in 2012 & 2013 & Best of the Best Engagement Photos in 2014. We are often published, also speaking/educating Photographers both in Japan & overseas. We regularly present at WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) in Las Vegas. In 2014, we were delighted to win first place in the Bride/Groom Alone Category of the prestigious WPPI Print Competition & 2nd place in the Seniors Category in 2013, among many other accolades. Trace & Dee travel worldwide for appointments & thoroughly recommend new clients to visit the 37 Frames blog/website to understand our way of storytelling & photography, which is largely natural, emotional & unposed, celebrating life & your story as it is now.

3. GOM PHOTOGRAPHY
Name of lead photographer: Emma Sato
Website: www.gom-photography.com
Business address: located in Yokohama, but serves Yokohama, Tokyo, and surrounding areas
Phone number: 045- 353- 8662
Where are photos taken: newborn photos are taken at studio or client’s home, others (maternity, couples, family, kids) can be done on-location (outside) or at clients home
Photograph specialty: Maternity, Kids, Couples, Family, and Newborn
Most popular photo package: Gorgeous package – 2 hrs shooting time, digital download of fully edited 35 high-res files
Avg cost of package: or range: ¥50,000 – ¥70,000
What makes you different than others?: My style is very natural, if you see my portfolio, you won’t see a photo where everyone just sit down and looking at the camera and smile. I love capturing the real moments and the pure joy and emotion. Also living in a world, everyone owns a camera and can snap any time, I try to create beautiful artistic images which you can hold onto forever.

4.MAREK PHOTOGRAPHY
Name of Photographer: Marek Ospaly
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MarekKidsPhotography/ (I don’t have a website)
Email: marek.kids.photo@gmail.com
Phone number: 090-1151-6212
Where are photos taken: I’m a location photographer – Roppongi Midtown, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Goen, and Shrines and Temples.
Most popular photo package: Kids/Family Photo Shoot 50 minutes photo shoot 50 edited photo data and prints
Avg. cost of package: about ¥15,000
What makes you different than others?: My passion not only for photography but for kids. I’m able to connect with any child regardless and bond special relationship within the photo shoot.

5. STEVE MORIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Name of lead photographer: Steve Morin
Website: http://www.stevemorinphoto.com
Email: stevenkmorin@hotmail.com
Business address: 2-3-3 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 080-4072-3049
Where are photos taken: On location, outdoors, or in studio, depending on the type of shoot
Photograph specialty: Couples, portraits, corporate, urban street
Most popular photo package: Each shoot is unique and depends upon client requests
Avg. cost of package: Dependant on shoot
What makes you different than others?: I have been photographing people, products, and urban scenes in Tokyo for over 20 years. My style is at once both raw and polished, and filled with substance and emotion. I am bilingual and know many excellent shooting locations in the Tokyo area.

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English Speaking Photographers in Tokyo (2024)

FAQs

English Speaking Photographers in Tokyo? ›

Looking for great English speaking photographers in Tokyo, Japan?
...
  • KEYSHOTS. Name of lead photographer: Kerry Raftis. ...
  • 37 FRAMES PHOTOGRAPHY. ...
  • GOM PHOTOGRAPHY. ...
  • MAREK PHOTOGRAPHY. ...
  • STEVE MORIN PHOTOGRAPHY.

Is photography popular in Japan? ›

In Japan, photography is very much a part of its culture and technology. Most of the leading camera brands come from Japan, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, and Olympus.

How much does a photographer in Paris cost? ›

An average price for services of a professional photographer in Paris is 200 euros an hour. On our website you can find both affordable and high-end photographers, whose services start at 2000 euros for the entire day.

Is it rude to take photos in Japan? ›

There isn't a law that prohibits street photography in Japan. As long as you don't share your photos publicly, you can take photos of anyone. But just because there is no rule doesn't make this any more respectful. Many Japanese people feel uncomfortable with the idea of confronting strangers.

Is it illegal to photograph people in Japan? ›

Photographing People in Public

In Japan there is no explicit criminal law prohibiting taking photos of public spaces, or the people in those public spaces.

Who is Masashi Wakui? ›

They were taken by Masashi Wakui, a talented and self-taught Japanese photographer who has expertly managed to capture the capital in all of its nocturnal and neon splendor.

Who is the best street photographer? ›

The most famous street photographer of all time is the French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908 – 2004). He is known for his candid photography and capturing the “decisive moment“.

What camera does Daido Moriyama use? ›

What Camera Does Daido Moriyama Use? Moriyama is perhaps best known for using the Ricoh GR series of cameras which has gained a cult status amongst street photographers. He mainly used the Ricoh GR1s 35mm film camera with a fixed 28mm lens and sometimes a Ricoh GR21 for a wider field of view.

Why do Japanese hide their faces online? ›

Sense of privacy, fear of Internet, an ability to separate real life and net presence. .. You have no control over *anything* you post to the net. It's a feature of mixi that Japanese avatars tend to be cartoon characters or pop idols etc. but foreigners tend to use their own portrait photo.

Are cameras cheap in Japan? ›

Cameras themselves aren't necessarily cheaper in Japan though if you buy from Yodobashi and BIC retail stores, you will get a tourist discount and 8% tax refund. Accessories could be worth checking out.

Is it illegal to film in Japan? ›

Freedom of expression is a guarantee in Japan and this is enshrined in the constitution by Article 21. Filming and photography are allowed as they are forms of expression in some way. It is, however, prohibited for you to do the video coverage of photo-shoots on other people without their consent.

How much are pre weddings in Paris? ›

While you may be able to book an artist for as little as $26/per person, a minimum realistic starting price for an English-speaking Paris photographer is around Euro 200/per hour. Our collections at Kiss Me in Paris start at only Euro 250/hour. It may sound cliché, but you get what you pay for!

Can you hire photographer in Paris? ›

Choose Your Photographer in Paris. Pricing starts at $285 USD for a 30-minute shoot. Proposal packages start at $385 USD. Prefer to be matched with the first available photographer?

What age is legal in Japan? ›

Japan's Legal Adult Age is Now 18 (from 20): 8 Things That Change, 4 That Stay. Turning 20 used to mark the official start of adulthood, and one of the most memorable events of one's life in Japan. Here's what the new changes mean. On April 1, 2022, Japan lowered the legal age of adulthood to 18 years old.

Can you take pictures of geisha? ›

Authorities in Kyoto banned tourists from taking photographs in its most popular geisha districts after complaints that travellers were hassling geiko, the regional term for geisha. The photography ban was introduced in the city's Gion district. Tourists flouting it face fines of up to 10,000 yen (Dh337).

Is selfie stick allowed in Japan? ›

Use of selfie sticks banned at 1,195 stations in Japan - Japan Today.

Is there paparazzi in Japan? ›

Re: Paparazzi in Japan

Yes, though not many. You don't see hordes of them waiting outside trendy restaurants and nightclubs like you do in LA or NYC. Moreover there's very little public interest in pictures of famous people walking down the street and living their daily lives.

Is Upskirting legal in Japan? ›

Upskirting is already illegal in Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and some US states. In Japan, all camera phones make a noise when a picture is taken that cannot be turned off, in the hope of discouraging covert photography.

What do Japanese people say when taking pictures? ›

Japanese translation: ハイ、チーズ

Arigato, gracias, thank you. Explanation: That's pronounced, "Hi, cheezu (hai, chiizu)." Interestingly, we also use "cheese" to smile for photos. "Hai" really means, "yes," or "ok," but used as a set phrase here always.

What do street photographers do with their photos? ›

However, street photography is legal in the United States as long as you use the pictures for artistic purposes. You can sell prints of them, use them in online articles, and show them in books as you would a piece of art, but you cannot use them for commercial or advertising purposes.

Can you post street photography on Instagram? ›

Street photography has evolved over time, thereby adopting various artists and trends such as posting such photos over social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

What is modern street photography? ›

Street photography is a genre which aims to capture scenes in public places. It's often without people noticing that they are being photographed, this is why it's often called candid photography. You don't necessarily have to include people in your images.

Where does Daido Moriyama take his photos? ›

After he left Osaka, Moriyama went on to take photographs of Kobe, Maizuru, Yokosuka, Atami, Misawa, Tono, Hokkaido, Shinjuku, New York, Paris, Buenos Aires, Hawaii, São Paulo – a whole variety of places, not only in Japan but all over the world, single-mindedly shooting fragmentary scenes of the city, or the way ...

How did Lennart Nilsson take his photos? ›

Due to the narrow, flexible structure of an endoscope, Nilsson was able to see far into the body and take photographs, while a wide-angle lens and small fiber optics enabled him to capture high-resolution images. In the 1970s Nilsson incorporated the scanning electron microscope into his photographic tool set.

Why do the Japanese cover their mouths? ›

Covering your mouth while laughing means not showing your obvious reactions, and keeping your emotions subtle and shy. This is considered graceful for ladies in Japan. Many Japanese women aim toward this ideal image and follow it as a social norm subconsciously without recognizing they've actually started this gesture.

Why don t mangaka show their faces? ›

Some of the reasons why Mangakas hide their identity may be as follows: Content: Manga have a variety of content and much of it may be contentious or even downright controversial. Not wanting to associate their work with "real life" writers utilize pen names to avoid the hassle associated.

How can I hide my face from public? ›

The simplest way to avoid getting your face scanned in public is to wear a mask. At the time of writing, plenty of people are already doing this with face masks worn for pandemic reasons, which is why biometric face unlocking doesn't work when you have one on.

Are DSLR cameras cheaper in Japan? ›

It's not cheaper. Seriously, not even close. Most cameras in Japan are now priced significantly higher than similar models in nearly every other market in the world. Sure, some of this has to do with currency exchange rates, but Japanese companies actually go out of their way to keep cheap cameras off the market.

What is Japan's biggest export? ›

Exports The top exports of Japan are Cars ($83.1B), Integrated Circuits ($31.3B), Motor vehicles; parts and accessories (8701 to 8705) ($28B), Machinery Having Individual Functions ($19.9B), and Photo Lab Equipment ($12.1B), exporting mostly to China ($133B), United States ($112B), South Korea ($42.9B), Chinese Taipei ...

Is Tokyo cheap for shopping? ›

Bargain hunters, rejoice because it's NOT impossible to find cheap goods in Tokyo. Use this list for a headstart. Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world but for those of us who've stayed here for a while, we have our secrets!

Can I record in public in Japan? ›

Well, in Japan, freedom of expression is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. As filming and taking pictures are two of the means by which individuals can express their ideas, they are protected by Article 21. On the other hand, people have the right not to be photographed or filmed without good reason.

Can I record in Japan? ›

If there are no signs up, you really don't need to worry, and you should just use common sense about filming in people's faces without their permission. For the record, photography at Japanese military (SDF) facilities is generally not a problem, so long as you are outside the facility.

What should I wear to the Eiffel Tower photo shoot? ›

FLAT COLORS. Pastel are very nice and in Paris they will always look beautiful. We recommend our clients sticking to pastels and neutral colors when deciding on their photoshoot outfit. You can't go wrong, especially if you just got engaged in Paris!

What do you wear to the Eiffel Tower? ›

DON'T wear lots of flashy colors together, it is not very Parisian and will make you stand out as a tourist. DO keep it simple with black and neutral colors, but do accessorize your style! A colored bag, scarf or belt, a bold necklace with a white blouse: details can change everything. DO dress in layers.

How should I dress for a photoshoot? ›

What to wear to a photoshoot
  1. Dark clothing tends to slenderize. ...
  2. Tone down bright colours. ...
  3. Light clothing can look beautifully fresh. ...
  4. Prints and patterns are a definite NO. ...
  5. Avoid short sleeve clothing and short pants. ...
  6. Don't over accessorise! ...
  7. Glasses. ...
  8. Make Up, Hair & Nails.
Sep 20, 2016

When did photography reach Japan? ›

Importation of photography

In 1848 (Edo era), a camera for daguerréotype was imported by a Dutch ship to Japan (Nagasaki, 長崎). It is said that this was the first camera in Japan.

When was photography brought to Japan? ›

It was around 1846 when the daguerreotype camera, using silver plates, was first brought to Japan. One such apparatus was brought from Dejima to the Takeo clan by a merchant named Ueno Shunnojō, whose son, Hikoma, would go on to become an accomplished photographer in his own right.

How do you take Japanese style photos? ›

Photographs shot in Japanese style are often shot during sunny days. If the weather is overcast, sunlight will be too diffused. We need sunlight striking directly on the subject. The subject is often backlit by sunlight.

Can you take pictures of shrines in Japan? ›

“Be Respectful!” Visiting Shrines and Temples

It is taboo to directly photograph figures of deities and of Buddha. There are also places that are not open to the public and where photography is prohibited, so look out for signs or notices. Finally, be sure to take off your shoes when entering a temple.

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