Why should you hire a professional photographer while travelling solo, as a couple, or with your family in Japan? To capture your joy & surprise, frame you with selected landmarks under a specific angle, document your adventures with little-known sights appearing only at that time, during that season, with that weather… and immortalise you with locals mirroring Japan’s rich subcultures after obtaining their authorization in Japanese. I received great photos each time I used a pro photographer in Japan; I encourage you to do the same. And if you’re reading this during breakfast on a rainy day to find something exciting to do today, keep reading!
My Experience With Professional Photographers In Japan
Mostly behind the camera during 20+ years touring Japan, I mostly appear on basic “sightseeing” photos with groups & leaders. I’m beside travellers I guided, mikoshi carriers in happi & fundoshi, artisans/monks in samue, martial artists in keikogi, Japanese culture teachers in heavy kimono… However, I flamboyantly appear in samurai armour, wearing a traditional kimono, holding a sword, carrying a pouch, and beside a rickshaw thanks to photoshoots held during on-site consulting for photo studios, travel agencies and local governments.
What Can Solo, Couple, And Family Travellers Expect?
Personalization defines solo photography. Practically, solo travellers can expect professional photographers to capture their unique style & interests. Themes are innumerable: cyberpunk evening in Tokyo streets, light & shadows in an iconic tunnel of Shinto gates, kintsugi activity with a Japanese artisan, lesson with a naginata master, hiking in breath-taking forests with sunlight leaking through trees…
Intimacy & beauty define couple photography. Honeymooners, couples on a wedding anniversary and others can expect professional photographers to capture the essence of their bond. Romantic suggestions include a dinner at a ryokan traditional inn, winter illuminations, a plum/cherry blossoms stroll, a rickshaw ride in Kyoto, a Takasago-zome kimono wearing experience, a private hot spring (you can select a source with colourful opaque water, wear a swimsuit)… and of course a proposal photoshoot at Mount Fuji!
Connection defines family photography. Parents can expect professional photographers to capture shared experiences, joy and excitement. Fun & playful suggestions include cooking classes, riverside picnics, castle visits, ninja experiences, carp & deer time, 2025 World Expo explorations…
Find A Professional Photographer In Japan
International visitors can easily find a professional photographer in Japan. To ensure availability & suitability, search online or ask your travel agent (especially if luxury) for recommendations months before travelling. Consider each photographer’s language skills, cultural awareness, experience, style, expertise (e.g. portrait), and reviews from previous clients.
I’m fascinated by the quick rise and excellent reviews of Photo Trips. Its passionate local photographers deeply know their area: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Fukuoka, Kawagoe… Excitingly, one of their only-in-Japan products is a proposal photoshoot at Mount Fuji!
With rain in Tokyo, you may consider A L’Aise photo studio for an indoor session, maybe plus minutes outside for a scene with a traditional umbrella. Including an English speaker, the smiley staff is used to photographing adults, children, and families with dogs. The services extend to hair makeup and authentic kimono rental, both heavy/layered kimono and light summer yukata. On site as Japan Travel business development manager, I admired the teamwork and open-minded choice of dark-skinned models (a sadly rare decision in Japan — most businesses here lack awareness regarding ethnic diversity). I look forward to discovering the upcoming luxury services; they’ll hopefully include short vertical videos with e.g. wind in travellers’ hair.
To help future travellers make enlightened decisions, please leave ratings/reviews after using photography services.
Enjoy Successful Photoshoots In Japan
My Top 10 tips are:
- Be ready to pay more for a photographer who knows how to take photos that tell a story. Favour a short photo session with a good photographer rather than a 1-day photography tour with a cheap, dubious photographer.
- Discuss your goals & desires with the photographer. Notably clarify if you wish horizontal, vertical, or both types of photos.
- Feel free to discuss worries you may have about cultural appropriation or insensitivity in certain photography scenarios. A professional photographer in Japan is likely to confirm his/her commitment to respectful and culturally appropriate photography practices.
- Choose the right destination for you. If you want to avoid crowds, consider off-the-beaten-track destinations and low-season travel. However, let the photographer suggest specific spots and moments for your photoshoot.
- Remember that the sun rises and sets very early in Tokyo. Also, remember that the sun rises/sets at very different times in the north, south, east, and west of Japan.
- Clarify what happens in case of significant rain, snow, or record-breaking summer heat. Cancellation? Indoor solution? Photography with weather-related mise en scène?
- Book particularly early for a photoshoot during the cherry blossoms, Chinese New Year, major festivals, 2025 World Expo in Osaka…
- Consider renting an authentic kimono, using hair make services, and colouring your nails (Causette Joli interestingly features new time-limited products every season).
- Couples looking for inspiration should see “The 20 Best Photo Poses for Couples To Prepare Your Photoshoot” by Photo Trips.
- Relax & enjoy your photoshoot 🙂