Frequently Asked Questions
Portrait Sessions
When do portrait sessions usually take place?
You can schedule a portrait sessions here in Tokyo or beyond at during the season of your choice. Snow. Wind. Rain. Sun. Morning. Afternoon. Night. No matter what you have in mind for a session, we will collaborate to determine the best day and time to ensure that you receive the product you have envisioned.
What should I/we wear for my session?
Each and every session is different. I give my clients a bespoke photographic experience. Because of this, I will offer wardrobe suggestions prior to our shoot.
Can I order prints of My FAvorite photograph From my session?
I can take care of your medium and large format printing needs in-house. I custom print exclusively on museum quality, archival papers using a top-of-the-line Epson inkjet printers. Prints can be added to any session and are available to clients who have a taste for the finer things in life. With any portrait session booking, clients can order medium or large format prints at a reduced price.
What if it rains on my session day?
Sometimes rainy weather can make for great shots and I always encourage clients to move forward with sessions unless it is raining cats and dogs. But if moody shots aren't your fancy, we will reschedule our portrait session at our earliest possible convenience. If, by chance, we cannot find a mutually convenient date, your deposit will be refunded in full.
Can I bring a friend to A boudoir session?
Your comfort is my top priority. If you wish to bring a supportive friend to your boudoir session, please do so.
Can we arrange a meeting before our session?
I would be happy to chat about your session prior to our scheduled shoot date. I offer all clients an optional pre-shoot meeting and this option is a great way to establish rapport with each other prior to our portrait session. Depending on your preference, we can communicate via Skype, FaceTime, or phone.
Can you help me pick the portrait session location?
One of the best parts about being a photographer in Japan is having a large bank of local knowledge. After living in Tokyo over five years, I know the nooks, crannies, and alleys that make for some of the best possible portrait shoots.
Of course I am delighted to share this information and am happy to help my clients select the portrait shoot location that is perfect for them. Part of our pre-shoot planning will be to discuss some options for your shoot. Ultimately, the location decision is yours. But, I will offer my professional opinion about which locations will best suit your photographic needs.
Of course I am delighted to share this information and am happy to help my clients select the portrait shoot location that is perfect for them. Part of our pre-shoot planning will be to discuss some options for your shoot. Ultimately, the location decision is yours. But, I will offer my professional opinion about which locations will best suit your photographic needs.
How can I contact you if I get lost or if I am late to my portrait session
Tokyo is a massive city. From time to time, clients do get lost commuting in the Japanese capital. If you do get lost on the way to your session or if you are running late, simply give me a text or a call. You can find my direct line on my contact page.
Do You Provide Hair and makeup Services?
My job is to focus on making stunning imagery. While I do not offer hair and makeup services to my clients, I do have an extended network of makeup and hair professionals throughout Japan who I will be able to refer you to.
Images
Do you deliver every image you shoot?
I chose to deliver a selection of images that captures your story and that best represents each client. The number of images I deliver differs for every project. Unlike other photographers, I do not have set package image counts and instead chose to deliver all of "the keepers." In most cases, the number of images you will receive will exceed your expectations.
Will you blog about my session?
My job as a photographer is to tell stories. I love blogging here on my own website and for other professional photoblogs. I am always honored when clients allow me to tell their story in a in a blog post. If privacy is a concern for you, I offer clients non-disclosure agreements for a small surcharge.
CAn you retouch or photoshop my portrait?
I believe in showing humans the way they are, powerful and beautiful. Ethically, I do not believe in the extreme manipulation of photos. If you wish, I can slightly retouch your portraits (i.e. soften skin tones or remove a large skin blemish). However, I will not alter your form.
When can I expect to receive my photos after a session is completed?
Depending on the project, I deliver photographs in a short amount of time compared to the competition. You should expect to receive your commissioned imagery within two business weeks.
How will I receive my photographs?
All session photographs are delivered digitally. Shortly after your session, you will be notified via email via Pixieset (a customizable client gallery provider) that your photos are ready for viewing and download. The Pixieset notification email will contain a hyperlink to your session imagery as well as any relevant passwords and download codes.
If you elect to add prints to your session package, you can expect your order to arrive via Japan Post mail. If you order prints and live outside of Tokyo, please allow two weeks for your archival, large format print/s to arrive in protective tubing.
If you elect to add prints to your session package, you can expect your order to arrive via Japan Post mail. If you order prints and live outside of Tokyo, please allow two weeks for your archival, large format print/s to arrive in protective tubing.
What if I lose my images?
I employ several means of image backup as a client service. I offer one year of complimentary photo storage just in case you accidentally hit the delete key. After our session, I ask all clients to download and back-up all of their session imagery. Rest easy knowing that I will keep a copy of your final images for 365 days.
Pricing & Payment
How much does a portrait session cost?
You can view my base portrait package rates on my photography services page. For an accurate quote for any session, please do reach out via my contact form. All session investments include:
- Digital Delivery
- Exclusive Client Gallery
- Print Release
- One Year of Digital Back-Up
- Virtual Pre-shoot Meeting
- Optional Upgrades
Are your rates negotiable?
I do my very best to give an accurate investment quote to every client. To be able to provide all clients with the utmost care, my quotes are non-negotiable.
Do You Offer Discounts?
There are several groups that I actively support. Please let me know.If you are an educator, a survivor of domestic abuse, or a cancer patient/survivor.
About Policies
How do I reserve a session date?
To reserve your session date, simply reach out via my contact form. I respond to all inquiries within 48 hours. Together we will decide on a mutually convenient date for your custom portrait session in Tokyo, throughout Japan, or beyond.
How far in advance should I book my session?
To ensure that you can reserve the session date of your choice, I suggest contacting me as soon as possible. As one of Tokyo's premier portrait photographers, I book sessions up to twelve months in advance.
What If I cancel my portrait session, will I receive my deposit back?
I understand that life happens and that, from time to time, a client will need to cancel. However, all deposits for portrait shoots are non-refundable.
May I have the original RAW files?
From time to time clients request original RAW files. Please note that I never release RAW files. Instead I choose to provide fully edited, high resolution JPEG images.
About Me
Why did You decide to be a photographer in Tokyo?
Tokyo is one of the most exciting, energetic cities on earth. Being immersed in such a dynamic environment calls me into action. If there is any place in the world that sparks creative practice, it is Tokyo, Japan. Whether it is a portrait session, commercial photography project, or editorial assignment, this city makes me want to grab my camera.
Will You photography My destination portrait session or wedding?
I am happy to travel outside of Tokyo to accommodate destination sessions such as engagements and weddings. Booking well in advance will increase the chance that I will be available to serve you at the destination of your choice. Travel outside of the Tokyo metropolitan area will incur associated travel fees and will be transparently shown in your investment quote.
What are Your thoughts about photography in general?
I get asked about my thoughts on photography by a variety of people. You can check out my evolving thoughts on portraiture and photography in general on my portrait blog, on podcasts, at my editorial blog, or in the press.
What type of equipment do you use?
As a professional photographer, I use a range of equipment to capture the story in front of me. For commerical photography projects, I shoot with Canon Mark IV bodies coupled with top-of-the-line Canon and Sigma Art Series lenses. For portraits and travel photography, I utilize Fuji X-T3 bodies and Fujinon lenses. I am also a proud supporter of Manfrotto products.
What Other services do You provide?
In addition to portrait, commercial, editorial, and event photography, I also offer a limited amount of addition services. If you are in need of museum quality photographic printing, one-to-one or photography tutoring, or photographic tours of Tokyo, please do let me know.