Gawa | Tokyo Commercial Portrait Photographer

May 11, 2023 in Tokyo Photographer, Commercial Photography

There is a certain allure to the art of portrait photography that has always captivated me. Perhaps it is the way that a single image can convey so much about a person's character, emotions, and experiences, all captured in a moment frozen in time. Or perhaps it is the way that a skilled photographer can use their craft to tell a story, to communicate something about their subject that cannot be expressed in words alone.

There is a certain intimacy to portrait photography that I find particularly compelling. When I am behind the camera, I am able to enter into a kind of dialogue with my subject, to create a space where they can reveal something of themselves to me. It is a collaboration, a dance between two people, and at that moment, we are both vulnerable, both open to the possibility of connection.

I believe that portrait photography is at its best when it is able to capture something essential about the subject, to reveal something that might otherwise remain hidden. This requires not just technical skill, but a deep empathy for the subject, an ability to see beyond the surface and into the heart of who they are.

Ultimately, what I love about portrait photography is its ability to capture the essence of a person, to reveal something that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is a form of art that requires both technical skill and emotional intelligence, and when done well, portraiture can be a powerful tool for empathy and connection. In a world where we are increasingly separate from each other, where it is easy to get lost in the noise of social media and the constant barrage of information, portrait photography offers a way to slow down and connect, to see the humanity in each other and to celebrate our differences.

I believe that portrait photography offers us a way to see ourselves and each other more clearly, explore the depths of our humanity, and celebrate the beauty of our diversity. It is a powerful and transformative art form, one that has the potential to change the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

As a photographer in Tokyo, I am always grateful when I am hired to use the visual language of light and shadow, color and texture, to tell a person or brand’s story. I was recently commissioned by Eph, a hotel chain based in Japan, to highlight some aspects of their brand through portraiture.

Scroll further to see some of the images that Gawa, an Eph employee, and I created for Eph Hotels Japan.

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Tokyo's Rising Chef Stars | Japan Food Photographer

May 03, 2023 in Food & Beverage, Editorial Photography

Tokyo, the sprawling metropolis of Japan, boasts an exceptional culinary scene that is renowned the world over. With its diverse range of cuisines, Tokyo is a food lover's paradise and a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Japanese gastronomy. From traditional Japanese dishes to creative fusion, the city's food culture is a testament to both the country's deep-rooted traditions and innovative spirit.

Japanese cuisine has always been known for its emphasis on quality ingredients, and Tokyo takes this to another level. The city's coastal location ensures that the freshest seafood is readily available to the discerning palate. Tokyo's fish markets are bustling hubs of activity, an indication of the city's love affair with fresh seafood. More, many of the city's restaurants source their raw ingredients from local farmers and artisans, ensuring that the food is of the highest quality and freshness.

At the heart of Tokyo's gastronomic landscape are the Michelin-starred restaurants, numbering over 230 - the highest count in any city globally. Due to this, it is difficult to stick out as a world-class chef. Yet, there is a new group of culinary genius who is a making name for themselves by elevating traditional dishes to new levels. From delicate tempura to perfected onigiri, this new generation of Tokyo chefs are showing what is truly possible with timeless dishes.

As an editorial photographer and food lover, I was thrilled to receive a commission from SkyLife Business, Turkish Airlines’ premium publication for business and first-class customers. My photography assignment was straightforward. I was tasked to capture portraits of the rising stars of Tokyo’s culinary world and the signature dishes they craft. Here in the capital, I met with the chefs who are treating their guests to edible delights and gaining the attention of the Michelin Guide.

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Kyoto Wants You Back | Photographer In Japan

May 02, 2023 in Travel Photography

Kyoto, Japan is a city that serves as a portal into the heart of Japan's ancient culture. As the former imperial capital, Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition. Its streets are lined with ancient temples, shrines, and historic sites, each one holding stories and secrets that stretch back centuries. Kyoto has a magnetism. As a photographer in Japan, I find it hard to break free from the city’s enchantment.

At times, walking through Kyoto is like peering into the past. The city's charming neighborhoods are filled with quaint tea houses, traditional shops, and other establishments that have been passed down through generations. Everywhere you look, you see the remnants of Kyoto's storied past and the cultural traditions that still thrive in the city.

Yet Kyoto is not a city that lives in the past. The city is home to cutting-edge technology and design, coexisting with its ancient heritage in a seamless blend. There are trendy cafes, modern art galleries, and innovative architecture, all while still being enveloped in the beauty and charm of Kyoto's historic atmosphere.

Kyoto's natural beauty is awe-inspiring. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains, lush gardens, and serene parks, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. One can leisurely stroll along the Philosopher's Path, relax in one of the city's many traditional gardens, or explore the stunning giant bamboo groves.

Without a doubt, Kyoto is an idyllic city, embodying the essence of Japanese culture while also celebrating the present and the future. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, Kyoto has something to offer everyone. Because of this, the past decades have seen Kyoto turn into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.

Kyoto, much like Amsterdam or Venice, has experienced the consequences of over-tourism, a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. The high number of tourists in Kyoto has resulted in overcrowding and congestion leading to safety concerns. The influx of tourists in Kyoto has put pressure on the city's natural resources, leading to issues such as littering and pollution. The increased demand for accommodation and transportation has also resulted in the loss of green spaces and wildlife habitats. More, over-tourism has also had a significant impact on the local community. Residents report feeling crowded out of their own neighborhoods, and rising property prices have made it difficult for many to afford to live in the city center.

When Japan closed its borders due to Covid-19 in April of 2020, Kyoto immediately became a different city. Gone was the tourist noise from Kyoto's thin alleyways. Famous shrines, such as Fushimi Inari could be enjoyed without hordes of tourists donning traditional Japanese dress. Groups from China, Korea, and Singapore, led by guides with oversized umbrellas, could no longer be found clogging the Gion district, clambering for photos of maiko and geisha. Kyoto Station, usually bustling with tourists on the typical Honshu route, was ghostly quiet.

For more than two years, Kyoto locals had their city, at long last, to themselves. During that needed break, residents and municipal officials were able to pause and take stock of the current state of Kyoto. Did the city ever want to return to pre-pandemic bustle or was Kyoto ready for a new era curbing over-tourism?

To find out more about how Kyoto envisioned its position in the post-pandemic world, The New York Times sent me south to document some of the city’s features and tourist trends that were up for debate. More, I was given the opportunity to meet and photograph figures, such as Mayor Daisaku Kadokawa, who were instrumental in reimagining what sustainable tourism looks like in Kyoto, Japan.

To learn more, read the story Kyoto Wants You Back directly in The New York Times and scroll below for some of my outtakes from the travel photography assignment.

Kyoto Tower reflected on the exterior of Kyoto Station.

Lone walker strolls the grounds of Nishi Hongan-ji temple.

Kyoto Tower reflection on Kyoto Station — Kyoto Tower reflected off of the Kyoto Station exterior

Koi swin in a garden pond at Nijo Castle in Kyoto.

Woman in traditional clothing at Kiyomizudera temple.

Early morning light on wooden façade in the Gion district.

Vendor sells goods at Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

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Phuket, Thailand Snapshots | Travel Photographer

May 01, 2023 in Travel Photography

Phuket, Thailand is a place that invites the soul to slow down and savor the present moment. It is a place where time seems to elongate, allowing thoughts to come and go like lapping waves. The island is a world away from the bustling metropolises of the West, and it has a quiet magic that is all its own. Here, the days stretch out languidly, and the rhythms of life are dictated not by the clock, but by the natural world.

As I wandered the island, I was struck by the serenity of its landscapes. The soft, white sand beaches were framed by swaying palm trees, and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea sparkled in the sunlight. The dense forests that cover much of the island were a study in green, with every shade imaginable represented in the leaves and vines that covered the trees.

The locals have a saying in Thailand: "Mai pen rai", which roughly translates to "no worries". This phrase is not just a platitude, but a way of life in Phuket. The people here never seem to be in a hurry, taking the time to savor the simple pleasures of life. Whether it's enjoying a cup of tea with friends or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach, the people of Phuket, much like its tourists, are content to let life unfold at its own pace.

I sat on Nai Han Beach watching the sunset and felt a sense of peace that is now hard to describe. It was as if the island had cast a spell on me, drawing me into its gentle embrace and soothing my soul. In many ways, Phuket is a reminder of what we have lost. It is a place where the beauty of nature and the warmth of human connection are still valued above all else. It is a place where the soul can find respite from the frenzied pace of daily life, and where the mind can become uncluttered and free.

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Postcard | Prague, Czech Republic

April 20, 2023 in Travel Photography

The sun is setting low over the Czech city of Prague. I spent the day wandering St. Vitus Cathedral, a gothic labyrinth that rises high above the surrounding buildings, a brooding presence of ancient power and a reminder of the transience of human life. It is a magnificently haunting structure.

As I made my way through the cathedral's dimly lit halls, I felt the weight of centuries bearing down upon me, like the oppressive force of an endless night. The dark corners and hidden alcoves whispered secrets of a bygone era, of kings and crusades, of wars and revolutions.

The cathedral's architecture is both beautiful and menacing, with its towering spires, intricate carvings, and ominous gargoyles. It is a monument to the unyielding power of the divine, a bastion of faith that has withstood the test of time and the ravages of history.

I gazed upon the cathedral's stained glass windows and felt a sense of reverence wash over me. The vivid colors and intricate designs seemed to shimmer with a primal energy, a force that transcended human comprehension.

I left the cathedral feeling both humbled and exalted, a witness to the eternal struggle between darkness and light, life and death, faith and doubt.

Wish You Were Here,

…

Makoto Kagoshima | Editorial Photographer in Japan

April 16, 2023 in Editorial Photography

Makoto Kagoshima is a Japanese artist whose work is at once playful and profound, a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and a meditation on the fragility of life. Born in Kagoshima, Japan in 1967, he has spent his career exploring the possibilities of ceramics and other media, creating pieces that are both whimsical and deeply meaningful.

As a photographer in Japan, one of the biggest perks of my job is meeting fellow creatives. Considering this, I was excited to photograph Makoto for a piece commissioned by House & Garden, the UK’s premier lifestyle magazine. In the southern city of Fukuoka, Makoto kindly welcomed me into his home and studio space. Within moments of our initial meeting, I felt that Kagoshima was a kindred spirit. He met my enthusiasm with a gentle laugh and rich conversation. He tended to lush plants as I drank a coffee he poured for me. He had a lightness to his step. Familiar with Kagoshima’s work, I wasn’t surprised to see the connections between his morning disposition and the designs he creates.

Drawing inspiration from the flora and fauna of his homeland, Kagoshima's designs are characterized by their intricate details, bold colors, and organic shapes. His ceramics, much like the ones stacked around his studio, are often decorated with images of birds, insects, and flowers, rendered with remarkable attention to detail and a sense of playfulness that speaks to his love of life.

Kagoshima's work is not just beautiful, however; it is also deeply reflective of his concerns for the environment and the future of our planet. He is known for his use of sustainable materials and natural dyes, as well as for his advocacy for the preservation of Japan's natural environment. His art, in other words, is not just an expression of his personal vision; it is also a call to action, a reminder of the importance of preserving the beauty of our world for future generations.

In the world of contemporary ceramics, Kagoshima's work is among the most celebrated and sought-after. His pieces have been featured in exhibitions around the world, including at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His work has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Japan Ceramic Art Exhibition and the Good Design Award, and has been included in prestigious collections such as the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York.

Perhaps what is most striking about Kagoshima's work, however, is its ability to capture the essential beauty of life. His pieces are delicate and strong, intricate and bold, and they speak to the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. For Kagoshima, the natural world is not just a source of inspiration; it is a reminder of the profound mystery and wonder of existence.

In a world that often seems focused on materialism and consumerism, Kagoshima's art offers a different kind of vision, one that is rooted in a deep respect for the natural world and a profound sense of gratitude for the beauty of life. His work reminds us that even in the midst of the most difficult times, there is still room for wonder and joy.

There, in his home, Makoto made my job as a portrait photographer easy. Spending time with him felt casual, and natural. As I left his studio, my impression of Makoto Kagoshima solidified. He is, without a doubt, a truly remarkable artist whose work speaks to the deepest aspects of the human experience. His ceramics are at once beautiful and meaningful, playful and profound. In a world that is often chaotic and uncertain, his art offers a sense of hope and reminds us that there is always a reason to celebrate the beauty of life.

Read the full text by David Nicholls in House & Garden here.

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Okinawa Fragments | Japan Travel Photographer

April 13, 2023 in Travel Photography

Okinawa, Japan, is a land of serene natural beauty where the turquoise waters of the East China Sea embrace white-sand beaches and the verdant mountains rise majestically towards the sky. As a travel photographer in Japan, Okinawa is irresistible. But the islands of Okinawa, the Japanese tropics, are much more than a paradise for photographers. Okinawa prefecture is also a place of deep reflection, where the scars of history and the challenges of modernity have left indelible marks on the culture and the people.

The traditional houses and temples stand as reminders of the island's rich cultural heritage, while the sleek high-rise buildings and bustling streets of Naha testify to its dynamic present and future. The forests and mountains are teeming with life, from the chirping of the birds to the rustling of the leaves in the wind. The sea is a canvas of endless shades of blue and green, alive with colorful fish and coral reefs.

But amidst all this splendor, there is also a sense of contemplation and introspection. The Okinawan people have a deep reverence for nature and the cycles of life and death, which permeates their culture and worldview. They have endured centuries of colonization and war, yet have managed to preserve their unique identity and culture through their resilience and adaptability.

As I stood on a quiet beach in the early morning, I watched the sunrise. I was reminded of the importance of stillness and reflection. Okinawa invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and contemplate the beauty and complexity of the world around us. It is a place where we can reconnect with nature and with ourselves, finding renewed inspiration and purpose in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties. More, Okinawa is a place of timelessness, where the past, present, and future converge in a harmonious whole.