I am all about life-long learning. Whether it be taking a class in my spare time or learning something from a fellow photographer on Youtube, I think a constant search for knowledge is time well spent. Considering this, I was excited to hear from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School of Business regarding one of their upcoming Joe Talks events in Tokyo, Japan. I was familiar with Joe Talks and was eager to learn more about how I could support Wharton photographically with their event. After all, an evening of event photography and the chance to hear some presentations from some of the finest business professors in the world sounded pretty good to me. Paying homage to Wharton’s founder, Joe Talks are rapid-fire presentations from star Wharton faculty. Each presentation, lasting about fifteen minutes, energetically showcases Wharton's thought leadership in business, analytics, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The lecture series brings experts in the Wharton community directly to alumni across the world and offers former graduates the chance to learn more about current business topics. More, the alumni events serve as the perfect opportunity for previous Wharton graduates to network. On the day of the event, I arrived at the Imperial Hotel in downtown Tokyo, Japan about an hour before the presentations began. I wanted to arrive early so that I could take a look at the venue, prep my gear, and to meet Lisa, Wharton's event coordinator. With more than a year of communications between us, it was awesome to finally meet Lisa and to put a face with a name. Lisa was just as friendly in person as she was throughout our online communication. I could also tell by glancing around the venue that she was an amazing event coordinator. After meeting Lisa and having a peak around the ballroom, I knew that the night would run smoothly. For Wharton's Tokyo 2018 program, there was a solid lineup of presenters and topics of interest:
Once the presentations were over, it was great to see alumni connect and network. I was also thrilled to see the camaraderie that Wharton graduates have with one another. In the end, it was an honor to document the event for Wharton and I feel that I am a bit more knowledgable about some key trends in the business world due to the stellar event. Are you searching for an event photographer in Tokyo or throughout Japan? If so, contact me today to find out how I can help with your private or public event photography needs. More Event Photography on the Blog
Years before I ever picked up the camera, I was a touring musician in a rock and roll band. The life of a touring musician seems glamorous and I will quickly admit that life on the road does have perks. But there is, obviously, another side of the coin. Traveling and performing each night is a lot of hard work. Consecutive performances take an emotional and physical toll on the body. Because of this, I have a tremendous respect for touring musicians. After a week on the road with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, I realized that it would be hard to find a group of professionals who work as hard as they do. I felt honored to work alongside this amazing group of professionals as their Japan Tour photographer. Conducted by Andris Nelsons, the Grammy award winning orchestra had a full schedule during their recent Japan tour. From load-out in Nagoya to tuning in Tokyo, performances in Osaka to gala dinners at the famous Suntory Hall, I hopped along for the ride and had the opportunity to step behind the scenes with one of the world's premier orchestras. I really enjoyed the tour for many reasons. The stint took me back many years and reminded me of the reasons why I loved being a touring musician. I enjoyed being a fly on the wall and watching the grand-scale production unfold. But most of all, I appreciated how the afforded me the opportunity to utilize a range of my photographic skills. For me, the tour was the perfect mix of event, editorial, and portrait photography. Similar Event Coverage In Tokyo, JapanThe AssignmentOver the years I have had a lot of experience working with musicians. I have photographed some of the biggest acts in rock-n-roll. I have also had the chance to shoot solo artists in small, intimate settings. No matter the scale, there is nothing quite like photographing live music. For me, shooting a concert is the epitome of "event" and one of my favorite jobs as a professional photographer. I was recently contacted by the Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin (KOB). The group was about to embark on their 2017 Asian tour and wanted the first stop of their run documented. I was asked to shoot the group's rehearsal, backstage banter, and portions of their Tokyo performance. I was very pleased to be considered for the job and jumped at the chance to get behind the scenes with an ensemble as renowned as KOB. The EventUpon arrival, I was led into the depths of Sumida Triphony Hall, an exquisite venue on the outskirts of Tokyo. After the customary greetings and an appropriate amount of bowing, I made my way through the maze of greenrooms to the stage landing. It was then that I stopped in my tracks, a bit dumbfounded. With a lot of backstage experience, I am rarely surprised by much. But this scene thoroughly impressed me. I was taken aback by the magnitude of KOB's tour production: 120 musicians from 19 different countries, a vibrant conductor, publicists, handlers, road crew, and sound techs all scurried around me. For a moment, I let my mind wander away from photography to a place of sheer amazement. Who was responsible for getting these classically trained musicians and their instruments to Tokyo? Who arranged accommodation? What did the airlines say when over three hundred oversized hardshell cases came rolling into the airport lobby? Who insured the millions of dollars worth of antique instruments that lay about? I was star struck, not by a celebrity, but by a secret star who oiled this machine. I wanted to shake that person's hand. Instead of seeking out the mastermind-tour-manager for an autograph, I shook my head at the scene and reminded myself why I was in one of the most beautiful venues I had ever seen.With my head on straight, I got to work. For the next few hours I happily clicked away, providing KOB with imagery that will later remind them of the first stop of their 2017 Asian tour. Is your organization in need of an event photographer in Tokyo? If so, get in touch today! |
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