After nearly three years of closed borders, Japan has recently invited tourists to return. With this news, flocks of adventurers are heading towards the Japanese capital. While many visitors are coming on impromptu trips to Tokyo, droves of tourists have waited patiently for this moment to come, to finally have the Japan trip they envisioned over 1,000 days ago actually happen. Last November, I heard from Shan and Jase, a couple who had long ago hoped to be in Japan to celebrate their honeymoon. Shan wrote: Hi! My husband and I are finally traveling to Tokyo at the end of November and would love to have a couples portrait shoot. We planned on having a pre-wedding shoot in Japan. But, as you know, Covid happened. So here we are... now wanting to have a post-wedding shoot instead. My husband would do away with a photoshoot (or even a wedding ceremony) if he could. But fortunately, he has a wife who'd remind him how important it is to have these moments captured so that they can be reminisced upon years from now. My husband is grounded, enjoys peace and quiet and his routine - while I enjoy spontaneity and dancing like no one's watching. Opposites do attract! One of the main reasons why we want to have a photoshoot in Japan is so we could have a good time during the shoot - cool weather, good food, and enjoyable walks. Although I'm not good at expressing the look and feel I'm hoping to achieve in the photographs, I can say that I'm very aesthetic oriented. After reading reviews about your services and looking through your portfolio, it seems like your portrait sessions are perfect for us. We're making the best of life now and traveling to our hearts' content! Considering this, please let us know if when you're available in Tokyo and your rates. I was thrilled to hear from Shan and Jase and wanted to create a custom session that would be allow the couple to have a relaxing time together and to see some of Tokyo. In the end, Jase and Shan decided on booking a half day post-wedding portrait session. We met on a crisp day in late November. With several hours together, we were able to explore the parks and shrines surrounding Ueno, navigate the bustle of Harajuku, and meander through sights of Shibuya. More, we were able to make hundreds of photos that will allow Shan and Jase to reminisce on their time together in Tokyo years from now. Are you searching for a couples, pre-wedding, or honeymoon photographer in Tokyo, throughout Japan, or beyond? If so, reach out today to receive a quote for your own portraiture session. More Couples Photography in Tokyo
I arrived a few minutes early at our pre-determined meeting spot. I'm always early as the thought of a client having to wait on me is the stuff of my professional nightmares (seriously, I fret about it). Upon arrival, immediately noticed J&K. They had shown up moments before and seeing them prompted a wave of shame within me. But, I was also filled with hope for humanity knowing that are others in who still value punctuality. After a gregarious greeting, we chatted a bit about our session. I wanted to learn more about J&K's artistic tastes. They were, of course, familiar with my work and were able to articulate that they wanted a set of images that was "conservatively artistic." J&K didn't want the overly cheesy set of maternity photos that we have all seen on Pinterest. But, the expecting couple didn't want me to go completely rogue (which I love to do) and deliver over 100 monochrome images full of motion-blur and double exposures. I knew exactly what they meant and, with a good idea of what J&K had in mind for their product, we started our portrait session. We headed into one of my favorite spots in western Tokyo and strolled towards a section of the location that I knew would be great for maternity portraits. As always, the location was empty, an incredibly rare treat anywhere near the Japanese capital. I was happy to see that the sakura were still in bloom and was excited to utilize the cherry trees in some of our images. I spent 90 minutes with J&K, the perfect amount of time to create a massive collection of imagery that will serve as a reminder of this special time in their lives. I had a blast with J&K and haven't laughed so much during a portrait session in a long, long time. Being around the couple reminded me of the time, years ago, when my wife and I were expecting our son. My time with J&K was wonderful, a perfect spring afternoon during a spring that is anything but perfect. I was honored to be hired as J&K's portrait photographer and wish them nothing but luck as they enter the new chapter in their relationship as a family. Are you expecting a new family member? If so, I would be honored to serve you. Whether you are located in Tokyo or beyond, contact me today to begin discussion your custom maternity session. More Couples Photography
I recently heard from Michael. He wrote: My wife Kaelyn and I will be visiting Tokyo in mid-January and would love to have some vacation photography taken! We had a pre-wedding photoshoot before getting married and really had a lot much fun with that. This is our one year anniversary trip and we'd love to have another, similar portrait experience in Japan. Regarding our "perfect session," we really don't have that much of an idea. We are interested in a bit of an extended session with you. Could you recommend a location where we can get multiple different types of shots in? We are comfortable going with whatever you think would be visually interesting and are pretty easy-going. We love your work and hope you have some availability. I was in Lalibela, Ethiopia when I received Michael's inquiry. Over the next couple of days, the internet went in and out. But, thanks to the internet gods, Micheal and I managed to plan an anniversary portrait session for the day after my return from Ethiopia. We decided on a street-style session in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most popular neighborhoods. As Kaelyn and Micheal had seen some of my work from previous sessions in Shinjuku, they wanted to take a similar route visiting Omoide Yokocho, the backstreets of Kabukicho, and the infamous Golden Gai. I was more than willing to take the couple of a similar path that I had offered previous clients. But I wanted Michael and Kaelyn to know that I would be creating custom images for them (I did not want to simple recreate another client's session). Micheal and Kaelyn were more than happy with that caveat. I loved Kaelyn and Michael the minute I met them. Not only were they on time, they were dressed like Tokyo locals. Before our session began, we chatted a bit. I learned about their backstory (they met at a dance studio in New York City), where their anniversary trip had taken them, and that Kaelyn had just broken her tailbone a few days earlier on her first run down a ski hill here in Japan. Wait... What? You read that right. Kaelyn had a broken tailbone. I checked to see if the couple still wanted to move forward with the session. To my surprise, Micheal and Kaelyn were keen to roll on as planned. I was impressed with how badass Kaelyn was and was shocked that the pair hadn't cancelled the session. We decided then and there that we would make our time together as relaxed as possible. We would ensure that any posed portraits wouldn't be pain inducing and that we would work very, very slowly. For the next ninety minutes, Kaelyn (bless her) and Micheal were the perfect clients. We had a great time meandering through the streets of Shinjuku, laughing and making fun of ourselves along the way. In the end, it was an amazing January afternoon as a couples photographer in Tokyo, Japan. Are you planning a pre-wedding, vacation, or anniversary portrait shoot in Tokyo, throughout Japan, or beyond? If so, I would be honored to work with you to create the perfect couples portrait session. Reach out today to learn more about my session offerings for couples or to reserve your date. More Couples Photography
At the close of each year, I take some time to reflect on my rotation around the sun and this year is no different. As 2019 comes to a close, I am looking back over the past year in order to take stock before moving into 2020, a new decade and an opportunity for a fresh start. Part of me feels like a bit of a plonker publicly writing about my year. I ask myself if I would do the same if I was an accountant, barista, or sanitation worker. I think I would. The written reflection itself is a way of taking stock and helps me get my head on straight. 2019 was an amazing year as a photographer in Japan, a year loaded with commercial, travel, editorial, and portrait assignments. For sure, 2019 was my busiest yet. There were many professional highs and, honestly, some pretty low lows. As the year progressed, I learned a several things about myself as a person and now, reviewing the images I made in 2019, I am learning a thing or two about myself as a photographer. 2019 Year In ReviewI said hello to 2019 in Koh Samui, Thailand. While on vacation with my family, I got the chance to make a frame or two without any associated pressure. As in years past, starting the new year off with little stress was a good way to set the tempo for the year (though, the next twelve months didn't turn out as carefree as I had hoped). Making images without any attached deadline or specific angle always reminds me of why I picked up a camera in the first place. I love making photos and, stripped for all constraints, I was grateful to shoot some photos just for the hell of it. Returning to Japan, I got straight to work. My first editorial photography assignment of the year came as soon as I returned to Tokyo. Mabuhay Magazine, sent me over to Tsurutokame, an amazing sushi restaurant operated by an all female staff, to make some portraits of the chefs, management, and exquisite sushi on offer. Up next was a multi-day event for ShipChain, a logistics platform utilizing blockchain to provide increased visibility, traceability, and efficiency. The January conference gave both investors and employees a glimpse at what was in store for the company in 2019 and beyond. In addition to shooting the event, I was also commissioned to photograph a full run of corporate headshots. ShipChain wanted an editorial feel to the imagery and I was happy to oblige. Another editorial assignment rolled in from SkyLife, Turkish Airlines' publication crafted for first-class passengers. I was tasked to shoot a group of spectacular chefs and the Japanese cuisine they are known for. From piping hot sukiyaki to Michelin Star winning tempura, I was happy to photograph the chefs, the dishes, and to sample some of the finest cuisine in the Japanese capital. Next was a chilly portrait shoot with Kyoko Matsushita, CEO of Essence’s Asia-Pacific region for Adweek followed immediately by a personal branding session with Melissa, an Australian television presenter making waves here in Tokyo. Unlike years past, January and February were busy. As the snow fell in February, I hit the road to document some of the tours offered by TripAdvisor Experiences. From the sumo stables of Tokyo to the iconic slopes of Mount Fuji, the commercial project kept me busy for a few weeks and was a great way to close out the shortest month of the year. March finally came but spring was still a way off. Temperatures remained chilly and luckily my next commissions were indoors. In March I switched to event photography mode and worked with the both the Government of South Australia and the organizers of the Tokyo Marathon. With the pair of events completed, I packed my bags, hopped on the Shinkansen, and headed south for a commercial photography assignment. In Kyoto, I worked with EPH, a brand new boutique hotel. I collaborated with EPH's management to create a visual identity for the brand that would set a precedent for their future projects that are expected to open in other locations throughout Japan. My time in Kyoto wasn't just limited to the interiors and exteriors of EPH. To help expose their hotel guests to Kyoto's rich cultural heritage, EPH also commission me to produce an image library for their social media channels. For a few days, I hit some of my favorite spots in Kyoto, Japan's cultural center. As soon as the Kyoto-based project was completed, I boarded a Seoul-bound flight. It was awesome to be able to return to Seoul, the Korean megalopolis where I once lived for six years. For this two-week trip I was happy to be shooting again for the fine folks at TripAdvisor Experiences. It was odd being back in Korea as a travel photographer. But, I enjoyed seeing many of the tourist-trail-sights with fresh eyes and with a specific task in mind. Back in Tokyo, the spring came in with a roar. My first big project of the season was a week-long stint with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The assignment was to capture the ins and outs of MIT's Technology and Innovation Bootcamp where participants from all over the world met to discuss a range of topics. From healthcare innovation to artificial intelligence, participants were offered a series of lectures and were formed into groups to ideate solutions for some of the world's most pressing problems. With a bit of a break before the inevitable portrait season rush, I had the chance to sit down with Japan Station, a podcast produced by Japankyo to talk about how I ended up working as a photographer in Japan. If you want to hear some extended thought pauses and me say "um" way too many times, you can listen to the episode on itunes here. The weather began to warm and portrait photography requests began rolling in. For a few weeks, I spent most of my time shooting family portraits, personal branding sessions, pre-wedding portraiture, and proposals in and around Tokyo. At the end of the spring portrait rush, I popped down to Kobe, Japan for the New York Times. I was tasked with an assignment for the NYT travel section shooting 36 Hours in Kobe, Japan. I have always liked the port city and was happy to spend a couple of days exploring Kobe for one of my favorite publications. Back in Tokyo I was given the green light from my friends at TripAdvisor Experiences to photography "my Tokyo." It is always a privilege to be given free rein by a client to shoot a subject in my own style. Needless to say, I was thrilled to head out to photograph my adopted home in the way that I see it. I again made the switch from travel to commercial photographer (though the lines between the two genres are at time blurry) and spent several days with the New Sanno Hotel to help them revamp their food and beverage program imagery. The hotel, run by the US Naval Joint Services, has six brands. It was challenging to develop an imagery plan that would stretch across each of the hotel's restaurants. But I was up for the challenge and was pleased with the content created for the New Sanno. Next up was another commercial hotel photography project. After a successful first round with the EPH brand, I was commissioned to photograph EPH in Takayama, Japan. EPH Takayama is as amazing as the Kyoto location. More, EPH Takayama is a refreshing alternative for travelers who like new, boutique accommodation. EPH Takayama is designed to reflect the natural environment found in Gifu Prefecture. Instead of the deep reds used to highlight EPH Kyoto, EPH Takayama uses greens and blues to calm guests. For a week, I worked with management to create advertising imagery that will help propel the hotel's business in Takayama. After wrapping up my work in Gifu, I returned to Tokyo to tackle back-to-back editorial assignments. My first project was to photograph the reemergence of Japan's kissaten cafes for +852 Magazine and then to capture a slice of the Tokyo bar scene for Conde Nast Traveler. Then, before the end of May, I had a short string of couples portrait shoots. I had a blast working with pairs from France, America, and Taiwan in some of my favorite locations in Tokyo. My last project of the spring took me Bangkok, Thailand for TripAdvisor Experiences. I was given a lot of flexibility to shoot the city in any way I saw fit. From Bangkok's street food (which the metropolitan government is attempting to get rid off) to magnificent examples of Thai architecture, I had a blast on the assignment and couldn't have asked for a better way to wrap up the first half of the year. At the beginning of June, my family and I headed to North America for a much needed break. For two months, we spent lazy days in Asheville, Chicago, and Toronto. But, just as in years past, I had the chance to get the camera out to photograph the people who mean the most to me. Worked picked up as soon as we landed back in Tokyo in early August. First up was a week-long editorial photography assignment for CAA Magazine. The project had me out in 105 degree heat, inside Michelin Star restaurants, and sipping cocktails in one of Asia's 50 best bars. I was happy to see the issue eventually come to print (Winter 2019) and to have landed the cover/s. Soon enough, the heat broke and another string of portrait sessions came. I crammed in several family, personal branding, and couples photography sessions and was grateful to have worked with such amazing clients. After the portrait string, it was time to pop back to Kyoto to photograph the details of the stunning Machiya Shinsen-en. This new property is a machiya-style residence blended with a modern boutique hotel. The two sections of the property are both exquisite and are on the top of my list for chic, affordable accommodation in Kyoto. From Kyoto, I headed back to Takayama, Japan to shoot the food and beverage program for Hids' Cafe, the restaurant adjacent to EPH Takayama (a property I photographed earlier in the year). Hids' menu is one of the finest in the sleepy town. I was delighted to help the cafe with their commercial food photography and to support the Hids' as they enter the Takayama market. My last editorial portrait commission of the summer came from GEO Saison Magazine. I was tasked to photograph the world-famous gastronomer Charles Schumann in one of Tokyo's most iconic watering holes. I met Charles on the 52 floor of the Park Hyatt Tokyo at the New York Bar (You'll recall the space from the film Lost In Translation). While Charles and I didn't take the time to mention the film (though I did lounge in THE Bill Murray seat), we did manage to relax a bit, enjoy the views of Tokyo, and make a portrait or two. Autumn arrived and I was glad to be rid of the heat and humidity that make summer in Tokyo less than desirable. I was ready for my favorite season and eager to be in the final stretch of the year. My first autumn highlight was photographing Shinji Hattori, CEO of Grand Seiko (GS). Working with the Financial Times and GS, I worked quickly with Hattori-san and was happy to have the chance to drop off my grandfather's old Seiko watch for repair. Another highlight from autumn was again for The New York Times. I headed out to cover 36 Hours in Yokohama, a piece highlighting Japan's second largest city. While Yokohama doesn't get as much attention as the nearby capital, it is stocked full of amazing experiences. Hopefully the 36 Hours piece will shed some light on the city by the bay. Next up was a round of corporate portraiture for McKinsey and Company, a worldwide management consulting firm. My subject for the day was Tiffany Kwok, an Expert Associate Partner at the firm. Still in portrait photography mode, I worked with David Ramis Åhfeldt, a guitar player in The Ocean (which happens to be one of my favorite bands). David needed some content to showcase his guitar, a custom-made axe crafted by Mozer Guitars. It was great to spend some time with David, help him showcase Mozer's impressive work, and chat about the state of heavy metal. Soon enough the 2019 Rugby World Cup kicked off. While I didn't attend any of the games (I am just not a sports fan), I was invited to photograph a handful of events related to the international sporting event. I worked with Gullivers Sports Travel to capture their RWC Forum events and spent some time with Carters (a New Zealand based tool manufacturer) photographing their All Blacks (New Zealand's national team) event. In late October I sat down with Megapolis Magazine for an interview about travel photography. I was honored to share some thoughts and images with the Ukrainian based magazine and was, admittedly, shocked to find out that the interview ended up running in six different print magazines on shelves throughout the Ukraine. If you have the interest, you can find the english language version here. Before October's end I knocked out a quick assignment focused on Shinjuku for American Way, American Airlines' inflight magazine. The small piece highlighted five great spots in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most well-known neighborhoods, where one can stuff their face and/or wet their whistle. At the beginning of November, I made my way back to the Kansai region to highlight a collaboration between tech giant Lenovo and Japanese industrial manufacturer Yanmar. The assignment was one of my favorite in 2019. It was amazing to see the scale of Yanmar's corporate and manufacturing hubs and to make some images of the folks who actually produce the company's equipment. After returning to Tokyo, I spent five days with a wonderful group of doctors from Takeda. I was commissioned to document the pharma company's President's Club incentive tour to Japan. From Gala dinners to a behind-the-scenes look at Team Lab's (now) famous digital art exhibition, tea ceremonies in Kamakura to tours of Takeda's facilities, the assignment was filled with a variety of photography tasks. The weather finally turned and it was again sweater weather. The end of the year was coming but I wasn't quite yet finished. In the beginning of December I accepted one final commercial photography commission from MindValley Productions, an e-learning community based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I was tasked to photograph Ken Honda, the bestselling author of Happy Money (and all around nice guy) for a finance course that will soon go live on MindValley. To end the year, I was honored to see some of my work land on the cover of GEO Special Magazine. The issue, dedicated completely to Japan, was GEO Special's rebranding issue and I couldn't have asked for a better way to close 2019. Without a doubt, it has been a hell of a year. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to do what I love to do here in Tokyo, throughout Japan, and beyond. But more, I am blessed to have a loving support system. I would like to publicly thank my beautiful wife Laura who has gifted me with her patience and support. I can't wait to see what 2020 has in store. I am just as eager to share the work created in 2019 that, as of now, I am obliged to keep under wraps. Thanks so taking the time to have a look at my 2019 Year In Review. I wish you a peaceful holiday season and a joyous transition into 2020. Related Blog PostsIt is always nice to hear from couples coming to Tokyo to elope. I can't think of a better place to run off to in order to get hitched. I recently heard from a Melony and Chris, a couple planning a last-minute elopement in the Japanese capital. Melony wrote: We are eloping in Tokyo and are hoping to schedule a photo session so that we have some beautiful memories of the occasion. Our vision for our couples portrait session is to create some relaxed yet romantic pictures that we can use for wedding announcements. We are also hoping to make a black and white image that we can blow up and frame so that we can remember our fun time during the session. In terms of setting, we realize gardens and temples are representative of Japan. However, those kind of places are not really "us." We would adore pictures of us at night in a place like Akihabara or Shinjuku with the neon signs lit up but worry that those locations are too crowded. Do you have any location suggestions for a fun and relaxed session (We are really easy going people)? Is this something you are able to accommodate? As soon as I read Melony's email, I immediately recognized the kind of session she had in mind. Like many other couples, individuals, and families who contact me, Melony and Chris loved the idea of iconic Tokyo but were hesitant to commit to a photo session in an area overrun with tourists and the madness that is generally associated with Tokyo. Luckily, those characteristically cliché locations are few and far between. As a photographer who lives and works in Tokyo, I am glad to be able to suggest locations that will resonate with what clients envision for their session. This kind of local knowledge is necessary in order to craft custom portrait experiences for different types of clients. I knew the perfect location for Melony and Chris. The neighborhood I had in mind would provide a relaxed atmosphere and some of the neon that Mel and Chris had in mind. I also knew that the location wouldn't be smashed wall-to-wall with either tourists or locals. I ran my plan by Melony and Chris and they loved my location suggestion. We decided on a quick, one hour couples portrait session. An hour would be just enough time to snag what they wanted but wouldn't take up too much of their night (as they wanted to explore the city as much as possible). Our session went off without a hitch. Melony and Chris were just as they said they would be in their first correspondence. The newlywed couple was relaxed, funny, and very easy to work with (my ideal type of client). In the end, I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable evening as a couples photographer in Japan. Are you thinking about a couples, engagement, or elopement photography session in Japan? If so, contact me today to begin discussing your session here in Tokyo, or beyond. Related Blog Posts
I first met my wife Laura at work. We were both first grade teachers at a public school in North Carolina, forced to spend time together in the name of collegiality and collaboration. After a year flirting, we hopped into a relation and the rest is history. From 2007 until 2018, my wife and I spent nearly every minute of every day in close proximity to one another. We worked together, slept together, ate together, and played together. Sure, we found time to do our own thing. We had lives without each other. But, if I looked at a graph, I would be willing to wager that more than 75% of the past decade was been spent within shouting distance of each other. I enjoyed being close to my wife. It was a comfort knowing that she, more often than not, was either by my side or just around the corner. Now, as a professional photographer in Japan taking on a range of assignments, I am often on the road, far from my wife (and son), too far for me to be comfortable about the distance. This is one of the toughest parts of the job. But, at the end of a week-long project or commission, I get to return home to family and pick right back up where we left off. Similar to the first phases of my relationship, some couples spend nearly every waking hour together. Other couples are forced to make long-distance work, connected only by Facetime, text messages, and their love for one another. Every relationship is different and as a couples portrait photographer in Tokyo, I am always interested to hear my client's story. I recently heard from Mary who, like so many others, is currently away from the one she loves. While the decision to be afar is what is best for the couple's future, the fact remains that the distance is not an easy burden to bear. Mary wrote: Hey Andy! I will be in Tokyo for work from August through October. Thankfully, my fiancé will be visiting me during the first two weeks of September. I want to get engagement photos taken in Tokyo while we are both there, something special to commemorate our time together (as we will celebrate our 4 year anniversary this coming November). This will be my second time in Japan, but John's first so we really need to default to your experience and expertise in regard to location. Neither of us are huge fans of the heat, and I am usually anti-sun. A late afternoon or evening shoot may be the better option, but I will leave that up to you as far as your availability and what is best for light. I was, of course, pleased to hear from Mary and wanted to create a session that not only showcased the couple's love, but that would also be a bit of a souvenir from Tokyo. After chatting back and forth with Mary and John, we decided that my two-hour couples offering would compliment their vision of an ideal portrait experience. Two hours would give us enough time to relax and not run through our location choices. It would also provide us the opportunity to create some stunning imagery that the couple could use for a variety of purposes. I presented two route options to Mary and John. After a bit of deliberation, the couple opted for a long loop around Shinjuku station, the world's most used transportation hub. We would spend an afternoon together shooting in the various locations found around Tokyo's well-known neighborhood. Our plan was to hit some iconic spots like Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. But I also wanted to take the couple of a few locations less traveled by the throngs of tourists smashed tightly in places like Shinjuku or Shibuya. In the end, I had a blast with Mary and John. They were both so calm, flexible, and easy to work with (my ideal clients). I was thrilled to present them with a collection of images that will hopefully remind them of their special time together in Tokyo and that can add a bit of happiness while the couple is oceans apart. Are you interested in scheduling a pre-wedding, honeymoon, or vacation photography session? If so, take a look at my couples photography services and then contact me today to begin planning your custom session in Tokyo, throughout Japan, or beyond. More Couples Photography
As a portrait photographer in Tokyo, I am used to hearing from clients who have never been to Japan. Many of these clients want to book my services for family sessions or pre-wedding photography. But I am also frequently contacted by those who want to capture their proposal in Japan. Earlier this year, I received the following message from Fernando: Hi Andy! I am planning to propose to my partner on our trip to Tokyo this coming March. This is our first time in Japan. Honestly, I need a lot of help setting the proposal up. Can you please help me? What is the process? Thank you in advance. I loved the fact that Fernando was blunt about needing my help. I was ready and willing to help him plan a beautiful proposal. After learning a bit more about Fernando and his soon to be fiancé Andrea, I suggested an outline for Fernando's proposal. Fernando trusted me and, with a plan in place, we were ready for a magical evening in one of Tokyo's most romantic locations. I met Fernando and Andrea right on time outside of Daiba Station, far from the city center. For the next while, we had a wonderful time laughing and making some casual couples portraits. Then, when Fernando was ready, the couples session guise turned into an engagement photography session. Everything went to plan and yes, Andrea said, "Yes!" Are you searching for a photographer to help capture your proposal in Tokyo or anywhere else in Japan? If so, I would be happy to help. Reach out today to begin planning your surprise proposal in Japan or beyond. More Couples Photography
Natalie contacted me more than a year in advance to ensure that she would be able to have the pre-wedding portrait session of her dreams. With plenty of lead time, Natalie hoped to have her engagement session at some of her favorite spots in Tokyo during the annual sakura season. She wrote: "Hi Andy! Natalie and Eugene here. We're not Tokyo locals but we met as exchange students in Japan. The locations we have in mind carry some significance to us: Toyama Park (near Waseda University) and Senzokuike Park. If there are any places you suggest we're open to those as well! Ideally we'd like a more casual vibe (so no wedding dress). Hopefully we can catch some of the sakura while we're there." I was impressed that Natalie and Eugene were keen enough to reach out with such advance notice. I also adored the idea that Natalie and Eugene had met and fell in love in Tokyo. I jumped at the chance to work with the couple in their old stomping grounds and planned an afternoon engagement session that could serve as a reminder of their time in Japan together. Are you searching for a creative portrait photographer to help share your story? If so, I would be honored to be your photographer in Tokyo, throughout Japan, or beyond. Reach out today to begin discussing your pre-wedding, honeymoon, or vacation portrait package. More Pre-wedding Photography
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