Frequently Asked Questions

I deal with a high volume of enquiries due to the nature of short sessions. For your convenience, I have included most commonly asked questions and answers here.

Can you give me some location recommendations or sample photos of the locations?

 

I created a location recommendation tool where you can find my recommendation based on the scene you prefer and nature of the shoot. They also include sample shoots on each location. You can try it here. For surprise proposal, I find that usually parks/ nature offer the best setting. Additionally you can see my thoughts on this post.

Can I decide on the time/ place/ number of hours closer to the date/ on the day of the shoot?

 

Due to bulk of my shoots being shorter in nature, I often have multiple sessions in one day, which require me to do proper planning between sessions. As such I need clients to decide on the starting time, number of hours, and location at the point of booking. Should you decide to extend, please let me know in advance, I’m happy to accommodate if I still have availability. Regrettably I cannot accommodate extension on the day. Please note that change of package to shorter duration after initial booking may have charge as per my T&C.

What if it rains on the day?

 

We will proceed rain or shine, unless in case of heavy rain/ thunderstorm/hurricane. Besides those, the show will go on. With creativity, willingness and clear umbrellas, we can still make uniquely amazing photos! There are quite a few good things you can get from rain: 1) guaranteed good lighting as the cloud blocks harsh lighting, 2) rain drives away the crowd, allowing for clear long shot normally impossible in crowded places in Tokyo, and 3) various reflections/ angles, providing varieties of angles for your photos :) in case of heavy rain/ hurricane/ thunder storm, we may reschedule as our availabilities allow.

What should I wear for the photo shoot?

I generally recommend smart casual clothing, but also depends on the scene. For family/ big group, it would nice to have a common color theme or common accessories eg. similar scarf etc (doesn’t have to be identical/ uniform). I put together some tips on this page.

Can we change outfits during the session?

Sure, you are free to do whatever you want during the session. Please note, though, that any time taken will count against your total shooting time. As such, for shorter session (1-2 hours), to maximize your session time, I highly suggest something you can switch around easily such as scarf, hat, cardigan, etc rather than changing the whole outfit.

Can I wear wedding dress/ formal wear?

Yes and No. Many places in Tokyo have strict rules about pre wedding photography; Some places outright do not allow it and some places require an application. I may need to get a permission in advance and it may incur an extra fee. I will only accept Half/ Full day package (4 hours and beyond) if you plan to wear a wedding dress/ any other formal wear. I had an experience getting kicked out from a venue due to my client showing up in a national wedding costume without informing me in advance. If you turn up in such attire without informing me, we will either have to move to another place , the time will be borne against your session time, or if we have to cancel, the full amount of the session will still be payable.

Will travel time be included in the session time?

Travel time is included in the shooting time. Otherwise, you can pay $1 per minute for non shooting travel time if you want to maximize the shooting time, I will give you the quote for the standard travel time once we fix the route.

What if I am running late/ get lost on the day of the shoot?

Please look up directions and familiarize yourself with transportations to the meeting spot in advance. If you arrive late for the session, any time that has passed will be lost and we will shoot for the remaining amount of time. In case of unforeseen circumstances/ emergencies, please let me know as soon as you can.

Can I receive all unedited RAW files?

Sorry, but I cannot give you unedited raw files to ensure the quality of the final products. I take many similar shots during the session, the same scene but with different settings, perspectives, expressions, and will pick the best one for you. I also want to ensure the photos turn out the way I intended them to be by editing them myself. For more details with examples, please see this blog post.

Can you book restaurant, tour, any other services on my behalf?

No. I only provide a complete assistance service for a surprise proposal including venue hunting, restaurant booking, arranging her favorite flower bouquet, etc. for an additional US$100. For photos with kimono etc, I would also be happy to provide recommendations, but clients are ultimately responsible for making the booking themselves.

Do you offer hair and make-up services?

No, but I can provide you recommendation for such providers after we confirm the booking. In case you’re interested in using their service, you will be responsible for making the booking yourselves.

Do you offer videography? Can you help me find a videographer

Sorry I don’t, and I also do not accept session together with another videographer/photographer as I want my clients to focus on me/ my instructions.

Can you travel outside of Tokyo?

 

Yes, I provide service outside Tokyo too but for a minimum half day or one day shoot, depending on location and it will cost extra travel fee. For shorter session in popular areas across Japan (Sapporo, Fuji Kawaguchi-ko, Kyoto, Osaka) I have partner photographers with similar style as me, so please do enquire :)

Our family have many kids and they are hard to control. Can you work with them for posing?

 

I have experience working with large families with kids :) While I can suggest everyone’s poses, at the end of the day, the end result also depends on whether the parents can control their kids, as I cannot dictate the kids’ expressions and moods. Family cooperation is essential for good shots - I find well prepared parents who dress everyone comfortably in similar theme, get their kids to sleep beforehand and fed their kids before the session so they are not hungry/ cranky, or bribe the kids with toys/ treats if they behave well on the shoot as having the best shots.

Surprise Proposal: Can you give me several photo selections of the spot in the park, etc for comparison purpose?

 

If you want a landmark/ iconic spot, usually most spots will have only 1 iconic spot. You can see them on my location recommendation tool here or my surprise proposal article here . Please note for seasonal stuffs like sakura season, everything depends on the blooming situation on the day which will change every time, so we will just have to decide on the day. Ultimately, while I can give you some recommendations which I have outlined on my posts, it is your proposal and you should do the research yourself as well. You can run it through me and we will work from there.