FAQ

Absolutely — I work with a mix of both local Japanese couples and international visitors, and I love it that way. My international clients have come from all over the world, including North America, Singapore, Australia, Mexico, Austria, and France, among others.

Having travelled to over 55 countries myself, meeting couples from different backgrounds and cultures while doing what I love is genuinely one of my favourite parts of this work.

Locations — not knowing the city is completely normal. That's what I'm here for. I'll guide you to spots that suit your vision and the season.

Outfits and styling — this comes up more than you'd think! Many visitors pack for comfort and sightseeing, which is understandable, but a little planning goes a long way for photos. I include a styling guide with every booking to help you put together looks that photograph beautifully and match the mood we're going for.

"We're not photogenic" — hands down the most common concern, and honestly, it's my job to make sure you never have to worry about this. I don't rely on stiff poses — I give you things to do, keep you moving, and capture the real moments in between. The couples who were most convinced they were "bad at photos" are often the ones who end up with their favourite images.

I occasionally share select sessions on my Instagram, Pinterest, website, and blog — roughly 1 in every 5 sessions makes it onto my platforms. Please note that photo sharing is part of my process and is not optional, as it's how I showcase my work and attract new clients.

That said, I completely understand that some couples may not be ready to announce their engagement publicly straight away. If you'd like me to hold off on posting until you've made your announcement, just let me know and I'll schedule it for a later date.

If you'd prefer not to be tagged in any posts, that's absolutely fine — just let me know and I'll leave your handles out.

Yes! If you'd like a sneak peek, just let me know and I'll send over 10 fully edited images before your complete gallery is ready. These will be delivered via email through the same online gallery, edited in my signature style — so you'll get a real taste of how your photos are looking while you wait for the full set.

Shrines and temples are some of my favourite locations to shoot at — they're atmospheric, beautiful, and deeply connected to Japanese culture. Here's what to keep in mind:

Dress modestly. Avoid overly revealing outfits out of respect for the sacred nature of these spaces.

Keep it quiet. These are places of worship, so loud voices or disruptive behaviour isn't appropriate. We keep things calm and considerate.

Photography permissions vary. Casual photography is generally fine at most shrines and temples. However, if you'd like to wear a wedding dress or formal attire, you'll typically need to obtain permission from the shrine in advance — and this usually comes with a requested donation to support the site.

Be a good visitor. Beyond the technicalities, just bring the same respectful energy you'd bring to any sacred place. And if you can, pick up an omamori (lucky charm) from the shrine — it's a small gesture of support for the site and makes for a wonderful keepsake from your shoot day.

My recommendations: Nezu Shrine is stunning and wonderfully photogenic. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is iconic — I particularly love shooting there early in the morning before the crowds arrive, or at night when the lanterns are lit and the atmosphere is magical.

Yes, subject to availability! The shortest lead time I've worked with is 3 days, so it's not impossible. A $50 rush fee applies for bookings made at short notice.

To give yourself the best chance, reach out as soon as you can and be flexible with your available dates and times. I'll also send over a short questionnaire to make sure your creative vision is a good fit before we confirm.

One exception: please don't book a surprise proposal last-minute. A proposal is one of the most significant moments of your lives — it deserves more than a few days of planning. Give it the time it deserves and your photos will reflect that.

Every season in Japan has something beautiful to offer. Spring brings flowers and cherry blossoms, summer has beaches and lush forests, autumn is ablaze with warm foliage, and winter offers clean, minimal snowscapes. The "best" season really depends on the mood and backdrop you're going for.

My personal favourite is autumn. The colours last 2–3 months and the warm hues of red, orange and gold make for incredibly vibrant photos. It's also much easier to plan for compared to cherry blossom season — you have a generous window rather than a narrow one.

Summer is the one season I'd gently steer most couples away from. The heat and humidity can be intense, and no one wants to be sweating through their photos! That said, if you're going for a full summer vibe — think Kamakura beach at sunset or exploring lush green forests — it absolutely works.

What about the rainy season and typhoons?

June–July (rainy season) and October (typhoon season) can bring wet weather, but that doesn't mean we can't shoot. We lean into night sessions during these periods — rain actually makes city streets extra cinematic, with lights reflecting off wet pavements. It's one of my favourite looks.

Yes — it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience and absolutely worth it, but it comes with a few things to know. The blossoms only last about a week at peak bloom, when the trees look like clouds of flowers and are at their most photogenic. However, early and late bloomers extend the overall season to roughly a month.

The timing is also unpredictable and shifts year to year, though the first week of April tends to have the highest chance of peak bloom. Because of this, I recommend booking at least 6 months in advance and making sure your travel schedule is flexible enough to shift a day or two if needed.

As for the crowds — they're real, but manageable. I shoot early in the morning or take you slightly off the tourist trail to find spots that still look magical without the chaos.

Absolutely — kimono photos are beautiful and a wonderful way to connect with Japanese culture during your visit! Here's what to know before going for it:

Arranging your kimono rental: I can share recommendations based on shops my past clients have used and loved, but the rental itself is something you'll arrange on your own. There are plenty of great options near popular shooting locations.

Plan extra time: Allow roughly an hour before your session for ladies to choose a kimono, get dressed, and do some light hair and makeup. This time needs to come before your session starts, so factor it into your day.

A comfort note: Kimono looks stunning, but it's worth being honest — for ladies, it can feel quite restrictive, a bit like wearing a tight corset. This does limit movement and the range of poses we can do together, so keep in mind that my more dynamic, movement-based style works best with freedom to move. For this reason, I'd recommend kimono for sessions up to 60 minutes — longer sessions like 90 minutes can become uncomfortable.

Footwear tip: Traditional kimono sandals (zori/geta) look beautiful but are genuinely difficult to walk in for extended periods. I'd suggest bringing a pair of comfortable shoes to swap into when needed — your Japanese hosts would approve, it's exactly what locals do too!