FAQ

After you book a session with me, I will send you contract, questionnaire, invoice in an email. Please make sure you sign the contract and pay 50% retainer on time. The questionnaire is very important for me so I can get to know yourselves and your expectations for the photo session.

If you don’t have any particular idea for location, I can suggest some places based on what you had in mind, such as nature, tradition, urban, etc. Some locations are easier than others, as some are quite restricted for photography. Please tell me your expectation so that I can discuss it and find the best place for what you have in mind.

The number of images will vary depending on session length and how cooperative the subjects were.

The actual shoot depends on which package you have chosen. For example for a one-hour session, the shooting time will be up to one hour until an agreed time. Any late arrivals will finish at the agreed time as I will not be able to extend the finishing time (the fee will remain as agreed). During the sessions, moving, walking and/or transport time is included in the session time. It’s recommended to all clients to arrive 5-10 minutes or more before the agreed start time

As I often have other commitments on one day, I do rely on a prompt starting time for our sessions. You are responsible to be on time (of course I do too!) Shooting commences at the scheduled start time and ends at the scheduled end time. If the Client is late, the time will be taken away from the shooting time.

If you plan to bring a stroller, please note that elevator exits from metro stations are complex and can delay travel significantly, so please allow some extra time to arrive at your destination.

In Tokyo, metro is usually quicker than Taxi. We ask all clients to arrive at the meeting point 5-10 minutes before your session. Please be on time! Thank you for your understanding.

I usually look out weather forecast a week ahead, and the day of.

With light rain, I will either go ahead with umbrellas depending on the location, or try to change the location to a more sheltered spot. With unstoppable rain I will try to reschedule for another day. Please note that it may not be possible to reschedule in peak months as I am often fully booked.

I try to make the best of the weather — If it’s sunny I try to use the sun light as a feature of the images; If it is cloudy, the clouds can act as a natural diffuser; If it’s raining lightly, light reflections on city streets and add more personality in the pictures. Clear umbrellas work really well as the daylight can get through to the faces. Sorry, we do not accept cancellations if the weather isn’t exactly what you want, aside from heavy rain. It is the weather!

I send out what-to-wear guide when you are officially booed with me. You can also send me what you have, and I can give you some advice.

If you rent a kimono, then the kimono shop will take good care of you :)

I usually send out sneak peek within 24 hours after the shoots. Since I am the photographer and also editor, it usually takes me 2-4 weeks to send you the downloadable online gallery after the shoot (jpgs edited in our signature style). In the case of peak season, it might take longer to receive.

We provide a same-day service for delivery of photo galleries for an additional $30