street photography workshops
“More than any other city, Tokyo demonstrates that “city” is a verb and not a noun.”
— Toshiko Mori (architect)
GUIDE + PHOTO TEACHER
One of my absolute favourite things to do is walk-talk-explore-shoot. Having great conversation with camera in hand with the common interest of making great photos is not only time well spent but times you’ll never forget.
In the below workshops you can book time with me one on one or bring a group. With my undivided and personalized attention you'll be sure to come out of our time together with a better understanding of night street photography in Tokyo including where and what to shoot but more importantly how to get the most out of your camera. We're going to discuss basic topics like settings, lenses and other gear including LED's, prisms, filters, etc. We'll also cover more advanced topics including street shooting philosophies, what to look for, framing and how to use the things in your environment to take your photos from ordinary to real art you can be proud of.
You can probably tell from my work I’m not interested in the typical tourist spots… there are plenty of photographers you can book for that. But if you like my style and want to dig deeper into the art of photography and plenty of other topics then I encourage you to book some time with me. Wether you’re a complete beginner shooting with your phone or a seasoned vet, we’ll have lots to discuss and learn.
I look forward to showing you one of the most visually inspiring cities in the world!
Tokyo After Hours
24,000
Explore the endless backstreets of Shimbashi + explore Tokyo's iconic salaryman culture after dark. A street photography treasure, an area filled with sinful pleasures + aesthetics galore
2 hours private session (additional time can be available)
insider knowledge of where to shoot
beginner to advanced settings, tips and techniques
Tokyo Red Light
24,000
Welcome to Kabukicho, with its endless labyrinth of backstreets, iconic neons + hidden spots. We explore the seedier side of the city in Asia's largest red-light district exploring deep Japan culture
2 hours private session (additional time can be available)
insider knowledge of where to shoot
beginner to advanced settings, tips and techniques
Tokyo Izakayas
24,000
Welcome to Nakano, a less traveled but no less aesthetically beautiful part of the city with it's old world Showa era charm and mix of Japanese pub (izakayas), alleys and hostess bar culture
2 hours private session (additional time can be available)
insider knowledge of where to shoot
beginner to advanced settings, tips and techniques
Choose your adventure
A photography workshop in some of Tokyo's best local locations
One of my absolute favorite areas for night street photography and an area I know intimately, in this workshop we will dive into one of Tokyo's most iconic cultures, that of the salaryman. The Japanese are known, for better or worst, for their long hours and unwavering commitment to their work and companies sometimes at the expense of things like their family life. These white collar workers in their business attire are part of the iconic imagery that makes up Tokyo and there is no better place to capture them once they finish work then the Shimbashi/Yurakcho area. The motto of work hard, play hard applies here as when the Japanese worker has finished work they let off steam with colleagues in izakayas, karaoke clubs, hostess clubs and other 'entertainment'. A must see on your visit to Japan.
Max Size: 1- 6 people
Cost: ¥24,000 for 1 person. 2 or more in your group is ¥20,000 per person.
Location: Shimbashi/Yurakcho
Meeting Point: Outside of JR Shimbashi Station KARASUMORI Exit
Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)
Required Gear:
Minimum: a smartphone camera with manual settings app
Preferred: DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes
Welcome to Kabukicho, Asias largest entertainment and red light district. An environment where you can witness some of Japans deep underground culture in a setting that will satisfy the most hardcore of cyberpunk fans. This is an area of Tokyo I probably photograph most regularly and so I know a lot of the history and deep spots off the beaten path. When most westerners think 'red-light' they may conjure images of places like Amsterdam with night workers on display in windows. While that does exist in certain parts of Japan (hello, Osaka) Tokyo's red-light is much less obvious but not any less sinful. The area is vast and full of neons and back alleys you would imagine in Hollywood cinema and characters galore. A true visual feast.
Max Size: 1- 6 people
Cost: ¥24,000 for 1 person. 2 or more in your group is ¥20,000 per person.
Location: Shinjuku / Kabukicho
Meeting Point: Outside of JR Shinjuku EAST exit
Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)
Required Gear:
Minimum: a smartphone camera with manual settings app
Preferred: DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes
Nakano district is not on everyones radar and not a place most tourists would think to go but for those interested in seeing a part of Tokyo that harkens back to its old Showa-era retro charm, this is a part of Tokyo not to be missed! Its sometimes referred to as 'Otaku Heaven' for it's vast array of comic books, collectibles, costumes and rare toys and of course the iconic Nakano Broadway shopping mall that truly seems frozen in time. But it's also home to several narrow and picturesque streets full to the brim of izakayas, ramen shops and various other 'entertainment'. It really has an old school charm you won't find elsewhere in such a large and walkable area. The local crowd is casual and laid-back in stark contrast to the more hustle and bustle parts of Tokyo. Here, you'll find big signs displaying kanji and old steel and painted glass street lamps which make you feel as if you’ve been transported back to old Tokyo.
Max Size: 1- 6 people
Cost: ¥24,000 for 1 person. 2 or more in your group is ¥20,000 per person.
Location: Nakano
Meeting Point: Outside of Nakano Station NORTH Exit
Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)
Required Gear:
Minimum: a smartphone camera with manual settings app
Preferred: DSLR or mirrorless camera capable of manual modes