It’s been another year of living with our new norm. Many of us are still continuing to find our footing in a prolonged pandemic however, as we find our new selves and purpose, TOPTIA was able to encounter some very memorable stories along the way. Here are some of the memories, I will continue to carry with me into the new year.
TOPTIA’s Memorable 2021 Moments
This year was the first year, TOPTIA began selling prints and photo collections! 2021 was Payton’s last year in Japan. But before she left for her new home, we connected for last two photo shoots.Maternity sessions are some of the most beautiful sessions that I enjoy doing. I don’t get to photograph many of these kinds of sessions and I absolutely love creating maternity silhouettes. Couples sessions were some of the most creative opportunities to showcase a couples story unfolding.Another magical couples session during Twilight hour in Showa Memorial Park with Daigo helping me as my lighting team.I got to spend time with this dashing and excited actor and the range this very talented man has is astounding. How on earth can one channel their inner George Clooney, then Ryan Gosling, then Zac Efron! We’ll this man can!In 2020, I wasn’t able to return home as many others weren’t. In July, I was able to fly home to see my family again. Especially, my oldest cart Mutsu (Left), named after the town in Aomori that grows Mutsu apples. The two right cats are my youngest Japanese cats, Shoga and Leia. I might just be a professional cat lady in 30 years or so.One of the biggest honors this year was photographing Her Excellency Ms. Julia Longbottom in the Ambassador’s Residence of the British Embassy. It was a humbling yet exciting experience capturing and photographing her for Custom Media’s BCCJ Acumen Magazine.It was equally exciting photographing Dr Jackie Steele of enjoi K.K. interviewing politician Akiko Domoto in April. Fun Fact, this year was the first year seeing the cherry blossoms in Naka-Meguro. They were just so amazing to capture and look at. It was also a privilege to work with a prestigious company for a project in Aomori. Here we were able to enjoy the local cider. We also enjoyed looking at the canola flower fields. The fields were so vast! Blindingly YELLOW!And featured a local ramen shop that serves delicious curry milk butter ramen. It was heavenly!These two little ones came to my home studio for a Mother’s Day photo session. While mom was getting her hair and makeup done, these two lovlies entertained themselves with some snacks and some entertaining books. It brought back memories of my sister and I quietly keeping to ourselves as our mother rehearsed for an upcoming dance performance. These lovely ladies embracing each other for their photo. Branding with several Tokyo-based businesses was one of the highlights of the 2021 year. I had a phenomenal time capturing a well-known attorney and podcaster in a fab location!Here I was able to photograph a fashion designer who sells Colombian bags worldwide.Branding sessions with coaches and consultants have been an eye-opening experience. I learned so much about how people can offer their expertise for the most specific needs their clients have. Also just being able to not only capture their brand but their work and history that help solidify their brands.When I started TOPTIA Photography, I was strictly a businessperson’s photographer. Then a trend happened, clients with families also wanted family sessions and I just couldn’t resist. This is one of my first Omiyamari sessions at an English-speaking shrine in Yokosuka. Something else I noticed about photographing international families in Japan were the children who follow their parents’ journeys across the world. The personal stories of an international jet-setting kid in 2021 has got to be one for the books. At least the photo books.It wouldn’t be a TOPTIA year for family sessions if there wasn’t a session on the beach. Between the Enoshima island and a gorgeous view of Mt Fuji, this wonderful family continued to enjoy the summer season in the bright sun. Here are some family sessions during the spring and autumn seasons as well. This year was also the first year I opened my home in Musashi-Kosugi for home studio sessions in natural light. I am so grateful for the many clients who trusted me with their headshot and portfolio sessions in my living room!These fabulous ladies also trusted me with capturing their likeness and energies in my living roomThough we aren’t completely past the pandemic, it was great seeing a familiar annual event: The Pink Ball. Hosted by the Run For the Cure organization, almost 300 people who were fully vaccinated came to donate to breast cancer awareness.As the year comes to a close, TOPTIA has an exciting campaign to share with everyone in the new year! Keep an eye out for the news!
Meet Fong! He’s one of the wonderful assistants I had the joy of meeting at the LA workshop with Aaron Jay Young and Jonny Edward. @aaronjayyoung @jonnycreative.
This workshop was pure magic! I got to connect with amazing creatives, play around with new ideas, and step outside my usual routine. And let me tell you, giving my very chatty mind a little breathing room was so refreshing.
One of the biggest takeaways? Box breathing. Who knew something as simple as slowing down my breath could quiet the noise in my head and make space for fresh inspiration? While I walked away with new photography techniques, I also picked up some much-needed self-care practices that I’ll be holding onto. All in all, an experience that left me feeling inspired, recharged, and ready to create.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Check out Jonny breaking things down during our recent LA workshop, led by the dynamic duo of Aaron Jay Young and Jonny Edward. @aaronjayyoung @jonnycreative. It was an amazing workshop, surrounded by a room full of incredibly talented and fun creatives. That workshop was a breath of fresh air! It really allowed me to let my mind run wild, to explore new ideas and push past my usual creative boundaries.
Lately, I've been deeply focused on refining my artistic vision. I’m striving to create a look that tells a dynamic, yet minimalist story of people navigating their life's journey and building their legacy. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding pursuit, and I was looking for guidance to really solidify that direction.
Jonny and Aaron were absolutely fantastic, providing invaluable insights and practical advice that helped me clarify and refine that vision. They were instrumental in guiding me towards realizing the specific aesthetic I've been aiming for in my work. The way they broke down concepts and offered personalized feedback was great, and it gave me the confidence to push forward with my creative goals. I can’t wait to bring my vision to life in Tokyo!
#la #tokyo #photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
This particular shot was captured during our Cape Town trip and marked the beginning of our journey of sunset hunting. Chasing sunsets in Cape Town was a whole new level of experience compared to Tokyo. Being based in Tokyo, witnessing a full and glorious sunset isn't exactly easy. The city's density often blocks the view, and you're lucky to catch a glimpse of the setting sun. Depending on the time of day and the buildings around you, you might see slivers of light, but it's never quite the same. In Cape Town, however, the abundance of hills and valleys makes it remarkably easy to find vantage points where you can see truly breathtaking sunsets in their entirety.
I'm not entirely sure if being in the Southern Hemisphere contributes to a different feel, but I can say with certainty that I absolutely loved the entire experience... especially while enjoying a lovely glass of Viognier.
It was lovely seeing @bellakotak and my great friend Angie Whitten @myharmonyphotography.
#tokyo #capetown #photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
This shot of a new friend Greg @kret.jp, was taken at Jinguji Temple in Japan as part of the Obama photoshoot. Again this place is one of the 400 temples in Obama. It's one of those places that just takes your breath away. Massive thanks to Sean Brecht, who was the key to making this whole trip happen. Honestly, without him, this wouldn't have been possible.
What struck me about Jinguji was how open it was. We got to explore practically everywhere. Usually, you're limited to certain areas, but here it was like the whole temple was our studio. It was amazing to just wander and see what caught my eye. Being able to shoot so freely really gives me room to stretch my creative muscles. I wasn't worried about restrictions; I could just focus on capturing the feeling of the place. It was a real 'think outside the box' moment, and I loved the challenge.
Here’s to freedom and creativity!
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
This shot features the incredibly talented Michael @michaelcannonphotography, an LA-based photographer known for his compelling portraits of men, during a recent workshop in LA . It was great to have him around and to be surrounded by a group of other talented and fun creatives. A special shout-out to Aaron Jay Young @aaronjayyoung and Jonny Edward @jonnycreative for leading such a productive and engaging workshop.
The workshop was a fantastic opportunity to explore new creative approaches. It was more about creating a space where we could experiment and let our ideas flow. It felt so amazing to let my mind run wild! It's always a valuable experience to be surrounded by people who are passionate about their craft. I left feeling motivated and energized.
Thanks to everyone who participated and made it such a worthwhile experience.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow," right? Anita Desai nailed it. Seriously, stepping away from the familiar rhythm of daily life and exploring new spots is like hitting a reset button. New environments have a way of weaving themselves into your being, enriching your soul. It's not just about the cool sights; it's about the people you meet, the little things that stick with you, and the chance to broaden your horizons.
This particular moment was captured at Jinguji Temple in Obama City, one of the eight temples there. I loved this temple because it was a photographer’s dream! We had so much access to the temple and were able to photograph all areas of the location. It was such an amazing exercise to unleash my creativity and really think outside the box. Huge thanks to Sean Brecht @walkingsean for making this trip happen!
And speaking of people, I met Kevin (@cyclegraphy_japan) there, who's not only a super talented photographer but also a great person. That's one of the best parts of traveling, isn't it? Those new connections that stick with you! It's the moments, places, and people that make a trip special.
So, where are you guys planning to explore this year? Any cool spots on your radar?
#japan #travel #japantravel #fukui #fukuiprefecture #japaneseculture #japanesehistory #obamacity #photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Taking a nice break from portraiture, I found myself in the quiet beauty of Myotsuji Temple, and it was such a refreshing change. Among the old stones and tall trees, I came across some very peaceful residents, a group of koi, swimming in their pond with a noticeable sense of calm. I'm pretty sure they've figured out the secret to being mindful.
Myotsuji Temple, tucked away in the green mountains of Obama City, Fukui prefecture, is one of eight temples there. It's a hidden treasure in a peaceful forest. The beauty of this place is truly deep; every view is worth a photo. The surrounding nature, with its tall trees and soft sunlight, adds to the temple's natural charm, creating a place where you can feel both spiritual and appreciate the pretty views.
If you're interested in history, visiting Myotsuji Temple is a must-do. It's more than just a pretty location; it's a real part of Japan's history. Walking around, you can almost feel the old stories, a connection to the people and traditions of the past. It’s a chance to learn, think, and appreciate the lasting beauty of Japanese culture, all while enjoying the calm of nature.
#japan #travel #japantravel #fukui #fukuiprefecture #japaneseculture #japanesehistory #obamacity #koi #koifish #myotsuji #photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
A couple of months ago, I had the chance to visit Obama and no, not the former president Barack Obama. I’m talking about the charming coastal city in Fukui Prefecture, just north of Kyoto. This place is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. From the serene 8 temples to the fascinating Wakasa Chopstick Museum and the breathtaking Sotomo Caves and Cliffs, there’s so much to explore beyond the usual tourist trails.
One of the most memorable moments was meeting a Geisha, an incredibly talented artist trained in traditional Japanese performing arts like dance, music, and the art of conversation. Geisha play a vital role in preserving Japanese culture, and experiencing their grace and hospitality firsthand was truly special.
A huge thank you to Sean Brecht (@walkingsean) for his kindness and for making this amazing encounter possible. If you’re looking to discover a different side of Japan, put Obama on your list!
#japan #travel #japantravel #fukui #fukuiprefecture #japaneseculture #japanesehistory #obamacity #geisha #geishaexperience #photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Think about the traditions your family has passed down over the years—be it a special holiday ritual, a movie night, a family recipe, or an annual gathering or photoshoot you look forward to each year. These moments shape who we are, connecting us to our roots. They become the lessons and memories that define our lives.
What traditions are you passing down, and what new ones are you creating for the next generation?
The cool thing is, these moments you’re creating today will one day be the traditions your kids will cherish and carry on. From a weekend outing to a celebration or a unique way you connect and communicate with each other, these moments are just as powerful. They give your family something to hold onto and something to look forward to.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Who has given you one of your biggest lessons? Is it a teacher, a father, a mentor, or a friend?
Nature can be one of life’s greatest teachers. Take the cherry blossoms, for example. They are a fleeting love letter from nature, reminding us that life is beautiful, full of precious moments, but also temporary. Even the challenging moments pass, just like the blossoms.
Seasons change, and so do we. Every phase brings new lessons and opportunities for growth. This beautiful cherry blossom moment with a father and daughter serves as a reminder to embrace each season of life, just as it is, and cherish the fleeting beauty of every stage.
What season of life are you in? Have you received a promotion, landed a new client, gotten engaged, left an unfulfilling role, moved into a new home, or met a new friend? Regardless of what you’re celebrating –growth, love, or transformation– we create lifestyle portraits that honor your unique moments. Reach out and let us help you celebrate where you are now, while preserving this memory for a lifetime.
We’ve had the privilege of working on diverse images throughout all seasons in Japan. If you can’t book your cherry blossom photoshoot, be sure to book a summer, autumn, or winter photoshoot instead!
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Surrounding yourself with the right people is one of the most empowering choices you can make. Just like these red lanterns glowing together in harmony, the right connections illuminate our paths, offering support, strength, and inspiration.
The most successful people I’ve met, in Tokyo and the US, share a common trait: they intentionally build a network of peers who challenge, uplift, and propel them forward. In a world where industries evolve rapidly, your greatest assets are not just your skills, but also the company you keep. The right people sharpen your perspective, refine your strategies, and celebrate your wins.
This is a photo of my industry peers in the US, a reminder of the power of meaningful relationships.
Who are the people who light up your journey?
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographe
Believe in the people around you. Sometimes, all someone needs to push past their limits is someone who truly believes in them. When you lift others up, you create a ripple effect of positivity and encouragement that extends far beyond the moment. Supporting the dreams and goals of others not only helps them grow, but it also strengthens the bonds we share, making us all better in the process.
True empowerment comes from lifting others as you rise. The most fulfilling victories are the ones we share with others, and nothing is more rewarding than watching someone you believe in achieve their dreams. Don’t forget to celebrate their success, no matter how big or small.
Take a moment today to offer encouragement, to lend a hand, or simply to believe in the potential of someone close to you. You never know how far your support can go.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
What seeds are you planting today? Comment below and share what you’re nurturing in your own life.
The little ones around us are like tiny seeds, waiting for the right care and attention to grow into something beautiful. Just as a small seed holds the potential to become a mighty tree, every child deserves the chance to blossom. But nurturing the next generation isn’t just for parents – it’s also about reparenting yourself as an adult, no matter your age. Embrace your inner child and give yourself the love and guidance you need to thrive.
Our photoshoots are transformational experiences. We create a safe space for you to reconnect with yourself, celebrate your growth, and embrace your authentic self.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Beyond go-karting through the streets, soaking in an onsen, or indulging in fresh sushi and sake, there’s something truly special about exploring Tokyo while wearing a kimono.
For centuries, the kimono has been worn to mark life’s most meaningful moments, from seasonal festivals to personal celebrations. More than just a beautiful garment, it embodies grace, tradition, and a deep connection to Japanese culture.
With spring approaching and the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time for an outdoor kimono photoshoot. Celebrate a milestone, appreciate Japanese culture, or try something new. And if you’ve never worn a kimono before—why not now? It’s never too late to try something new.
Outdoor session bookings are now open, but spots are filling fast! Email info@toptia.com to reserve your session. Need a kimono rental? We have excellent recommendations to suit your style.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer #kimono #japaneseculture
