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!
Planning a photoshoot but unsure about your look? No worries we’ll find the perfect style for you! We take care of everything behind the scenes, so you can relax, have fun, and look incredible in your pictures.
Our talented stylists love working with our clients to create personalized looks that truly reflect their personality and the vision for their photos. If you're thinking of soft glam or want to make a statement, we're here to bring your ideas to life. We'll work with you to define a look that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to rock your photoshoot. It's all about capturing the real you!
Make your photoshoot easy and get your hair, makeup, and photos all done in one place. Don’t forget to book your session before the year ends!
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Do you know a woman in your life who is magnetic? If so, what makes her so?
Perhaps it's her strong sense of self, and her fearlessness in expressing it. Is it her style? Her beliefs? Her ambitions? Whatever it is, there's undeniable power in being fully yourself.
I believe style is a form of personal power. When you wear what you love, it radiates. While business settings may sometimes seem to dictate certain colors or avoid patterns, wearing a vibrant or patterned outfit doesn't diminish your ambition. You can be both soft and strong, bold and grounded, kind and assertive, be fashionable yet ambitious.
I'm so happy my client showed up to the photoshoot bold, radiant, colorful, and completely the amazing woman she is.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer #beyourself #selflove #fashion #style
When was the last time you paused? Like really paused and stepped away from the hustle?
It’s so easy to get swept up in deadlines, goals, and endless to-do lists. But taking a break, even a small one, can be exactly what your mind and heart need. Maybe it’s sipping your coffee slowly, chatting with loved ones, or escaping somewhere new. These moments of joy and stillness can spark creativity and fill your cup. You might just come back with a fresh perspective and renewed energy for your next big idea.
Remember, rest is productive and it helps you show up as your best self, in work and in life.
What’s your favorite way to recharge and move with ease?
@myharmonyphotography
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First impressions don’t happen by accident. People form opinions about your credibility, authority, and expertise in seconds. The way you present yourself visually is a direct reflection of how you lead, communicate, and influence.
That’s why professionals who command attention don’t rely on outdated photos or casual snapshots to represent them. Taking control of your online presence with intention ensures that your image aligns with your expertise and ambition.
A professional headshot not only supports your brand but also strengthens the perception of trust and leadership before you even step into the room. If your current photos don’t reflect the impact you create in your industry, it’s time for an update. @nobue_doi
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Just a gentle reminder: Kodomo no Hi is coming up on May 5th! It’s that wonderful Japanese holiday dedicated to celebrating children and their happiness. It also marks the final day of Golden Week!
While we honor the little ones, let’s also take a moment to celebrate the incredible parents, guardians, and caregivers who nurture them every step of the way. Your unwavering love, patience, and commitment are the roots from which these young lives grow and flourish. Thank you for the sleepless nights, the early mornings, the quiet sacrifices, and the boundless support. You carry not only the weight but also the privilege of shaping the next generation. Your strength and devotion don’t go unnoticed.
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Hair? Makeup? Styling? We’ve got you!
Have you ever thought about booking a photoshoot, but hesitated because of the time and effort required for hair and makeup? What if those services were provided for you, so all you had to do was show up and shine?
We offer professional hair and makeup styling as part of our photo shoot session, ensuring you look and feel incredible. From styling to shooting and everything in between, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Working with our team means feeling confident, empowered, and 100% ready for your close-up!
Skip the stress of hair and makeup! Witness the TOPTIA difference on https://zurl.co/NcX6b
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How many times have you seen an image that inspired you? A striking portrait, a bold pose, a look that carried a story. Something that made you think, I wish I could do that! And then, just as quickly, the doubt sets in. But I’m not a model. I wouldn’t look like that. That’s not for me.
But what if it was for you? What if you let yourself explore, play, and step into a version of yourself that you’ve never seen before? Photography isn’t about fitting into a mold, it’s about capturing you. Your energy, your essence, your individuality. So this is your sign. Do something that feels a little silly, a little bold, a little out of character. Because life is too short not to try something new. Step out of your head and into the frame.
https://toptia.com/creative-portrait/
Model: @thehaemy
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
That moment when the wind decides to collaborate, not disrupt our photo session!
From a photographer’s perspective, we often chase the perfect light, the ideal composition. But sometimes, it's the unpredictable elements, like the wind, that truly elevate an image. It adds an ethereal quality to the portrait, and character to the still frame.
Beyond photography and aesthetics, the wind can symbolize more. It can represent change or momentum. And when the wind is in your favor, as the saying goes, it's a sign that things are aligning, that you're moving in the right direction. Perhaps we should embrace the unexpected, find beauty or lessons in the chaos, and trust that even when things feel uncertain, the wind might just be pushing us exactly where we need to be.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
Surrounding yourself with a community of like-minded individuals in the same industry is key to growing and mastering your craft. Finding your tribe is everything.
I had an incredible time at the LA workshop with @aaronjayyoung and @jonnycreative, where I got the chance to meet the amazing model Nichelle. She was such a pleasure to photograph, and her energy was truly inspiring.
This workshop also sparked a new level of creativity in me when it comes to building sets. Just like in film, where set design and wardrobe play a huge role, I’m now thinking on a larger scale about how to create immersive environments for my shoots. Understanding my clients’ vision and what they’ll be wearing helps bring everything into harmony and elevates the entire image. The takeaway? Be inspired by other industries and stay connected with peers. Sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and always staying open to growth will take your work from good to great. Keep pushing, keep evolving, and keep connecting.
#photography #art #aestheticphotography #photographer #portraitoftheday #portraitphotography #headshotphotography #creative #expression #toptia #toptiaphotos #toptiaphotography #japan #creativity #photoday #photographertokyo #tokyophotographer #tokyophotography #tokyophotographer
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!
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