1

You're a photographer, yet you don't know how to take a picture of yourself? Tripod and timer are what I've used for decades.

Rest assured that if you want or need something else done, you can always ask a local person to take your picture. Even if there is a language barrier, people do this all the time. Just for safety, most of the time people are accustomed to shooting more than once, too.

2

Yes...I'm a photographer and know what quality looks like. Photographers very rarely do their own family photos because children tend to behave better for someone else. Tripod and timer = staged/posed photos and most likely a child trying to wriggle out of being held. Professional photographer being paid = candid, natural images that I would be happy to have on my walls. My son is 20 months old, I would have to carry him from the tripod to the location of the photo every time I pressed the timer. I'd much prefer to pay someone and be assured quality results. I can take photos of him on his own whenever I like, I want some of him with me.

3

I'm confused. Do you want "family photos", as in posed pics, or do you want some sort of "candid shots" (which is puzzling, as the phrase suggests surprise shots)? If you just want someone to take a picture of you holding your son or standing next to him, etc., then like I wrote, ask anyone nearby to help you out. Sounds like you want something overly professional. I hope you can find what you want, but I don't really think so. Haven't heard of any traveling professional photographers anywhere in the world who do that sort of thing!

4

There are thousands of photographers in the world who do photography for families in their local area. If someone came to Australia where I am I would do a session for them. I have done this in the UK previously (ie. used a local photographer to photograph my family). Friends have done it in the US and NZ also... There are photographers in Okinawa and Tokyo offering family photography...I am just seeking someone further North or in Kyoto.

"Family Photos" do not always need to be the cliched everyone 'say cheese' photos. Candid natural photography capturing genuine emotion and interaction is a style adopted by many professional photographers.... yes I want something professional, I am a professional.My camera is a dslr not a point and shoot compact. For me to give it to someone else I need them to know how to use it.

It doesn't need to be someone who is travelling...someone who is in business in the Miyagi Prefecture who does the right style of photography...I keep finding commercial or wedding photographers...

anyway...suggestions of businesses or individuals would be appreciated

5

I hope you find what you want. To ask a photographer to come out of his studio and follow you around to take family pics while you sightsee is not the norm. At least, I have never heard of it before, and I suspect that if you find someone who does it in Japan, you'll have to have a measure of Japanese language skills to communicate what you want. Best of luck.

6

My goodness Glenski, have you never been to a wedding before?

Some people teach English. Others put out fires. Some work on assembly lines. Others serve food in restaurants. And yes, although you've never heard of it, some people do take pictures for a living. It's their job.

7

Grogblossom I would hug you if I could... I really would.

I have found a photographer (Who shoots outside of a studio - SHOCK) who is willing to travel to Sendai and has also located a photographer for me who is residing in Sendai also.

and again, it isn't a case of following me around all day... one hour session. nice pictures. this conversation is crazy!
And no, there are many non-japanese individuals in Japan who offer photography, but that said I can speak sufficient Japanese to survive a photo session.

But please if you have further suggestions of anyone in the area I would really appreciate it!

8

Hi there, I'm going to Tokyo, Kyoto etc to photograph the Sakura blossoms. Will arrive Tokyo 9 April, back 18 April. I have purchased the JR pass and am planning to travel around to find the best places for the blossoms. I'd be happy to do that for you. I'm a writer/photographer.

9

Nooraini, do you have a website/portfolio online at all? Can you message via the forum? I will be arriving April 14 and in Sendai until the 18th I believe

10

Hi sera_archie, sorry no website. On my 'to do list.'