BLOG

I had a wonderful family photoshoot in Kyoto’s Gion area during the breathtaking autumn leaves season. The vibrant colors of orange, red, and yellow created a stunning backdrop. The family, consisting of five members, including an adorable boy, donned traditional Japanese kimonos, adding to the picturesque setting. Despite the approaching winter, the weather was pleasant for our photoshoot.

I captured various moments, including family portraits, individual shots of the charming boy, and couple photos featuring the grandparents surrounded by colorful leaves. Our journey took us to local gems like Maruyama Park, where the autumn leaves were in full glory, and iconic spots in the Gion area. I was delighted that they enjoyed every location and cherished the resulting photos.

Their appreciation made it even more fulfilling for me to contribute to their memories in Japan. Thank you sincerely for choosing my photography service!

【Review on Facebook】
My cousin engaged Manu two times during her trips to Japan before introducing him to me. He was very professional, speaks English well and very patient with my toddler throughout the photoshoot.

I had an extraordinary morning in Kyoto recently, orchestrating a surprise proposal photoshoot. The uniqueness of this shoot was that he had already spilled the beans to his girlfriend about hiring me as their photographer, eliminating the need for any covert operations. Our chosen spot was the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, a place perpetually bustling with activity. Despite the challenge of navigating through a sea of photographers, we found the perfect moment for the proposal. The joyous reactions from fellow photographers added an extra layer of delight to the occasion.

Post-proposal, we headed to the hotel where they were staying, and serendipity struck again. From the hotel’s rooftop, we were treated to a breathtaking view of a rainbow gracing the sky. It was a picturesque scene that begged to be captured, and I happily obliged, preserving the moment in a series of stunning photos. As if that weren’t enough, Maruyama Park, adorned with its vibrant autumn leaves, provided a splendid backdrop for additional shots, showcasing the essence of the season.

The entire experience was nothing short of magical. I appreciate you choosing my photography service for such a significant moment. Heartfelt congratulations once again, and I’m looking forward to the possibility of working together in the future. Until then, take care!

【Review on Tripadvisor】★★★★★
“Had the perfect experience working with Manu during our surprise engagement photo shoot in Kyoto. Manu was super professional and we had so much fun working with him. Manu’s photography skills exceeded our expectations with how perfect our photographs turned out! Manu informed us to expect a turn around time of one week to receive the final photographs and ended up sending us a few sneak peaks to share with close family and friends and a few days later he sent us the completed photos! He was so easy to work with and appreciate him commuting over an hour from osaka to kyoto and was punctual and amazing to work with. Would love to work with him again in the future!”

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to capture a surprise proposal in the enchanting Arashiyama area of Kyoto. Despite the chilly weather, the warmth of their emotions illuminated the moment of his heartfelt proposal. Positioned discreetly along the serene riverbank, I assumed the role of a casual tourist eagerly observing the breathtaking scene unfold.

As he commenced his heartfelt speech, culminating in a sincere “Will you marry me?” while down on one knee, her tearful and surprised reaction painted a beautiful tableau of love. I continued snapping photos even after the proposal, ensuring every fleeting emotion was immortalized. Nearby Japanese onlookers, seated on a bench, spontaneously joined the celebration, turning the occasion into a jubilant and heartwarming experience.

Our journey continued through Arashiyama, exploring the scenic Kimono Forest, a serene temple, the enchanting bamboo forest, and other picturesque locales. Throughout the photoshoot, their radiant smiles added an extra layer of joy to every frame. It was truly a pleasure capturing these moments for you. Thank you sincerely for choosing my photography services, and congratulations once again on this joyous occasion!

【Review on Facebook】★★★★★
“Very happy to have engaged Manu in taking our photos in Arashiyama Kyoto. He is extremely knowledgeable in all the nice photo spots around Arashiyama, extremely nice and funny person to talk to, very patient in answering and accommodating to all our questions and requests, and took very nice and professional photos which we are very pleased with. Highly recommend Manu!“

I had the pleasure of conducting a photoshoot in Kyoto with an incredibly nice and polite couple who were on their honeymoon in Japan! The excitement was palpable, and I couldn’t resist capturing numerous beautiful moments of their joyous journey.
Our first destination was the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned as the most popular spot in Kyoto. Despite the early hour, the shrine was bustling with visitors. As we strolled through, I shared insights about the shrine, the mesmerizing Torii gates, and various aspects of Japanese culture. Their keen interest in every detail warmed my heart, and we managed to capture some stunning shots against the serene backgrounds, skillfully avoiding the crowds before heading to our next location.
Before delving into the enchanting Gion area, we made a delightful stop at a temple adorned with a myriad of breathtaking autumn leaves. The sheer beauty of the foliage left us in awe, and we seized the opportunity to wander through the temple, creating a collection of truly memorable photographs.
Once in the Gion area, we explored several picturesque spots, reveling in the joyous atmosphere of the shoot. This wonderful couple’s genuine kindness and warmth made the entire experience a delight for me. Capturing their honeymoon moments in the vibrant city of Kyoto was truly special. A heartfelt thank you for choosing my photography service! Looking forward to the possibility of another joyful session with you in the future!

【Review on Tripadvisor】★★★★★
“A fantastic experience. We booked a photoshoot for our honeymoon in Kyoto. Manu was so enthusiastic and made us feel really comfortable throughout the whole session, he knew some brilliant spots to manage busy areas and provided us with a really nice selection of candid and posing photos. It was a fun day, as well as the photos Manu taught us a bit of Japanese, told us about some of the places we were visiting and we had some nice conversations as we moved between locations. He also gave us great food recommendations for the rest of our time in Japan. We mainly selected Manu because we liked the editing style of his photos, and we are so happy with how they turned out, they’re stunning.”

It was a really important day for me. He was my first customer, and seeing him again made me super happy! We spent time together, talking about lots of things in the same place where I took his pictures almost 8 years ago.

He’s the reason I started this work of taking photos. Meeting him for the first time was scary because it was my first photo session. I went to Arashiyama before our shoot to find good photo spots and figure out how long it would take. I remember making a welcome board to help him find me at the station. My hands shook every time a train came. I also wrote down some English sentences on my phone to talk with him. Anyway I prepared many things for this shooting.

Even though I faced some problems during the shoot—like language issues and a tight schedule—I had a really really great time with him. He told me to keep doing this service, calling it an awesome tour. His words inspired me to continue doing this until today and I’m sooo glad he was my first customer.

Thanks for finding me 8 years ago and being my first customer with no reviews. I promise to keep taking great photos that make people happy. Looking forward to seeing you again!

I recently had the pleasure of organizing a surprise proposal photoshoot in Kyoto’s enchanting Gion area. The couple brought along their friends, infusing the shoot with vibrant positive energy. We explored the picturesque Maruyama Park, a location that held special significance for their proposal. Amidst the colorful autumn leaves, I captured the beautiful moment on a charming bridge. His heartfelt question, “Will you marry me?” left her pleasantly surprised, and her joyful “YES!” echoed in the air. The friends joined in the celebration, and I skillfully preserved these heartwarming moments. Our journey through the scenic Gion area was filled with laughter, and I snapped many more delightful photos. It was a joy to see their happiness reflected in the images. Grateful for choosing me as their photographer in Kyoto, I eagerly look forward to our next encounter! 📸🍁

I had the pleasure of conducting a heartwarming family photoshoot amidst the breathtaking autumn foliage in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area. The vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows served as a spectacular setting for our session. This amiable family, exuding warmth and kindness, made the shoot a delightful experience. The children, with their endearing gestures, turned our session into a joyful walk where we felt like old friends. Opting for an early morning start proved beneficial, as the lack of crowds allowed us to capture precious moments with ease. The Togetsu bridge area, featuring picturesque mountain views, the colorful kimono forest, the serene Tenryuji temple, and the iconic bamboo forest, provided a diverse backdrop for our photos. Witnessing the family’s genuine happiness and their appreciation for the photos was truly rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide my photography service, and I eagerly anticipate our future sessions!😊

I recently organized a surprise proposal photoshoot in the enchanting bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Kyoto. The client, along with his friends who were traveling with him, orchestrated the plan. Prior to the proposal, we met in the bamboo forest without his girlfriend. We strategically selected the perfect spot for the proposal. They later brought her to this bamboo haven.

To maintain the surprise, I positioned myself as a casual tourist in the area. When they approached, they kindly asked, ‘Could you take our photo?’ handing me their phone. Guiding them on where to stand, the magic unfolded as he proposed, and she ecstatically said YES! To add to the joyous occasion, her friends, who had flown in from Singapore, appeared unexpectedly, creating an unforgettable moment of jubilation. Capturing these emotions, we continued the shoot amidst the captivating kimono forest and the autumn leaves. It was truly a delightful experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to document these precious moments. Thank you for choosing my photography service, and heartfelt congratulations once again! 📸🎉

【Review on Tripadvisor】★★★★★
“Had an amazing and fun time with Manu. He is not only a great photographer and editor, but a great actor! Booked him for the surprise proposal, and my now fiancé had no idea he was and even after the proposal, she couldn’t process that he was in in the surprise! Haha. After the amazing proposal photos, he toured us around Kyoto and took us to secret places most tourists don’t know about to get the most beautiful shots i’ve ever seen! Best part of it all was that there was no dull moment with Manu. It was truly a memorable day from start to finish, me, my fiance, and my friends had so fun going around taking photos and hanging out with Manu. Highly recommend if you want to capture a very important moment or just want to have a great time in your visit to Osaka and Kyoto. 🫶👍”

I had an incredible time shooting with a delightful couple from the US. We rendezvoused at a kimono rental shop where they looked absolutely stunning in their matching purple kimonos. The Gion area in Kyoto, adorned with autumn leaves, provided the perfect backdrop for our photoshoot, capturing their essence in the soft, enchanting light. Despite the bustling crowds at the Yasaka Pagoda area, we managed to find moments without any distractions.

Throughout our time together, we delved into discussions about Japanese culture, language, people, and anime. Their genuine interest and curiosity added an extra layer of enjoyment to the shoot 😊

I’m so grateful you chose my photography service, and I genuinely can’t wait to meet you again for another round of capturing beautiful memories! 📸🍁

I orchestrated a surprise proposal photoshoot at the Yasaka Pagoda viewing spot in Kyoto! My guests were scheduled for 7:50 am, but the location was swarming with people snapping photos. Capturing moments without anyone in the background proved challenging, so we patiently waited for an opportune moment for about 5 minutes. At my client’s request, I directed them on where to stand during a less crowded interval. He seized the moment to pop the question, and she joyfully exclaimed YES! The jubilant atmosphere led to spontaneous celebrations by onlookers, all of which I skillfully captured.

Post-proposal, I guided them to various locations, capturing beautiful moments adorned with the engagement ring. The gentle sunshine added a beautiful warmth, creating an extra special ambiance in the photos. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this significant moment. Thank you for choosing my photography service, and heartfelt congratulations on your engagement!

I had the pleasure of capturing unforgettable moments with a charming family and their absolutely adorable son during a delightful photoshoot in the picturesque Gion area of Kyoto. Embraced in traditional kimonos, they radiated elegance against the backdrop of Japanese culture. Our photographic journey commenced in the mesmerizing Maruyama Park, where the autumn leaves painted a tapestry of warm hues—reds, oranges, and yellows—all perfectly complementing the family’s attire.

The little boy, with his endearing playfulness, added a layer of joy to the session, making it an absolute delight to capture his candid moments. Although formal family poses posed a bit of a challenge, the spontaneity translated into natural and heartwarming photographs. I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunity to photograph your family in Kyoto—it was a truly enriching experience. Here’s to more wonderful sessions in the future!

The photo shoot this time was more elaborate than any surprise proposal I’ve done before, so I’d like to share this memorable experience.

It was a surprise proposal request, and the location was a room in a hotel in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The client, a gentleman, requested to set up cameras in the room to capture the moment of the proposal on video. It was my first time receiving such a request, so I was a bit anxious about whether I could do it or not. However, we had various meetings over an extended period, and the day finally arrived.

I waited for them at the hotel’s restaurant. By the way, the meal was outstanding, and he had made a reservation for me as well. At the perfect timing after the meal, I went to the hotel room with him, where we prepared meticulously by creating a heart with petals, arranging candles in the room, and setting up the cameras. I left the room, and she entered shortly afterward. A few minutes later, I received a message from him saying, “Surprise successful!” so I returned to the room to congratulate them. We took videos and photos in the room and garden, spending a joyful time together.

The next day, we had a shoot in Gion from the morning and talked about various things in the two-hour period. It was truly an enjoyable time, and after the shoot, I felt like I wanted to continue the conversation. They were a couple who respected Japanese culture, friendly and kind. I look forward to meeting them again in Japan. Thank you so much for the two days!

I recently conducted a pre-wedding photoshoot in Kyoto with an amazing couple! Our journey began in Kyoto’s Gion district, exploring captivating locales like the Yasaka Pagoda area, traditional narrow pathways, and the scenic Maruyama Park adorned with beautiful autumn leaves. The couple shared their creative ideas for poses, enriching the shoot with a collaborative spirit. While I usually guide guests on poses, I was delighted to incorporate their suggestions, resulting in numerous stunning photos after a few attempts at each spot.

Later, we ventured to the Arashiyama area, exploring the enchanting bamboo forest, the ethereal Kimono Forest, and a rooftop offering panoramic views of majestic mountains and autumn hues. The couple embraced each location, changing outfits to capture diverse photo styles. It was a delightful shooting experience, and I appreciate them choosing my photography package. Looking forward to our next session! 📸✨

In the heart of Kyoto’s Gion area, I had the pleasure of encountering a truly charming couple. From the moment we met, their infectious positivity and radiant smiles set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Laughter echoed through our entire photoshoot as we engaged in lively conversations, adding an extra layer of joy to the session. Capturing their moments became a genuine pleasure; each frame encapsulated their perpetual happiness.

As we strolled through the enchanting Gion area over two delightful hours, we explored various picturesque locations. Our journey reached its crescendo at the serene Maruyama Park, where we were treated to a breathtaking sunset, providing the perfect backdrop for some truly magical shots.

Among the many couples I’ve had the pleasure of photographing, they truly stood out as the epitome of happiness! Their unwavering smiles not only reflected their joy but also added a special charm to each photograph. As we wrapped up our session, I couldn’t help but express my eagerness to visit them in the Philippines someday soon.

Heartfelt thanks for infusing our photoshoot with so much joy and for choosing my photography tour. Until our paths cross again! 📸✨