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I had a surprise proposal shoot in Kyoto’s Gion area. My client wanted to propose with the Yasaka Pagoda in the background, but this spot is always crowded, so we decided to do it early in the morning. Despite arriving at 7:20 am, there were already many people taking photos, making it challenging to capture the moment without any bystanders. However, we found a great opportunity, and he proposed. The atmosphere was celebratory, and we shared a special moment together. This is why I love proposal shoots; they bring happiness. After the proposal, I suggested many ideas and experimented with different styles of photos. It was a lot of fun! Thank you for choosing me as your proposal photographer. Looking forward to working with you again!

I recently had a photo session with a delightful family in Arashiyama, Kyoto! They were incredibly warm and cheerful, and we captured numerous moments filled with smiles. I aimed to capture various shots, including couples, group family portraits, and individual photos. By the riverside, I positioned them to chat while standing or sitting on the steps, resulting in natural and joyous expressions that translated into beautiful photos. The bamboo forest was serene, with few people around, making it perfect for capturing serene moments. I’m thrilled that they cherished all the photos! Thank you for entrusting me with your family’s memories☺️

I had a shoot at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto with a large family! When I saw them, I was surprised that there were over 10 people, but I was excited to capture their family moments. The parents are a lovely couple and are adored by their children and family members. Despite the shrine being crowded, we found a good opportunity to take many great shots with the beautiful red Torii gates. I organized different groups, such as families, grandparents with grandchildren, and couples, and captured various types of photos. They were pleased with all the photos and complimented my photography skills, which made me very happy. Thank you for choosing my photography service! Looking forward to seeing you again!

“I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the most delightful and joyful family during a photoshoot in the enchanting Arashiyama area of Kyoto! We had planned to meet at 8 am, but to my surprise, they arrived even earlier, eagerly waiting for our session to begin. As we greeted each other, I couldn’t help but feel an instant connection with them.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the majestic mountains and serene river near the Togetsu Bridge, we captured some truly magical family moments. From the very start, I felt like part of their warm and loving family, and the entire shoot was filled with laughter and smiles.

It was heartwarming to witness the deep bond between the parents and their children, evident in every embrace and shared glance. As we chatted and laughed together, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the joy of the moment, capturing their genuine happiness in each photo.

The entire experience was nothing short of amazing, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of it. As a token of their appreciation, they kindly gifted me some delicious souvenirs that I’ll cherish. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing me as your photographer during your visit to Japan. It was an absolute pleasure capturing your memories!

I met some lovely families earlier this year and we had a photoshoot in the Gion area of Kyoto. They were dressed in kimono and looked stunning. We started by visiting Maruyama Park, where we captured some shots on a small bridge. They were very relaxed in front of the camera, which allowed me to capture many candid moments. The kids were adorable, and we chatted about food, school, and culture from each of our countries during the shoot. Their parents were also very friendly. Dads are fans of Naruto, I love it too. They even tried some Naruto poses and running shots, which I captured and had a good laugh about. Overall, it was a joyful photoshoot, and I was happy to spend time with them and capture their memories. Thank you for choosing me as your photographer! Looking forward to seeing you again! 😊

I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful couple. We met at the Hankyu Arashiyama Station to shoot in Arashiyama, Kyoto. They were so friendly from the moment we met, and we instantly hit it off like old friends, setting the perfect tone for our shoot. Despite the rain that day, we had such a great time that we hardly noticed it, and as we started shooting, the weather cleared up beautifully. We started with some shots on the Togetsukyo Bridge, and they effortlessly nailed the poses I suggested, resulting in some fantastic photos. They were truly moved when they saw the pictures, and seeing their reaction was incredibly rewarding for me. From there, we moved on to the bamboo forest and shot in the bustling Kimono Forest, but since we started early in the morning, we were able to shoot smoothly without many tourists around. Although Fushimi Inari was crowded, we managed to capture some photos without people in the background by timing it just right, and we were all excited and thrilled. They were such a lovely couple, and I really grew to adore them. Interestingly, I met them again in California, USA, but I’ll save that story for another post. Thanks so much for booking my shooting. It was a blast! See you again soon!

In the picturesque setting of Kyoto’s Gion area, I had the delightful experience of meeting a truly friendly and amiable family. Our photo adventure unfolded across a myriad of enchanting locations, including the serene Maruyama Park, the iconic Yasaka Pagoda, a venerable shrine, and a traditional area steeped in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Interacting with the kids was a highlight; their affable nature made them instant friends. The youngest member of the family, with his heartwarming smiles during our interactions and photo captures, made the session all the more delightful. His charming words about liking me added an extra layer of sweetness to our time together.

Given the vibrant autumn leaves season in Kyoto, we seized the opportunity to play amidst the colorful foliage in the park, resulting in capturing some incredibly natural and heartwarming moments. The sheer joy and warmth experienced during our photo session resonated deeply with me, making it a truly memorable occasion.

Expressing my heartfelt gratitude, I extend my anticipation for the prospect of reuniting and capturing more cherished moments with your family. Until then, thank you, and looking forward to seeing you again!

I had the pleasure of conducting an early morning photoshoot with a delightful family in Kyoto! Our meeting time was set at 7:30 am to avoid the hustle and bustle at the Yasaka pagoda viewing spot. Although a few early risers were already taking photos, we managed to capture a beautiful shot with the Yasaka pagoda backdrop minus the crowd. The kids, being friendly and camera-savvy, made the shoot enjoyable. Thanks to their parents’ thoughtful heads-up about the photoshoot a few days earlier, the kids were relaxed, making the entire experience smooth. Our journey continued to Maruyama Park and some local gems in the Gion area, where the autumn leaves were at their peak. With fewer people around, we had the freedom to capture wonderful moments. It was a joyful session, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to photograph your family! Thank you for choosing my services!

【Review】
I cannot recommend Manu enough! From the moment we reached out to him with our inquiries, he was incredibly responsive and easy to communicate with. His promptness in addressing our questions and concerns made us feel valued as clients right from the start.What truly set Manu apart was his exceptional ability to work with our family, especially our young children, during the photoshoot. He effortlessly created a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, allowing our children to feel at ease in front of the camera. This made a significant difference in the overall outcome of the photos, as their genuine smiles and natural expressions were beautifully captured.Throughout the session, Manu demonstrated an impressive level of patience and understanding. He took the time to interact with our children, making them feel special and involved in the process. His ability to connect with them on their level was truly remarkable, resulting in authentic and heartwarming moments. Not only did Manu excel in his interpersonal skills, but his technical expertise was also evident throughout the entire shoot. He effortlessly guided us through various poses and “secret” locations, ensuring that each shot was perfectly composed and visually stunning. His attention to detail and creative eye truly shone through in the final photographs.The final photographs we received were nothing short of breathtaking. Manu captured the essence of our family dynamics and the love we share in each image. The quality of his work exceeded our expectations, and we are grateful to have these precious memories beautifully preserved.In conclusion, Manu is an exceptional photographer who not only possesses remarkable technical skills but also has a natural ability to connect with his clients, especially young children. His easy-going nature, prompt responses, and genuine care for our family made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free. We wholeheartedly recommend Manu to anyone seeking a talented photographer who can effortlessly capture the true essence of their family.

I had an amazing photo-shoot with kimono girls in Kyoto, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of autumn leaves! One of the girls has been part of my photo-shoots multiple times with her family and friends, and it brought me immense joy to reunite with her this season.

In search of the perfect autumn backdrop in Kyoto, I scouted a less crowded yet stunning location. We chose a temple near the Gion area, adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. While it was a bit distant from the station, the advantage was the serene atmosphere with fewer tourists, creating an ideal setting for our photo session.

The girls were delighted with the location, and we had a fantastic time capturing many beautiful shots. Our exploration extended beyond the temple; other spots in Kyoto also proved to be excellent for photography, with Kodaiji Temple standing out, especially when illuminated at night during the autumn leaves season. The enchanting lights created a magical ambiance, providing numerous opportunities for stunning photos.

The entire day of the photo shoot was nothing short of awesome, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them! I appreciate your continuous support and look forward to our next session. Until then, take care!

Had a wonderful photoshoot in Kyoto with an incredibly nice family. We strategically chose the early morning to capture beautiful shots near Yasaka Pagoda in the Gion area, avoiding the crowds. The autumn leaves season enhanced the charm of Maruyama Park, where we got some stunning photos. Transitioning to the Arashiyama area by train, I captured the kids’ playful moments on the platform and even inside the train. Their natural expressions made for some delightful shots. During our time in Arashiyama, I was deeply moved when the father kindly assisted an elderly man. Despite the language barrier, his politeness and natural kindness shone through.  It was a very very kind and nice thing and someone would think it is normal though I think it would be hard to help local people when I travel to other countries. I appreciate your kindness and hope to see you again!

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!“