Before their trip to Japan, they had been studying a little Japanese. It came up early in our shoot, and I have to admit it made me really happy. Taking the time to learn some of the language before visiting says a lot about how much respect someone has for a place and its culture.

We met in one of the busiest parts of Kyoto — around Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka — but early enough that the streets were still quiet. That gave us a short, precious window to photograph them with the old wooden buildings and stone-paved slopes before the crowds arrived.

They had dressed beautifully for the day, and they were completely at ease in front of the camera. No stiffness, no nerves — just natural expressions and relaxed poses from the very first frame. That kind of comfort makes a huge difference, and the photos showed it.

I wanted their photos to feel like a real memory of Japan, so I took them to the places that feel the most unmistakably Kyoto. They loved every spot I suggested, and each time I showed them the photos on the back of the camera, they said how much they liked them. That reaction never gets old.

What I enjoyed most, though, was the conversation. Somewhere along the way it turned into a small language exchange — I asked them about English expressions I was curious about, and they asked me about Japanese words and phrases. We traded back and forth between shots, laughing at the tricky ones. It made the hour feel full and fun, and it went by far too quickly.

Both of them were kind, calm, and bright, and it was a real pleasure to spend the morning with them. Thank you for choosing me as your photographer — I truly enjoyed every minute. Please come back to Japan again, and keep practising your Japanese. I look forward to seeing you next time.

If you are planning a couple photoshoot in Kyoto, here’s a look at my Kyoto packages.