Today I’m posting photos of every step in my lighting process, and I’ll explain my thinking behind each one. You’ll learn how I go from the image of me (one light) to the image of Kohana (four lights).
Read MoreAlthough these portraits of Toshikana and Mamefuji share several similarities, the real story is in their differences.
Read MoreSometimes the stars align in your favor, and my fourth time photographing the maiko Kohana of Gion Kobu was one such time.
Read MoreI have been blogging about geisha, maiko, and Kyoto for ten years now and have written almost 300 posts. It’s my tenth anniversary! Thank you for reading!
Read MoreAlthough I like this image of Yukako and Makiko very much, I considered it a failure in the months after I made it.
Read MoreThe images I created with Manaha and Mameharu are my favorites from all my dance duo sessions, but not for the reasons you might think!
Read MoreSometimes the best way to get portrait subjects to relax is to do absolutely nothing at all, especially if the subjects are best friends like Mameharu and Manaha!
Read MoreIf you are interested in color theory, this image of Toshikana and Toshimomo performing “Harusame” is a perfect example of the art of combining colors!
Read MoreAlthough photographing two maiko might be more visually stunning than photographing just one, it probably takes more than twice as much work!
Read MoreSometimes the strangest things will make you laugh…
Read MoreIn a dark year like 2020, it helps to stay positive by remembering better and brighter days, like the day I photographed the maiko Yuriha amidst the vivid colors of Kyoto’s fall foliage.
Read MoreI’d like to invite all readers of my blog to visit my Etsy shop, John Paul Foster Prints.
Read MoreAlthough I never met the maiko Komanryo, I feel a connection to her through the tea house she owned and that I have used for my photo sessions for more than a decade.
Read MorePhotographing crowded events like Hassaku is always challenging, but sometimes a little magic (and light) happens.
Read MoreMy early days as a street photographer in Gion Kobu were memorable because of poignant and frustrating encounters I had with a small group of photographers who came to the district
Read MoreThe maiko Kohana of Gion Kobu brightened up a dark time in my life just by waiting to say hello to me. Little things really do mean a lot!
Read MoreNatsuko was one of the first geisha I met in Gion Kobu, and also one of the kindest. It’s time I finally wrote about her!
Read MoreOut of respect for the geiko and maiko and everyone else who lives in Gion Kobu, I won’t be among the crowds at major public events like Hassaku and Shigyoshiki.
Read MoreWhy was photography banned in Gion Kobu on October 25? Read on to find out one of the many reasons!
Read MoreShadows can conceal or reveal, especially in the case of the maiko Mamefuji of Gion Kobu
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