A Tale of Two Portraits

Although these portraits of Toshikana and Mamefuji share several similarities, the real story is in their differences.

Kohana and Kagami Mochi

Sometimes the stars align in your favor, and my fourth time photographing the maiko Kohana of Gion Kobu was one such time.

Story Behind the Print, Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterNovember 5, 2023Kohana, Gion Kobu Comments

Dance Duo: Yukako and Makiko

Although I like this image of Yukako and Makiko very much, I considered it a failure in the months after I made it.

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterJune 27, 2021Yukako, Makiko, Gion Kobu Comments

Dance Duo: Manaha and Mameharu

The images I created with Manaha and Mameharu are my favorites from all my dance duo sessions, but not for the reasons you might think!

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterMay 30, 2021Manaha, Mameharu, tenugui, Gion Kobu Comments

Dynamic Duo: Mameharu and Manaha

Sometimes 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!

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterMarch 28, 2021Mameharu, Manaha, Gion Kobu Comments

Dance Duo: Yuriha and Tatsuha

Although photographing two maiko might be more visually stunning than photographing just one, it probably takes more than twice as much work!

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterJanuary 31, 2021Yuriha, Tatsuha, Gion Kobu, Rokudan Kuzushi Comments

A Smile to End the Year

Sometimes the strangest things will make you laugh…

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterDecember 27, 2020Mamehana, Gion Kobu, smile Comments

A Bright Spot in a Dark April

The 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!

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterMay 31, 2020Kohana, Gion Kobu Comments

Behind the Scenes with Geisha Mamefuji

This is a peak behind the scenes at my lighting set-up for a photo session with new geisha Mamefuji.

Photography LightingJohn Paul FosterMarch 29, 2020Mamefuji, Gion Kobu, portrait Comments

A Geisha, Long Gone But Not Forgotten

Natsuko 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!

My Last Shigyoshiki in Gion Kobu

Out 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.

Good News from Gion Kobu!

Friday, October 25, was a very happy day in Gion Kobu! Can you guess why?

Important InfoJohn Paul FosterOctober 27, 2019geiko, Gion Kobu Comments

Mamefuji and September Shadows

Shadows can conceal or reveal, especially in the case of the maiko Mamefuji of Gion Kobu

Geisha and Maiko, Favorite PhotosJohn Paul FosterSeptember 29, 2019Mamefuji, Gion Kobu Comments

Hassaku and ADP Pro

The ADP Pro Luminosity Masks Panel makes editing images like this photograph of the gesiha Mameharu much easier and even fun.

Geisha and Maiko, Important InfoJohn Paul FosterAugust 25, 2019Mameharu, Hassaku, Gion Kobu, post processing, luminosity masksComment

Mamefuji and What Might Have Been

My final two encounters with the maiko Mamefuji of Gion Kobu were intense, funny, and looking back now, bittersweet.

Geisha and MaikoJohn Paul FosterNovember 25, 2018Mamefuji, Gion Kobu, Misedashi, debut Comments

Photographing Geisha on Kyoto's Streets

If you are thinking about going to Kyoto to photograph the geisha and maiko there, I hope the following story will help you decide if it is a good idea or not.