My driving force is "making people happy!" - Photographer Shinobu Imai

"Kodomo to Camera" is a photo studio located in Kawasaki City.
As the name suggests, this photo studio is perfect for creating wonderful memories to coincide with special occasions such as Shichi-Go-San (a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children) and newborn photos.

This time, we spoke with Shinobu Imai, the representative of "Kodomo to Camera" and a successful photographer, about how her hobby turned into a job, what motivates her diverse activities, and more.

"I originally had a camera as a hobby and owned a single-lens reflex camera, which I used to photograph children. Back then, when most people had digital cameras, a single-lens reflex camera, which allowed for a wide variety of shots, might have been considered unusual. One day, when I took pictures of a friend's child with my single-lens reflex camera, my friend was so happy, and that made me happy too. I wanted to learn more about cameras and make people even happier."

That's what Shinobu told me about what got her started with photography. She says that her feelings haven't changed, and that making someone happy is still the driving force behind her activities.

When he was studying photography, he apparently hadn't yet thought about making photography his profession.

"It really started as an extension of my hobby. At the time, there weren't any schools I could attend with my child, so I studied on my own. One day, an entrepreneur asked me to take their profile picture, and they advised me to properly charge for the shoot. Once I started receiving payment, I developed a sense of responsibility to 'take good quality photos,' and I gradually began working as a photographer."

Shinobu, who taught herself photography skills while raising her children, also started working in the field. While achieving results, she made a conscious effort to create and cherish time with her family. Gradually, her family came to understand her work.

"I've never thought it was difficult! It's really fun," Shinobu says with a smile, and you can see that she doesn't see the hardships as hardships, but rather enjoys them to the fullest. That's why you can't help but want to support her.

Shinobu is in the studio taking photos of her child. You can tell she's having fun during the shoot.

Apparently, "enjoying" the process is something Shinobu values highly when it comes to her work.

"Enjoying myself and doing what I love—these are things I value in all kinds of work. When I'm shooting, I make sure to create a space that excites me and a world that I want to capture."

That sentiment can be felt even in the studio. The studio, bathed in soft light, is filled with numerous dried flowers and small decorative items. For adults, the stylish and unique atmosphere of the studio is incredibly delightful, while for children, it's an exciting and wonderful playground unlike their everyday lives.

This stylish studio features many natural and warm items, including plenty of greenery and dried flowers.

Furthermore, they hold photo shoots tailored to the seasons, and original decorations are used for birthday photo shoots, so there's always something new to experience.

The photos are all of children playing happily and showing their natural, unpretentious expressions. The expressions that are captured in this space, filled with Shinobu's "likes," are adorable and will make you smile just by looking at them.

This lovely photo captures a child's expression as they enjoy a photoshoot in a studio that changes its atmosphere with the seasons.

Shinobu is active as a photographer, but she is actually involved in two other activities as well.

One option is to become a camera instructor!
You can take lessons both in person and online. There are over 300 mom photographers nationwide who have learned techniques from Shinobu!
In addition to lessons for aspiring photographers, we also offer lessons for mothers who want to take better photos of their children.

This lovely photo captures a child's expression as they enjoy a photoshoot in a studio that changes its atmosphere with the seasons.

A book containing the lesson content in a concise format has also been published.
As Shinobu says, "I created this book packed with know-how because I wanted a book that could serve as a textbook when giving lessons," her book, "First Time Mom's Camera," is full of tips on how to take great photos of children.
The book is also available for purchase online.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to start photography or wants to take better pictures of their children.

The other is the representative of an organization called 【mama-on!】.
【mama-on!】 is a group that supports hardworking mothers in Miyamae Ward and Takatsu Ward of Kawasaki City. The active mothers, the "mama-on members," publish a free paper once a year and hold events to support mothers taking their first steps.

The free paper is filled with the desire to support mothers.

"Especially in recent years, we've been hearing more and more from mothers who are having trouble making friends because opportunities for them to gather at places like ward offices have decreased. We hope that through Mama-on's events and free paper, mothers can connect with each other and enjoy raising their children," says Shinobu.

You can check out mama-on!'s activities on Instagram.

To all the moms involved in mama-on! activities, your vibrant expressions are truly captivating.

Shinobu wears many hats: photographer, camera instructor, and head of an organization that supports mothers' activities. All of her activities share a common motivation: "I want to bring joy to mothers in any way I can." I think she taught me that, first and foremost, "it's important to enjoy what you're doing."

Children and Cameras
Instagram: Click here
HP: Click here
Location: 1F, 6-2-13 Maginu, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
For inquiries, please visit our website.

《Book》
"The First Mom's Camera: A 365-Day Guide to Photography" (Mile Staff)
"My First Clip-On Flash" (Genkosha)
"Photography Techniques for Making Photos Look Great" (Mdn)
"Hana Recipe" (Japan Photo Planning)
"What is this?" (momo book)
Purchase here

《mama-on!》
mama-on!'s Instagram is here