My driving force is "making people happy"! - Photographer Shinobu Imai
Photo studio "Kodomo Kamera" in Kawasaki City
As the name suggests, this is a photo studio where you can create wonderful memories for special occasions such as Shichi-Go-San and newborn photos.
This time, we spoke with Shinobu Imai, the representative of "Kodomo Kamera" and an active photographer, about how her hobby became her job and what drives her wide-ranging activities.
"My hobby was photography, so I had a single-lens reflex camera and used to take pictures of my children. At the time, most people had digital cameras, so a single-lens reflex camera, which allowed me to take a wide variety of photos, was probably quite rare. One day, I took a picture of a friend's child with my single-lens reflex camera, and my friend was so happy. That made me want to learn more about cameras and make people even more happy."
Shinobu told us how she got started with photography. She says that her feelings haven't changed since then, and that the motivation behind her activities is to make others happy.
When he was studying photography, he had no intention of making photography his career.
"It was really just an extension of my hobby. At the time, there were no schools I could take my children to, so I taught myself. One day, I was asked by an entrepreneur to take profile pictures, and he advised me to get paid properly to take the photos. Once I started receiving payment, I felt a sense of responsibility to take good photos, and little by little I started working as a photographer."
Shinobu taught herself photography skills while raising her child, and then began working. While achieving results, she also made sure to spend time with her family, and gradually her family began to understand her work.
"I've never thought it was hard! It's really fun," says Shinobu with a smile. Watching her say this, you can tell she doesn't think of hardships as hardships, but is enjoying herself to the fullest. That's why she's the kind of person you just want to support.
Shinobu is taking photos of her child in the studio. You can tell she's having fun.
It seems that "having fun" is something that Shinobu values when it comes to her work.
"Having fun and doing what you love is something I value in common across the various jobs I do. When I'm shooting, I also value creating a space that excites me and a worldview that I want to capture."
This feeling can be felt even in the studio, where many dried flowers and small items are lined up in a softly lit studio. For adults, the stylish and extraordinary studio is an irresistible delight, and for children, it is an exciting and different playground from the usual.
This stylish studio is filled with lots of greenery and dried flowers, as well as many items that give off a natural, warm feeling.
In addition, seasonal photo sessions are held, and original decorations are used for birthday photo shoots, so there is always something new to enjoy no matter when you go.
The photos are full of children playing happily and with natural, unpretentious expressions. The expressions brought out by the space filled with Shinobu's "favorites" are adorable, and looking at them will bring a smile to your face.
This is a lovely photo of a child enjoying being photographed in a studio where the atmosphere changes with the seasons.
Shinobu is active as a photographer, but she also has two other activities.
One of them is a camera instructor!
Lessons are available both in person and online. There are over 300 mom photographers across the country who have learned their skills from Shinobu!
In addition to lessons for aspiring photographers, there are also lessons for mothers who want to take better photos of their children.
This is a lovely photo of a child enjoying being photographed in a studio where the atmosphere changes with the seasons.
A book packed with the lesson content has also been published.
"I wanted to have a book that could serve as a textbook when giving lessons, so I created a book packed with know-how," says Shinobu, and her book, "Mom's First 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 those who want to start taking photos or who want to improve their ability to take photos of children.
The other is the representative of an organization called "mama-on!"
Mama-on! is a group that supports hard-working moms in Kawasaki City's Miyamae and Takatsu wards. Active moms, known as "Mama-on members," publish a free paper once a year, hold events, and "support moms who take that first step."
The free paper is filled with the desire to support mothers.
"Especially in the last few years, we've heard that there are fewer opportunities for moms to get together at places like ward offices, and that it's difficult for moms to make friends. I'd be happy if Mama-on's events and free paper could help moms connect with each other and enjoy raising their children," says Shinobu.
You can check out mama-on!'s activities on Instagram.
The mothers who participate in the mama-on! activities have lively expressions that are charming.
Shinobu has many roles, including photographer, camera instructor, and representative of an organization that supports the activities of mothers. All of her activities share the same passion: she is driven by her desire to "make mothers happy to the best of her ability." To achieve this, I think she taught me that the most important thing is to "enjoy what you do."
"Children and Kamera"
Instagram: here
HP: Click here
Location: 1F, 6-2-13 Umagin, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
For inquiries, please visit our website
《Book》
"Mama's First Camera: 365 Days of Photography Dictionary" (Mile Staff)
"My First Clip-on Strobe" (Genkosha)
"Photo tips to make your photos look amazing" (Mdn)
"Hana Recipe" (Japan Photo Planning)
"What is this?" (momo book)
Purchase here
《Mama-on!》
mama-on! Instagram :
