The driving force is “to make you happy”! -Photographer Shinobu Imai

Photo studio “Kodomo to Kamera” in Kawasaki City
As the name suggests, this is a photo studio where you can leave wonderful memories for anniversaries such as Shichi-Go-San and Newborn Photos.

This time, we spoke to Shinobu Imai, the representative of "Kodomo to Kamera" and an active photographer, about how her hobby turned into a job, and what is the driving force behind her diverse activities.

``I originally had a camera hobby and owned a single-lens reflex camera to photograph children.In those days, when many people had digital cameras, single-lens reflex cameras that could take a wide variety of photographs may have been rare. One day, when I took a picture of a friend's child with a single-lens reflex camera, the friend was very happy, and that made me want to learn more about cameras and make them even more happy."

That's what Shinobu told us about how he started taking pictures. He says his feelings at that time have not changed, and the driving force behind his activities is to make others happy.

When he was studying cameras, he didn't think about using cameras as a career in the future.

``It was really an extension of my hobby.At the time, there were no schools that I could take my children to, so I studied on my own.One day, I was asked to take a profile photo for an entrepreneur, and he advised me to get paid properly for the photo.'' As I began to receive compensation, I felt a sense of responsibility that I had to take proper photographs, and little by little, I began my career as a photographer."

While raising her children, Shinobu taught herself camera skills and started working. While achieving results, I was also conscious of creating and valuing time with my family. Gradually, his family seems to have come to understand his work.

"I've never thought it was hard! It's really fun," Shinobu says with a smile, and you can tell that she doesn't see the hardships as hardship and is enjoying herself to the fullest. That's why you can't help but want to support him.

Shinobu is photographing children at the studio. You can tell that they are having fun taking pictures.

This "enjoyment" is something that Shinobu values in her work.

"Having fun and doing what you like. This is something that I value in common in all my work.When I shoot, I think about the spaces that excites me and the things I want to photograph. I place importance on creating a worldview.”

That feeling can also be felt in the studio. There are many dried flowers and accessories lined up in the soft light-filled studio. For adults, the stylish and unusual studio is an irresistible pleasure, and for children, it's the perfect, exciting place to play.

A stylish studio with lots of greenery and dried flowers, as well as items that give a natural and warm feel.

In addition, we hold photo sessions tailored to the seasons, and original decorations appear for birthday shoots, so there's something new every time you go.

There are only photos of children playing happily and natural, unadorned expressions. The expression on Shinobu's face that is brought out because it is a space filled with ``loves'' is adorable, and you can't help but smile when you look at it.

This is a wonderful photo of a child enjoying the photo shoot in a studio where the atmosphere changes with the seasons.

Although Shinobu is active as a photographer, he is actually involved in two other activities.

One is a camera instructor!
You can take lessons both face-to-face and online. There are over 300 mom photographers across the country who learned techniques from Shinobu!
In addition to lessons for people who want to become photographers, we also have lessons for moms who want to get better at taking photos of their children.

This is a wonderful photo of a child enjoying the photo shoot in a studio where the atmosphere changes with the seasons.

A book packed with lesson content has also been published.
As Shinobu says, ``I thought it would be nice to have a book that could be used as a textbook when giving lessons, so I created a book packed with know-how.'' contains many tips for photographing children effectively.
Books are also available for purchase online.

This book is perfect for those who want to start using a camera or those who want to get better at photographing children.

The other is the representative of an organization called [mama-on!].
[mama-on!] is a group that supports mothers who are working hard in Miyamae Ward and Takatsu Ward, Kawasaki City. Active moms "Mama on members" publish a free paper once a year and hold events to "support moms taking the first step."

The free paper is filled with the desire to "support moms."

“Especially in the past few years, I have started to hear that moms are having trouble making friends because there are no more opportunities for moms to get together at ward offices and other places.Through Mama-on events and free newspapers, moms are connecting with each other. I hope you enjoy raising your children,” says Shinobu.

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

To all the mothers involved in mama-on! activities. Her lively expression is attractive. .

Shinobu wears many hats: a photographer, a camera instructor, and the representative of an organization that supports mothers' activities. The driving force behind all of our activities is the same desire: ``I want to make mothers happy to the best of my ability.'' To achieve this, I think he first taught me that ``it's important that you enjoy what you do.''

《Children and turtles》
Instagram: here
HP: Click here
Location: 1F, 6-2-13 Umasinu, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
For inquiries, please contact us from our website

《Book》
“First-time Mom Camera 365 Day Photography Dictionary” (Mile Staff)
“My first clip-on strobe” (Genkosha)
“Photography techniques that will make you look great” (Mdn)
“Hana Recipe” (Japan Photo Project)
“What is this?” (momo book)
Click here to purchase

《mama-on!》
Click here for mama-on!'s Instagram