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 active photographer, about how her hobby became her job and what drives her wide-ranging activities.
"Originally, photography was my hobby, and I had a single-lens reflex camera, and I used to take pictures of children. At the time, most people had digital cameras, so a single-lens reflex camera, which allowed for a wide variety of shots, may have been rare. One time, I took a picture of a friend's child with my single-lens reflex camera, and my friend was so happy. This made me want to learn more about cameras, and make people even more happy."
Shinobu told us this story about why she started taking pictures. She says that her feelings haven't changed since then, and that the driving force behind her activities is the desire to make someone happy.
When he was studying photography, he didn't think about making it 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 photos, and he advised me to get paid to take them. When 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 started working. While she achieved results, she also made sure to spend time with her family. 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, and that she is enjoying herself to the fullest. That's why you just want to cheer her on.
Shinobu is taking photos of her child in the studio. You can tell she is having fun.
It seems that "having fun" is something that Shinobu values most when it comes to her work.
"Having fun and doing what you like is something I value in common with the various jobs I do. When I'm shooting, it's important to create a space that excites me and a world view that I want to capture."
This sentiment can be felt from 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 place to play.
It's a stylish studio 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 makes you smile unconsciously.
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 interests.
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 those aspiring to become photographers, we also offer 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 for teaching lessons, so I created a book packed with know-how," she says. True to her words, Shinobu's book, "Mom's First Camera," is full of tips on how to take great photos of children.
The book is also available to purchase online.
This book is perfect for those who want to start taking pictures 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. The active moms, the "mama-on members," publish a free paper once a year and hold events to "support moms who are taking the first step."
The free paper is filled with the desire to support mothers.
"Especially in the last few years, we've heard some moms say that they are having trouble making friends because there are no longer any opportunities for moms to get together at places like ward offices. I would 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 mama-on! activities. Their lively expressions are charming.
Shinobu has many roles: photographer, camera instructor, and representative of an organization that supports the activities of mothers. The driving force behind all of her activities is the same: "I want to make mothers happy to the best of my ability." To achieve this, I think she taught me that it's important to first enjoy what you do.
"Children and Kamera"
Instagram: HERE
HP: Here
Location: 1F, 6-2-13 Umagin, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
For inquiries, please visit our website
Books
"Mama's First Camera: 365 Days of Photography Dictionary" (Mile Staff)
"My First Clip-on Strobe" (Genkosha)
"Photo tips to make your photos look great" (Mdn)
"Hana Recipe" (Japan Photo Planning)
"What is this?" (momo book)
Purchase here
《mama-on!》
See mama-on!'s Instagram here
