Question 1

How and when do we get our photos?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive a private online gallery within one week of your session, where you can download all your edited, high-resolution images. We deliver only finished, edited photos — never unedited dumps — so every image in your gallery is one we're proud of.

Question 2

Do you deliver unedited photos?

Accepted Answer

No. We hand over only the carefully selected, professionally edited images — the keepers. We'd rather give you a gallery of photos you'll love than a pile of raw files to sort through.

Question 3

How long is my gallery available?

Accepted Answer

Your private gallery stays live for three months from delivery — plenty of time to download all your photos and share them with family. After that, the gallery comes down to keep things tidy, but if you ever need access again, just reach out and we'll either extend your gallery or send you a fresh download link.

Question 4

What camera do you use?

Accepted Answer

Joshua shoots a Fuji GFX 100sii medium-format camera; Miana shoots a Sony A7R IVa. Both are professional, high-resolution bodies — which is why your portraits stay sharp and detailed even when printed large.

Question 5

What languages do you speak?

Accepted Answer

We work in both English and Japanese, so sessions feel easy whether you're visiting from abroad, living in Hokkaido, or a local family. Satomi, Josh's wife, is Japanese and also fully bilingual, and she sometimes assists on the shoots.

Question 6

Where do you shoot?

Accepted Answer

Sapporo and the immediate area are our home base (no travel fee). Otaru is available for a flat ¥6,000 travel fee. Furano, Biei, Niseko, Lake Toya, and other spots across Hokkaido are best booked as a custom Hokkaido Photo Tour — get in touch and we'll plan it.

Question 7

What happens if it rains or snows?

Accepted Answer

Hokkaido weather changes fast, and some of our best portraits happen in falling snow or soft rain — so ordinary weather isn't a reason to cancel. Only in genuinely unworkable conditions (a blizzard or heavy downpour) will we reschedule, at no extra cost, with your deposit carried over.

Question 8

How do we book and pay?

Accepted Answer

A 30% deposit reserves your session, paid online. The balance is due on the day of your shoot (cash, PayPay, bank transfer, or card). Deposits are fully refundable up to 14 days before your session.

Question 9

How far in advance should we book?

Accepted Answer

As early as you can, especially in peak seasons (cherry blossom, lavender, autumn color, and winter snow). We'll always try to fit in last-minute requests when our schedule allows.

Question 10

Do you offer hair, makeup, or kimono rental?

Accepted Answer

We don't provide these directly, but we're happy to point you toward trusted friends and good local options on request.

Question 11

Can we choose which photos you edit?

Accepted Answer

We make the selection to ensure a strong, cohesive gallery, but if there are specific moments or shots you especially want, just tell us during the session and we'll make sure to include them.

Question 12

Will my photos be used on your website or social media?

Accepted Answer

We'd love to share a few favorites from your session on our website and social media — it's how new clients find us, and your beautiful trip helps tell that story. A few things to know: your full online gallery is always private, only you can see and download it; we'll only share a small selection of images, not the whole shoot; and we'll never tag your name or specific location without your permission. For family sessions with children, we'll always ask you specifically before sharing any images that clearly show your kids. If you'd rather we keep all your photos completely private, just let us know — at booking or anytime before publishing — and we'll honor that with no questions asked and no change to your session.

Frequently asked questions