Recently, I had the honour of photographing a very special Omiya Mairi (お宮参り) session — a traditional Japanese custom to celebrate a baby’s first milestone. Baby wasn’t in the best mood that day (as babies sometimes are!), but with patience and gentle moments, we were able to capture some truly beautiful photos.
Despite the challenges, the session turned out to be a success. There’s something so meaningful about preserving these fleeting moments — the tiny hands, sleepy expressions, and quiet connection between parent and child.
After the shoot, I received an incredibly kind review from the family, and it truly made my day. Knowing that my work brought joy and lasting memories to someone’s life is the most rewarding part of what I do.
These sessions remind me that every photo has a story — sometimes imperfect, sometimes spontaneous — but always filled with love.
Here is the review I received : “We had our first professional family photo session with Kyoko for our daughter’s Omiya Mairi celebration, and it was such a wonderful experience from start to finish.
Kyoko was incredibly well-prepared when we arrived. She had already set up a beautiful background with umbrellas and props, and even had a baby bouncer ready. All I had to do was place my baby on the seat, and she gently dressed her in the traditional kimono, bib, and hat. When my daughter started to cry from being tired, Kyoko was patient, calm, and adaptable. She suggested letting the baby sleep in my arms and seamlessly moved on to taking photos of my husband and son.
She was especially great with our two-year-old, using toys and playful cues to keep him focused and engaged. Her posing guidance was clear and professional, and she handled the unpredictability of young children with such ease and warmth.
What amazed me most was how quickly we received the photos—about 80 beautifully proofed images just two days later! I wasn’t expecting such a fast turnaround, and the quality exceeded all expectations. She captured not only the posed shots, but also candid moments, like me dressing my baby and my toddler watching curiously. This made the album feel even more personal and authentic.
Kyoko communicated everything clearly via email and gave us all the information we needed to feel prepared. I’ve already ordered prints and an album, and I can’t wait to display them at home.
This was more than just a photo shoot. It was a meaningful cultural experience for us, and I’m so glad we were able to celebrate Omiya Mairi in Ottawa thanks to Kyoko. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, thoughtful, and family-friendly photographer.”
I greatly appreciate these kind words. They are very encouraging and meaningful to me.