Author: Kyoko

Capturing the Spirit of Kyudo in Ottawa

Event, Photography session

It has been my absolute honour to serve as the official photographer for the Ottawa Kyudo Association’s recent event! Going into the event, I knew I was there to photograph archery. But what I witnessed was so much more than a sport—it was a moving meditation. I was deeply inspired by the participants’ immense passion, razor-sharp focus, and unwavering dedication to this beautiful Japanese martial art.

In Kyudo, the focus isn’t just hitting a target; it’s about the purity of the process, the harmony of movement, and the refinement of the mind. Looking through the lens, I could feel the intense stillness in the room right before an arrow was released. Capturing that precise moment—where supreme focus meets explosive action—was both a technical challenge and a profound artistic joy.

To the organizers and all the participants of the event: thank you so much for welcoming me into your space and trusting me to capture your art. Your warmth and dedication made this an unforgettable experience. (Event day : 2026 May 16 and 17 )

Graduation photo session – 2026 May

Photography session

I had a wonderful time reconnecting with these two ambitious graduates last week! Having met them during a previous school session, it was an absolute honor to be invited back to document such a significant milestone in their lives. 

We spent the afternoon capturing the joy of their achievements, and I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work they’ve put in. The light at Tabaret of OttawaU was perfect. I really enjoyed hearing the cheers from bystanders and drivers while the session. Despite the challenge of navigating the stairs in long dresses and heels, these two made looking effortless seem easy, even if we had a few giggles along the way !

Congratulations to  both—I hope these photos serve as a lifelong reminder of your success! (Event day : 2026 May 2 )

p.s. Booking for graduations is now open! Reach out to secure your date.

Happy Easter ! …belated…

update

Happy Easter! I’m sending you my best wishes, even though it’s a bit late. I spent the long weekend unwinding with my family-in-laws and had some thoughtful moments about Easter. I am very grateful for everything around me and the peacefulness it brings. Here’s hoping that peaceful energy spreads and the world gets a little bit kinder and safer for everyone, especially around this time …

This image was generated by AI for the environments section. I took the photo of my Corgis recently. And I’m really hoping for spring to arrive soon!

Vessels for Spring

Event, Photography session

I had the absolute pleasure of capturing the Ottawa Guild of Potters‘ Pop-Up Art Show at Scrims Florist!

It was a true honour to be selected as the official photographer for this event—a vibrant celebration where the earthy craft of pottery met the delicate beauty of nature. This unique showcase was a collaborative effort, featuring the works of Ottawa’s most talented potters alongside exquisite floral arrangements curated by the Scrims staff.

The synergy between the textured ceramics and the graceful blooms was seamless, creating an atmosphere of pure elegance and creativity. I am incredibly grateful to have played a part in documenting this creative journey!

Business Portrait Session

Photography session

I recently photographed a business portrait session for this wonderful voiceover artist and audiobook narrator. Even though his work happens behind the microphone, having strong professional images is an important part of building his personal brand.

The goal of this session was to create portraits that feel natural, confident, and approachable—images that can be used across casting platforms, websites, and social media. We kept the setup clean and simple, focusing on expressions and subtle variations to reflect both personality and professionalism. I truly hope these images help him connect with clients and audiences. For more about him, check here: https://www.instagram.com/luke_oldham_vo/

Tohoku March 11

update

On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami struck a vast area of northeastern Japan known as Tohoku. Today marks the 15th anniversary of this tragic disaster.

Over the years, significant progress has been made in rebuilding and recovery thanks to the dedication and resilience of many people. However, there are still individuals who remain missing, and others who continue to face ongoing hardships.

Today, I offer my prayers and thoughts to everyone who suffered and those who are still struggling.

This day feels especially personal to me because my sister lives in Fukushima, one of the areas most severely affected by the disaster.

My heartfelt prayers are with all who were impacted.

March !

Everyday, update

Is it March already? 2026 is moving so fast! We’ve been enjoying this beautiful winter season and spending lots of time with our wonderful furry friends.

Snowy days are some of my favorites for dog photography. The bright snow makes such a beautiful backdrop, and it’s perfect for capturing dogs running, jumping, and playing. I love photographing all the movement—flying ears, wagging tails, and paws kicking up snow.

Here are a few moments from our recent winter adventures!

Update – new in 2026

update

I’d like to share a brief update regarding my fees. Over time, my rates have remained competitive in the current market. Like many small businesses, however, I’m feeling the effects of rising costs in everything from equipment and maintenance to software, materials, and time spent behind the scenes.

Therefore to maintain the quality of my work, I will be making a modest adjustment to the fees.

This includes:

  • A small increase to photography sessions’ packages.
  • An updated rate for kimono dressing

This change allows me to continue offering a high-quality, thoughtful experience for every client.

All existing bookings will be honoured at the current rate.

Thank you sincerely for your continued support. I truly appreciate the trust you place in my work and look forward to creating more meaningful images with you.

Warmly,
Kyoko

Winter fun !

Everyday, update

A bright winter sun, deep fresh snow, and a group of dogs with endless energy—this was pure joy.

They ran through the woods, chasing friends, leaping into snowdrifts, and sending powder flying everywhere. No posing, no rules—just dogs being dogs. The sunlight reflecting off the snow created beautiful natural light, catching every expression and playful moment.

Winter sessions like this are cold, chaotic, and incredibly fun. You run, you laugh, and you forget about everything else. These photos aren’t just about how it looked—they’re about how it felt.

If your dog loves adventure, winter might be the perfect time to capture their story.