Why should I take a workshop with you?

Photography workshops should be sanctuaries of learning and inspiration, not just excursions led by artists. As your guide, my mission extends beyond showcasing mesmerizing locations; it is to illuminate the path of discovery and mastery in photography.

My approach is grounded in the philosophy that a great photographer does not necessarily make a great teacher. Thus, I dedicate myself to being both. My focus is unwavering in nurturing your talent, sharing wisdom that transcends technical skill, and sparking the creativity that fuels your passion. It's about imparting the nuances that transform good shots into great art.

For more on what makes a workshop meaningful, read this short piece here.

When do I pay?

A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. I recommend you make your payment at your earliest convenience to secure your spot. I confirm every payment. Once I receive your deposit or full amount, I’ll email you and confirm your space. 

If you haven't received an email confirmation from me within 48 hours, then there may have been an issue with your checkout - email me with your order number and we will finalize the order.

What camera gear specifically is best?  Should I bring every lens I own?

You certainly don't need to bring everything you own. It’s just more to carry! But, we can discuss this 1:1 after you book and I can help you get your kit dialed for this specific workshop.

By default - I’d suggest the equivalent to a 16-35mm and 24-70mm (or 24-105mm).  Although a 70-200 can come in handy at times, you have to decide if you want to lug it around all week.

A stable tripod is a necessity.

A cable release is essential—don’t forget it. Long exposure photography is a key focus of my workshops, so while a stable tripod is necessary, a wired cable release is just as important. Wireless remotes often don’t support long exposures. Without a cable release, your camera may limit you to 30-second exposures. With one, I’ll teach you how to create exposures of 2 minutes or longer. Since cable releases are specific to each camera model, I recommend searching B&H for '(Your Camera Brand) Cable Release.' Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential for long exposure photography. My top recommendation is the JetMagPro system, which you can find here in my shop. I also offer a few other high-quality options in the store, so you can choose what works best for you. Regardless of the brand, every photographer should have at least a 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop ND filter that fits each lens they plan to use during the workshop.

In some cases, I may also suggest renting an item if your kit is missing something critical.

What do I need to bring in addition to camera gear?

Since we’ll be walking a lot, comfortable footwear is a must. Tokyo’s weather in June is mild but humid, so waterproof shoes that are breathable will be ideal. It’s also a rainy season, so I suggest a small travel umbrella—specifically the Blunt Metro umbrella which is perfect for shielding your camera from rain. Lightweight, breathable clothing with a rain-resistant outer layer is recommended.

Should I bring a laptop?

It’s up to you! I’ll have mine for our daily editing and review sessions, but if you’d prefer to keep things light, feel free to wait until you’re back home to dive into image-developing. If you want to edit along the way, bringing your own laptop is a good idea.

What are the essentials for the landscape photographer?

At minimum, I suggest:

• A camera with manual controls

• A 16-35mm and 24-70mm lens (or similar)

• A stable tripod

• A cable release

• A few ND filters

If your kit is missing anything essential, let’s chat after you book—I’m happy to help you avoid unnecessary purchases.

Can I bring my spouse?

Due to the extended hours, late-night shooting schedule, and the physical demands of this experience, this workshop is not suitable for non-participating guests or spouses. The focus is on creating and shooting intensively, so it’s best to keep it as a dedicated photography experience.

What if we have to cancel due to weather?  What about severe weather?

We won’t be canceling due to weather—we welcome it! The rainy season in Tokyo is what makes this experience so special. Reflections, wet streets, and dynamic conditions create unique opportunities for incredible night shots. Adaptability is key, and some of the best images come from unexpected conditions.

Will we be shooting sunrise?

No, we will not be doing sunrise shoots. Our focus is on the late afternoon and evening hours, capturing the vibrant energy of Tokyo by night. Our sessions will typically run from 3 pm until midnight (or later if the scenes are particularly compelling). Rest and recovery will happen in the morning, allowing us to focus fully on the late-night energy of the city.

What is your refund policy?

Please read the Terms and Conditions for all the details regarding cancellations and refunds. If you have further questions, feel free to contact me.

I’ve added the workshop to my cart—what do I do now?

After filling out the questionnaire and submitting it, click on the “Cart” in the upper-right corner of the page to proceed with checkout. Once I receive your payment, I’ll confirm your booking. If you encounter any issues, just let me know.