We recently connected with Kaori Suzuki and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kaori with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I am drawn to the opportunity to apply the same level of quality photography and aesthetics to every project and for every client, not connected to the size of the client, whether they are big movie studio or a family photo client.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a professional photographer, and every shoot is exciting and challenging for me. I gain the most happiness from capturing the essential beauty and attraction of every client with my camera. I have photographed many film and music celebrities and now shoot product stills and images for private consumer clients, from headshot to family portraits to weddings.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I find experience earned from entry-level photo assistant work is extremely valuable and i learned a great deal working as an assistant at a photo studio in Tokyo after graduation from university. You are able to see how a wide variety of pro photographers approach lighting differently. Communication skills are another valuable asset learned by working at studios. I could see the best practices working in a crew and also how to interact with clients in a fast paced shooting environment. Overall, I find lighting skill, communication with crew, and interaction with clients are 3 vital areas of knowledge vital for photography.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband Gene, a fellow creative as a videographer, has been the most important collaborator and supporter of mine. I had very little knowledge of working in American culture and his experience as an Asian-American, especially as a Japanese-American, helped me navigate the transition from Japan to the US work environments. An important challenge was learning that American clients expect direct and clear sharing of thoughts in production, and he has helped me learn the importance of clarity and confirmation for the smooth and efficient photo shoots. His honesty and support has been so helpful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://suzukikphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzuki_k_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzukiKphotography
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaori-suzuki-a7195018/
- Other: https://www.kaorisuzukiphotography.com
Image Credits
©KaoriSuzuki
