About Work Requests

I believe that photography is not decoration, but structure. Rather than just whether a photo is taken beautifully, I focus on who it is for and what it is meant to convey. I believe that the shooting process begins with thinking about these aspects together with the client. This page summarizes my work and the things I value.

1. Profile

• Active as a "Flying Photographer" / Paraglider Pilot

• Focusing on advertising, corporate branding, recruitment, portrait, and product photography.
  Shooting both photos and videos

• Based in two locations: Aichi and Tokyo (staying in Tokyo from the end of the month to the beginning of the month)

• After working at an advertising photography company for 5 years, I became a freelancer in 2017 (currently in my 9th year)

2. Portfolio

① Corporate PR & Corporate
I am responsible for all visuals used to convey a company's appeal. From executive portraits, employee activities, office spaces, and product photography used in corporate websites, recruitment sites, brand books, and IR materials, I can provide all the visuals necessary for corporate PR from a single perspective.

② Person + Product Branding
While I certainly handle photography for people alone or products alone, my true strength lies in branding photography that combines people and products. I have worked on many projects involving jewelry, skincare, fashion, and engagement rings, where I express the world of the product together with the person. I have a strength in designing "how to show the item" and "how to relate the person to the item."
Rather than simply taking beautiful photos of products, I think together with the client about what the brand wants to convey and who it is meant to reach, and then incorporate that into the shooting design.

③ Portrait
I handle portrait photography for individuals. I accept portrait photography tailored to your purpose, such as model photography for cosmetics and apparel brands, promotional photos for actors and talent, and profile photos for artists, writers, and professionals.
I value shooting designs that consider not only how to bring out the subject's charm, but also why and where the photo will be used.

④ Still Life
I also handle photography for individual products. I am particularly skilled at photography that brings out the world and texture of products such as cosmetics, jewelry, and lifestyle goods.
I also accept product photography for various purposes, ranging from industrial products to individual apparel items, furniture, and interiors.

3. What I value in photography

The first thing I think about when shooting is, "Who is this photo for and what is it meant to convey?" Working backward from there, I structure the shoot around three axes.

The first is "Perspective"
What I want to convey comes first, and from there, I choose the angle, distance, and focal length. Five years at a photography company, and nine years since going independent. That judgment is supported by the experience I have accumulated on-site.

The second is "Distance"
This refers not only to the physical distance from the subject but also to the sharing of the atmosphere. I do not view things from the outside as an observer, nor do I immerse myself as a participant; I shoot while sharing the same space. I believe that this stance determines the temperature of the photography.

The third is "Structure"
This means designing the entire shoot by working backward from who I am conveying what to. That is why my work begins before I even press the shutter. This is also why I am often consulted from the planning stage.

It is not about technique, but the accumulation of judgments. This is what I value most in my photography.

4. How I Work

① Shooting while showing
During the shoot, I proceed while having you check the photos on a PC or tablet on the spot. If there is anything that differs from your image, it can be corrected immediately, and requests can be met on-site. This is a style that reduces the anxiety of seeing the finished product later and thinking, "Wait, this isn't right," allowing you to entrust the work to me with peace of mind.

② A wide range of skills regardless of project type
I spent five years at an advertising photography company, gaining experience in a wide range of genres including products, models, interiors, bedding, food, and large studios. What I gained there is a wealth of experience that allows me to make the best decisions on-site, regardless of the type of project.
Even with a new genre of photography, some past experience will always provide a hint. Therefore, my strength lies in the wide range of projects I can accept without hesitating because "this is a genre I've never done before."

③ Post-shoot operation and future connections
I do not believe that photography ends with delivery.
For example, in supporting the in-house production of photography for curtain manufacturers and apparel makers, I have helped with everything from lecturing on shooting methods to equipment selection, operational design, and staff training.
Also, I have extensive experience collaborating with creators involved in projects, such as designers and brand consultants, so you can consult with me from the perspective of how to utilize photos within the overall branding, rather than just photography alone.
I hope to build a relationship where you can feel free to rely on me whenever you need photos, videos, or further creative work.

5. Work I do not accept

I do not accept the following genres, as I believe you will get higher quality results by asking a specialist.

• Wedding photography

• Sports photography

• Press conferences, live event photography

However, depending on the content, I may be able to accommodate your request. Please feel free to contact me first.

6. Life Work

Alongside my work, there are three projects I continue to shoot to explore my own questions.

From Above A series of shots taken from a paraglider. It is an attempt to find the structure of the land and human activity in scenery that cannot be seen from the ground.

Crutch Snapshots based on an experience at Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, themed around "support." I shoot by focusing on the relationship where something is supporting something else.

The Faces A collection of portraits facing people's faces. I shoot while hoping to capture the time of that person, which lies deep behind their expression, in a single frame.

These works are summarized on my website.
▶︎ www.akiomaeshima.com

7. Scope of Work

I am based in two locations: Aichi and Tokyo. I primarily accept photography assignments in the Tokai and Kanto regions.
I am also available for travel to any location nationwide. I have extensive experience shooting across the country for various projects, including corporate branding and architectural photography.

8. How to Contact Me

For work requests or inquiries, please contact me via one of the following methods:
▶︎ Website Contact Form https://www.akiomaeshima.com/contact
▶︎ Email info.akio.mae@gmail.com

Feel free to reach out even at the consultation stage. Providing details such as the nature of the shoot, preferred timing, and the intended media for the photos or videos will help ensure a smooth process.

I typically respond within a few days.