Category Archives: Japan
Geisha Photos
Memories…
At the moment I’m going through all my photos to choose what to put up on my new website. Finding these geisha photos took me back to that magical day in Kyoto when I had so much fun photographing these beautiful women. So much effort has been put into the presentation of their kimono, hair, make-up. They fascinate me and I just wanted to share them with you. Enjoy!
Blue Magazine Japan, HOPE Issue
Following the devastation in Japan earlier this year, Blue surf magazine (Japan) asked artists to contribute to a special Hope issue, in an effort to lift the spirits of their readers who were affected by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.
I feel honored to have a photo of mine included in the Hope issue.
I took this photo during my six month in Japan in 2009. I feel that this beautiful boy, Aki, is perfect representation of the pure and beautiful people that live in Japan. I hope the people of Japan continue to move forward, despite what they have been faced with, and shine as I know they can.
New Japan Fashion Photos
Surfing World Magazine
James and I have an article in this month’s issue of Surfing World magazine (Australia). The issue is ‘The Design Issue’. Our article is about an inspired and talented surf board shaper in Japan, who has a dream to grow his own surfboard.
Ono is working with hemp fibres for a unique and environmentally friendly alternative to the highly synthetic boards that currently dominate the market.
Sayonara Japan : Hola Peru
After 6 amazing months in the east, I have left my temporary home of Japan and headed to new shores. I now call Huanchaco home – a little seaside town in the north of Peru.
The lifestyle is very different and pace of life is much slower than in Japan. For this new chapter of my life, I will be take a break from fashion photography and focus my energy on the surrounding environment with more of a documentary style. I will be travelling around South and Central America for 2 years – surfing, dancing, working with NGOs and documenting the journey for magazine/newspaper articles and an upcoming book, with my partner James Galletly.
I look forward to putting up new photos for you to see from this side of the world.
Here are some of my final photos from Japan
Above: Early morning fishermen (and women) gather on the beach of Ichinomia to gather food the old fashioned way in this dramatic landscape. (See more photos in the TRAVEL folio on my website)
Above: James and I spent our final month in Japan relaxing in the Okinawa Islands. This was one of the many glorious sunsets I enjoyed there.
Metropolis Magazine Tokyo
One of my photos from the shoot with fashion designer and model, Leanne Yew was used for this article in Metropolis. Here is a link to the online article
Metropolis Magazine, Tokyo Japan
Final Tokyo Fashion Shoots
It’s been a while since my last blog entry. I have been busy with 1 month of holidays in the amazing islands of Okinawa, in the very south of Japan. Of course I couldn’t help myself and ended up doing 2 shoots with beautiful Okinawan models Seiko and Cece. I also got a chance to catch up on my editing before a busy week of shooting in Tokyo.
I had a ball choosing and shooting gorgeous garments from Somarta, Matohu, Motonari Ono and Saphir East.
Many thanks to Shigeki and Esteem PR Management. Also, thanks to all the models, assistants, make up artist and hair stylists. It was a full on week (from which I have nearly recharged) and we got some amazing photos.
Here are some behind the scenes photos from a shoot with Stylist Yoshinori, Make Up Artist Kanto and beautiful Russian model, Maria. I had planned to shoot on a gorgeous bridge in Odaiba which was deserted the previous days. On the day of the shoot the bridge was buzzing with people because of a matsuri, so half way through the shoot we were kindly asked to leave by the officials. It turned out to be a blessing as I found a great space with perfect afternoon sunlight, where we completed the shoot.
Tokyo Kaleidoscope fashion shoot
Tokyo Kaleidoscope is the boutique fashion label of Tokyo-based, Melbourne designer Leanne Yew.
Leanne searches throughout the Sunday markets at Tokyo’s temples to find used kimonos, which she transforms into beautiful one-off pieces. Click here to visit the Tokyo Kaleidoscope website. We did this fashion shoot on the dark sands of Ichinomiya Beach, Chiba. Leanne is modeling her own garments.
Cherry Blossom article in ‘The Australian’
Today, 11 Sept 2009, the first article that James and I worked on together will be published in ‘The Australian’ newspaper. If you are in Australia you can look in the special Japanese travel section to read our article about the beautiful Hanami Season that we were fortunate to experience during our first week in Japan, back in April.
You can read the online version of the article (written by James) here.
Niijima Article online at Outdoor Japan
Our Niijima article that was printed in the July issue of Outdoor Japan magazine is now up online.
You can take a look at The Outdoor Japan Website.
Behind the scenes – fashion shoot
Here are some behind the scenes shots from a really fun shoot I did in late July. The styling was by Honda San who amazed us all with the extraordinary garments. He and his assistants worked so hard all day organising the clothes, jewelry, accessories and shoes. Make up was again done by Annco – we just love working together. She is always so much fun and has wonderful ideas for hair and make-up. The models were Hiroshi and Alex who did a great job and made the day a lot of fun for everybody.
Honda san with Alex on the roof for sunset, with Shinjuku skyline in the background
Annco and Honda san with Hiroshi. He did so well to wear this fur jacket on what must have been a 35degree day – definitely the hottest day I have experienced in Japan.
Everlasting Sprout fashion shoot
Thank you to all the Fashion Designers, Models, Stylists and Make Up Artists who have worked with me so far on my photo shoots in Japan. I’m having so much fun dreaming up the concepts and seeing them come to life with the help of many beautiful people.
These images are from a shoot I did last week in Ichinomiya with Aya from D’xim model agency. Make Up and hair was styled by Annco and the garments are from at Everlasting Sprout.
We shot last Saturday. I found the location that morning when I was on my morning bicycle ride. It was so beautiful that I changed all my previous location plans to shoot there. We were so lucky, because as I passed the property exactly one week later, the gorgeous house covered in vines was being demolished.
Japanese Bodypaint Shoot
Here is a photo from my recent bodypaint shoot. I wanted a strong Japanese theme, with white skin influenced by geisha, acting as a canvas for the Japanese flowers across Alex’s face and body. The fan, flowers and chopsticks enhance the flavour, to create a set of images that I love.
The girls were amazing. Annco did the bodypaint and make up on our model Alex Brooks.
We had a lot of fun shooting this. We originally intended to shoot outside, but after discussing the timid nature of most Japanese people (even in Tokyo) we decided that it was probably too confronting to photograph a ‘naked’ woman outside. We decided to shoot in Annco’s apartment against a perfect white wall, and the other 3 walls were close enough to act as a soft box with the single Speedlight flash.
Thanks to the girls.
Kimono Shoot – Ebisu, Tokyo
Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from the kimono shoot I did on Sunday. Naomi, the stylist is a professional kimono dresser in Tokyo. I now understand why you need a license to dress kimonos – the number of layers required, and the skill involved in all the folding and tying is phenomenal. Shoko did a great job assisting Naomi (and me) and Hideyuki did a wonderful job on Aya’s hair and make up.
The first theme was sporty, and the styling included wired shoelaces in Aya’s hair and Nike high top sneakers. The second merged Chinese and Japanese traditional styles to create a uniquely classic look. With two sets of make up, hair and kimono, it was a long day but we all had a lot of fun and I’m really happy with the photos we finished with.
(Wherever you are in Tokyo, there are always onlookers)
My Book
I have been really busy lately shooting for my Japan Fashion photo book, which I am aiming to publish next year. It’s been really exciting, and I’m really happy with the results of all the shoots so far. It’s also given me the opportunity to work with a whole lot of beautiful, talented people. I have been meeting with some amazing fashion designers in Tokyo, planning shoots for the coming weeks, so watch this space for updates.
Pic: This is Tsuya, a lovely actress from Tokyo. We had a lot of fun spending a day shooting around Tokyo with her cosplay outfits (Japan has a big sub-culture of girls dressing up as characters from anime – her outfits on the day ranged from a maid to gothic).
If anyone has any info or advice on publishing that would be greatly appreciated. I have a fair idea of how to find a publisher, but it is my first book so I’m open to any advice.
x Alicia