This Is Who You Hire When You Say You Want a Low-Key, Relaxed Photographer

Incredible photos with zero drama

bride and groom by brooklyn bridge

Buried deep within the FAQs for Kyo Morishima Photography is a small note that says he has a BFA in photography from the Corcoran School of Art (whose alumni includes folks like Tim Gunn and David Lynch), and has worked as an assistant for photographic legends like Mary Ellen Mark and Deborah Turbeville. While that’s the kind of street cred that some photographers would be mentioning every chance they get, that’s just not Kyo’s style. Based in New Jersey, with rates starting at $2,400 (yeah, you’re welcome, NYC), Kyo Morishima is a low-key, humble artist who lets his work speak for itself. And boy does it speak.
bride and groom kissingwedding dinner in a tent with chandeliersbride and groom walking down city streetKyo Morishima Photography is Kyo behind the camera, and his wife and business partner Janna at the computer, keeping things running smoothly and designing albums, art, stationery, and other custom art pieces. Kyo has been shooting weddings in the New York City area since 2001, and Kyo and Janna started working together full-time on Kyo Morishima Photography in 2010.

As a bicultural couple—Kyo is Japanese and Janna is American—Kyo and Janna are extra tuned in to couples who are merging different ethnic or religious traditions. Client Melissa relates:

From the very beginning, working with Kyo Morishima Photography was wonderful. My husband and I felt so comfortable upon meeting them and we loved the fact that they, like us, are a couple of two different nationalities, so they were able to embrace and understand what exactly would be happening on the day of our wedding. Janna was so responsive and helpful with any and all questions we had before, during, and after our wedding. And Kyo’s laid-back demeanor made us feel calm, relaxed, and confident that on the day of our wedding, there would be absolutely no stress and that he would be able to capture the list of photos we wanted as well as all the candid moments we were so desperate to catch. And he did just that on the day of our wedding; he was able to capture all the right moments and even the ones we didn’t know we “needed.” Looking at our photos now, it is a perfect timeline of our day. We love them ALL!

groom taking selfie with ring beareriphone photo of wedding ceremonybride looking out limo windowAccording to Janna, the calming presence and photojournalistic shooting style Melissa mentioned is what Kyo is known for:

When we ask our clients what they like most about us, the thing that we hear most often from them is the word “relaxed.”

I think they are referring to two things: on the one hand, both Kyo and I have low-key personalities. We both love people and we’re not shy at all, but we are mellow and approachable. People always comment on how happy (and surprised) they are about how Kyo made them feel at ease during the photo shoot. Kyo is very good at that; no matter what schedule hiccups or family drama or logistical problems occur during a wedding, he stays totally calm and positive.

Second, I think they are referring to Kyo’s photography style. During weddings he is unobtrusive and focuses mainly on capturing candid moments and natural expressions. And afterwards, when we color-correct and fine-tune the photos, we prefer a natural look that isn’t heavily processed.

bride in kitchen with cake and flowersflower girl with fascinatorman in fedora dancingKyo Morishima Photography is based in central New Jersey and photographs all through the surrounding area. Travel for events anywhere in New Jersey, New York City, Westchester County, parts of Long Island, the NYC suburbs of Connecticut, and the Philadelphia area is free of charge. Kyo is also available to travel further afield, and has photographed weddings in Japan, India, Costa Rica, and Switzerland, as well as Wisconsin, Maryland, and Maine.

Wedding packages start at just $2,400 for six hours of photography, editing, and color-correction of all individual images, a password-protected online gallery, and delivery of complete high-resolution image files with unlimited printing rights for personal use. Plus, Kyo and Janna are so excited to connect with APW readers that they are offering a 10% discount on all packages and services for any weddings or photo shoots booked during the month of August 2016—just mention APW when you reach out.

After you receive your images, Janna can use her background as a book designer to design your guestbook, wedding album, thank you cards, or anything else you’d like create with your photos. And if you prefer to DIY those things? Janna is so passionate about helping you get your digital photos off the computer and into real life that she’s always willing to answer questions and help however she can. In fact, anyone can check out her guides and reviews of where and how you can turn your photos into tangible art.

bride in Japanese bridal kimonobride and groom on scooterflower girl taking photo of sunsetSo if you’re looking for a photographer who will be a calming presence and capture the subtle moments most people don’t even see, than check out Kyo Morishima Photography’s work today. You can learn more about Kyo and Janna and how they work, check out their awesome photo documentary project about a young woman farmer in northwest New Jersey, see their most recent work, and contact them with questions or to book here.

mention APW when you contact Kyo Morishima Photography to receive a 10% discount on all packages and services booked during the month of August 2016.

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