Q&A

Q＆A

Have questions about your photo session?
Here are some of the things clients often ask. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to Contact Me.

Before Your Session

  • To reserve your date, a signed photography agreement and a 50% reservation fee are required. Your session is officially confirmed once both have been completed.

    The remaining balance is due on the day of the session. Cash is preferred, but you can also pay by credit card through Square. A 3.25% transaction fee applies to credit card payments.

  • I generally recommend photographing around golden hour, when the light is soft and warm. The ideal time varies depending on the season and location.

    For families with young children, I also recommend choosing a time when your children are usually well-rested and happy.

    I'll be happy to suggest the best timing based on your location, season, and family schedule.

  • Absolutely. Location is an important part of the story, so I like to learn a little about you before making a recommendation.

    I may ask questions such as:

    • What does Tokyo mean to you and your family?

    • What do you enjoy doing together?

    • What kind of atmosphere are you drawn to—modern, green, urban, traditional, authentic streets, waterfront, nature, or something more relaxed?

    • Is there a neighborhood or area of Tokyo that you especially enjoy visiting?

    From there, I'll suggest locations that fit your story, the season, lighting, and expected crowds.

  • I recommend coordinating rather than matching. Choosing colors and styles that work well together helps create a natural and cohesive look without making everyone look overly coordinated.

    Neutral, soft, and natural colors tend to photograph beautifully, but most importantly, choose clothing that feels comfortable and like you.

    I'm happy to offer styling suggestions before your session.

  • Yes. Sessions are designed for one household with up to 5 participants. Additional participants, multiple households, and extended-family sessions may require a custom quote.

    Please let me know the final number of participants before the session so I can plan the session accordingly.

  • That's completely okay. Children don't need to sit still or smile for the camera the whole time.

    I don't expect children to pose perfectly. I give them space to move, play, explore, and interact naturally with their family, and I photograph those moments as they happen.

    Sometimes the unexpected moments become our favorite photographs.

  • A little of both.

    My approach is primarily documentary and natural. I'll guide you when needed, but I don't want the session to feel like a series of poses.

    Rather than asking you to constantly look at the camera, I'll encourage you to interact, move, talk, and simply enjoy being together.

    My goal is to capture real connection while still creating beautiful, thoughtfully composed photographs.

  • Yes, if time and location allow. Please keep in mind that changing outfits takes time away from the session, so I recommend keeping outfit changes simple or adding extra time.

  • Yes, depending on the session and distance between locations.

    Please note that travel or moving time between locations counts toward your scheduled session time. I generally recommend choosing nearby locations so we can spend as much time as possible photographing.

  • Light rain does not necessarily mean we need to cancel. Some sessions can be photographed beautifully with umbrellas and overcast light.

    If the weather is severe or makes the session impractical, we can discuss rescheduling.

    If you'd like to reschedule due to weather, please contact me as soon as possible.

During Your Session

After Your Session

  • Each package includes a different minimum number of professionally edited, high-resolution digital images.

    Please see the individual package details on the Services & Pricing page.

  • Your final images will be delivered through a password-protected online gallery.

    You can download both the high-resolution digital files and web-friendly files for easy sharing online. You can also share the gallery with family and friends.

  • You'll receive a small preview within approximately one week after your session.

    The complete gallery is normally delivered within two weeks, although delivery times may vary during busy seasons.

  • Your online gallery is guaranteed to remain available for 3 months.

    I recommend downloading and backing up your images once you receive them.

  • No. RAW files are not provided.

    All delivered images are professionally selected and edited in my signature style.

  • Basic color, exposure, and artistic editing are included with your session.

    Detailed retouching such as extensive skin correction, body reshaping, or removing objects is not included as standard. If you have a specific retouching request, please contact me.

  • Absolutely. I believe photographs are meant to be enjoyed beyond the screen.

    I'm happy to offer guidance after your gallery is delivered, including suggestions for prints, albums, and ways to display your photographs.

  • A 50% reservation fee of the basic session fee is required to secure your date.

    The reservation fee is non-refundable.

  • The reservation fee can be paid by Square or bank transfer. Transaction fees may apply.

    The remaining balance is due on the day of the session. Cash is preferred, but you can also pay by credit card through Square. A 3.25% transaction fee applies to credit card payments.

  • The reservation fee is non-refundable.

    Cancellations made on the day of the session are subject to 100% of the session fee, plus any non-recoverable expenses already incurred by the Photographer.

    Please see your photography agreement for the complete cancellation policy.

  • Yes. Rescheduling may be accommodated due to weather, illness, or other circumstances.

    The new session date must be within 6 months of the original date. If I am unable to accommodate your requested new date, the cancellation policy will apply.

Booking, Payment & Rescheduling

  • Taransportation expenses are separate from the session fee and may apply depending on the location.

    Transportation expenses may include gas, tolls, parking, or public transportation.

    Admission fees for parks, gardens, or other facilities are also charged separately when applicable.

  • Travel fees cover my travel time to and from the session location and are calculated based on the round-trip travel time from my office in Chiba. They are charged separately from transportation expenses.

    • More than 2 hours and up to 3 hours: ¥10,000

    • More than 3 hours and up to 4 hours: ¥20,000

    • More than 4 hours: Please contact me for a custom quote. These sessions have a minimum session length of 1.5 hours and start from ¥80,000.

    Transportation expenses such as train or bus fares, gas, tolls, and parking are charged separately and billed in ¥500 increments.

  • I'm happy to travel for sessions outside the Tokyo area.

    Sessions requiring more than 4 hours of round-trip travel have a minimum session length of 1.5 hours and start from ¥80,000. Additional travel fees and transportation expenses apply.

Travel & Additional Fees

  • Yes! Your delivered images may be used for personal purposes, including sharing on your personal social media accounts.

    I love seeing clients share their photographs, so please feel free to tag me when you do.

  • All photographs remain the intellectual property and copyright of Miho Aikawa.

    You receive a non-exclusive license to use your delivered images for personal purposes, including printing, albums, holiday cards, personal gifts, and personal social media.

    Commercial use, resale, licensing, publication, or alteration requires prior written permission.

  • Your photography agreement and Model Release explain how your images may be used.

    With the standard portfolio permission, I may use photographs from your session for my portfolio, website, blog, social media, marketing materials, exhibitions, educational presentations, and other self-promotional purposes.

    I will not sell, license, or provide your photographs to third parties for commercial advertising or endorsement purposes without your separate written consent.

Photo Usage & Copyright

  • I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28–35 weeks of pregnancy.

  • The newborn lifestyle session is recommended within 1 month after birth.

    I understand that babies don't always follow a schedule, so flexible scheduling is available up to 3 months after birth by arrangement.

  • Yes. If you would like a standalone newborn lifestyle session, you can book it as a 60-minute Portrait & Family Session.

    The 30–45 minute Newborn Lifestyle session included in the Maternity to Newborn Lifestyle Collection is available exclusively as part of the collection and cannot be booked separately.

    The shorter session works especially well for families who have already met with me for their maternity session, allowing us to capture those early days together in a relaxed and natural way.

  • The newborn lifestyle session takes place primarily at your home.

    I focus on the natural moments of your early days together—feeding, cuddling, getting ready, relaxing, and simply being together.

    You don't need a perfectly styled home. Real life is part of your story.

Maternity & Newborn

Every session is a little different, and I'm always happy to talk through the details with you.

Still Have Questions?

CONTACT ME