How to Show Your Photographer What You Want (Even If You Can't Describe It)

Booking a portrait session in Tokyo. You have a feeling in your head, but you can't quite put it into words.

Honestly? You don't have to. Describing "the vibe" out loud is hard for everyone. Instead of wrestling with adjectives, just show the photos — saving 5–8 photos you love and sending them to your photographer works better than an essay.

Why reference photos beat adjectives

Words slide. "Natural," "moody," "that Korean look" — everyone pictures something different. Your "natural" might sound to a photographer like laughing in full sunlight. What you actually had in mind was standing quietly in an alley, hair lifted by the wind.

A photo has no such gap. One photo is one definite answer: this light, this distance, this expression. The photographer sees it and knows which direction to go.

Where to find reference photos

No need to go hunting. Your usual tools are enough:

• Your Instagram / Pinterest saved folders: dig up the photos you saved because "this one."
• This site's portfolio: if you like one, just say "like this one."
• Your own old photos: if there's a photo of yourself you love most, that counts too.

Don't look for "impressive" photos. The right ones are the ones that give you a feeling.

Before you send, add one line

One small favor before you send them: add one line to each photo. It doesn't have to be long. For example:

• "Love this light, so soft."
• "Love this distance — the person small inside the scene."
• "Love this expression, so relaxed."

One line is enough. That line tells me which part of the photo you actually like — the light, the framing, the expression, or the overall color. That's how I avoid guessing wrong.

When to send them

The best time is with your booking request. After you submit the form, I'll confirm the schedule, the plan, and the quote — if we can talk over the photos at that point, everything moves faster.

Sending them way before you've decided is also fine, though you might end up re-searching later. No rush — decide on the date first. The photos are step two.

FAQ

Do I have to send a lot?
No. 5–8 is just right — more than that and the point gets blurry. Even 3 is fine. What matters is that each one has a reason you like it.

Can I send other people's photos?
Yes. Reference photos are for sharing a feeling, not for claiming ownership. Just don't present someone else's photo as your own work.

My taste is all over the place. Is that a problem?
Totally normal. When you send them, add that one line to each as above. I'll find the real common thread and confirm it with you.

Can you actually recreate the look on the day?
The most important question. After you send them, I'll be honest: what's doable in an outdoor shoot, and what needs adjusting. A night portrait and daylight are two different things — I'll tell you upfront, not let you be disappointed on the day.

Next step

When you have a moment, scroll through your saved photos and pick 5 to 8 that feel like "yes, this." Add one line to each. Once that's done, take a look at which dates are open.

View available dates