I photographed a family with their five-year-old son at home in Tokai, Aichi. We combined requested commemorative portraits with conversation, play, and the places inside the home that already carried memories.
Start with what the child already enjoys
The boy talked and played with his parents while I photographed the interaction. Instead of stopping that energy for every picture, I treated the movement itself as part of the family’s character.
The home is a meaningful location
We also made portraits in memorable parts of the house and looked toward the camera for a few classic family photographs. Familiar surroundings help a child relax and preserve details that may change as the years pass.
Plenty of energy, even on a hot day
It was a very warm day, but the child kept running with remarkable energy. I moved with him and focused on expressions that belonged to the action, leaving the family with a record of this lively stage rather than asking him to stay still for long.
Scenes from the day
