After our pre-wedding photoshoot in 2022, I have learned that Noel is actually very open to doing couple/group photoshoot. He is cooperative and not at all camera-shy. I believe the relatively hassle-free process we had during the pre-wedding photoshoot played a part in convincing Noel to do photoshoot again on other occasions. Therefore, I was determined to create a similar positive experience for us this time.
After researching a few shops online, I quickly decided on engaging the service of Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata Gojo Shop. In the end, we had a great time, and all the photos turned out lovely. Here are some reasons why I chose this shop and some details about what happened on the day. (Disclaimer: I am not sponsored to write this post.)
1. The shop offers a wide range of services. Aside from kimono rental, the shop provides hairstyling, makeup, and photoshoot services.
This was the most important factor I considered when looking for a suitable shop. Let's be real. I was not devoted enough to book outfits, hair stylist, makeup artist, and photographer separately. For me, it would be a logistical nightmare to coordinate everything.
Many shops I came across have an extensive selection of kimono, far larger than that of Yumeyakata Gojo. However, some of those shops don't offer makeup or photoshoot service, so I had to give them up. If you are looking to rent kimono with a specific style or pattern, you might want to research for more alternatives before committing.
2. The information and the instructions provided on their website are comprehensive.
Therefore, I didn't need to private message or email the shop to ask about prices, details, or services available. Since the website is user-friendly, reservation was a breeze. The website is also available in multiple languages.
3. The staff are friendly and can converse in basic English. On top of that, they replied to my email quickly.
After I submitted my reservation request, they sent me a confirmation email (in English) within 24 hours, detailing the package details, the payment method, and what to expect on the day. I sent a follow-up email regarding a concern I had, and they replied to it swiftly as well. The photographer assigned to us can also converse in basic English, so we could pose under her instructions without any confusion. She was amazing!
4. The entire process was organized.
As mentioned above, we already knew the tentative beforehand. On the day, when we entered the shop, the staff first confirmed our details and gave us designated bags to store our belongings. Then, we were immediately guided to the dressing area where we could pick our kimono, get dressed, and choose our handbags. (The men and the ladies had separate dressing areas.) Next, the ladies were shown to the studio where we got our hair and makeup done. After that, we met up with our photographer, went to the spot agreed upon in a taxi, and started shooting.
Since we signed up for a mini photoshoot, the shooting only lasted for an hour. After it ended, we could technically explore Kyoto in the kimono until 5.30 pm. However, we went back to change immediately because it was simply way too hot to be strolling around in the outfits.
I had watched an Instagram reel where an influencer discourages tourists from renting kimono from larger establishments (not Yumeyakata Gojo in particular). She argues that larger shops function like factories, putting their customers through a production-line process that lacks personal touch. If you're looking to make small talk with the staff, or learn more about the fabric, pattern, and history of kimono while getting dressed, then Yumeyakata Gojo is indeed not the place for you.
On the other hand, efficiency was exactly what I was looking for. I was already beyond grateful that Arsyad, Janet, and Noel agreed to do this with me, so I was not going to risk putting us through any unnecessary stress of locating a secluded shop, spending hours on getting dressed, and walking around the entire day looking for the best photo spots.
5. The one-hour mini-photoshoot package was simply too enticing.
I wanted the experience, but I was unwilling to spend an entire day doing just one thing. Therefore, the one-hour photoshoot was perfect. In addition, the shop offers Gion as one of the shooting sites, and I was all for that.
Gion is undoubtedly a great spot for some nice photos. However, the area is suffering from overtourism and has certain photography regulations imposed to help maintain the order. Instead of accidentally offending the locals while taking pictures around on our own, I believe it's better to just do our photoshoot there with a professional who has permit and knows where to go.
6. Last but not least, a big thank you to Arsyad and Janet for coming onboard!
It was a lot of fun doing a shoot with friends! Arsyad definitely did the right call in requesting for hakama. Both men looked so much more formal and assertive in hakama.
Janet looked so beautiful in kimono! Since she chose a light-colored kimono with dainty floral pattern, the makeup artist did a great job in giving her an airy makeup that highlighted her fair skin. On the other hand, the makeup artist gave me a more mature makeup to go with my bright-colored kimono with busy floral pattern. Overall, I think we complemented each other quite well.
One thing worth noting is that I regretted not adding on hair and belt accessories for me and Janet! I didn't know why I rejected them when the staff offered them to me! We didn't go all the way to Japan and spend so much money on everything just to skimp on a few hundred yen of accessories. Sigh.
Anyhow, it's too late now. I will just comfort myself by saying that simplicity is the best.
No offense, but I know if I left it up to Noel and myself to take pictures of each other or take wefies with a tripod and a timer, we would most likely have very few nice photos to commemorate the trip. Worse, we might be annoyed at each other. I would probably be dissatisfied with the photos Noel took, and he might be impatient with my request of retaking a shot again and again.
Some people might argue that we should improve our photography skills or buy better equipment to get the job done, but I prefer to let a professional do it for me. Aside from the advanced equipment, the biggest advantage of hiring a professional photographer is that they are good at getting us, laymen who are not particularly photogenic, to pose and capturing the moment. As customers, not only do we get great photos and a pleasant experience, but we can also contribute to the local economy.
Some people might argue that we should improve our photography skills or buy better equipment to get the job done, but I prefer to let a professional do it for me. Aside from the advanced equipment, the biggest advantage of hiring a professional photographer is that they are good at getting us, laymen who are not particularly photogenic, to pose and capturing the moment. As customers, not only do we get great photos and a pleasant experience, but we can also contribute to the local economy.
In short, I am very happy with the service and the outcome this time. Thank you to everyone involved! So, what photoshoot should we do next?
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