Lessons from Tokyo and Reykjavík

Respecting Cultures in my photography 

One of my most memorable experiences was preparing a fashion shoot for ELLE Girl magazine in Tokyo. I spent weeks emailing local professionals, trying to organize the shoot. To my surprise, I received no answers.

It wasn’t until I found a Japanese local producer who could vouch for the magazine’s reliability that doors finally opened. I discovered that in Japan, trust is everything, and without that confirmation, it’s nearly impossible to collaborate with local professionals. Another cultural nuance was that Japanese professionals rarely say “no” outright. Navigating this unspoken communication required patience and sensitivity, but by the end, we successfully brought the vision to life.

Iceland, on the other hand, offered an entirely different experience. While preparing for a fashion shoot in Reykjavík, our stylist fell in love with intricate headpieces from a local designer’s shop. When we asked if we could borrow them for the shoot, the designer didn’t hesitate.

I immediately began drafting what we call a “pull letter” in the industry—a formal document with official stamps from the magazine guaranteeing the return of borrowed items. But the designer smiled and stopped me.

“Oh, no worries,” she said. “We’ve all heard about you! You hired our local photographer as an assistant and are working with a local model. The whole city knows about you!”

It was extraordinary. That kind of trust doesn’t happen often in the world of fashion, and I’ve never experienced anything quite like it since.

These contrasting experiences—from the reserved professionalism of Tokyo to the open generosity of Reykjavík—shaped how I approach photography.

For example, if I photograph a Muslim event, I make sure to dress modestly and respectfully. If I’m photographing a black-tie event, I won’t show up in ripped jeans. While I wear comfortable shoes to move freely, I always respect the dress code and the culture of the event. I believe this sensitivity helps people feel at ease with my presence and, ultimately, with the images I create. When clients feel seen and respected, it reflects in the authenticity and warmth of their photographs.

Every culture, event, and individual I photograph teaches me something new, reminding me that respect is the foundation of connection—and of great photography.