37 Frames - Tokyo Wedding + Portrait Photographers

New Blog

We have a SHINY NEW  37 Frames BLOG. You can find it over HERE at www.37framesphotographyblog.com. Please drop by anytime for daily updates, 37 News and all things photo fabulous. This old loveable blog, will remain in English for just a little bit longer.  Will be a Japanese only site starting very soon. Make sure to change your bookmarks! Thanks so much for your support. Trace + Dee

37 Frames : Valentine's Day - A Love Story Tribute

When love is not madness, it is not love.  ~Pedro Calderon de la Barca

I am almost loathe to tell you where we are today. Valentine’s Day. It’s … well … madness. In the most hilarious way possible. We are on our way to Rachel, closest town to Area 51. Population 80. Give or take. AND very popular amongst UFO hunters. We have to drive along the “Extraterrestrial Highway” to get to Rachel… and tonight we will be dining  in an alien-themed restaurant and bar. And then heading out back to our trailer behind the restaurant for the night. Trace is telling everyone that we have to stay here as it’s half way between Twin Falls and our next destination of Death Valley. But we all know that the minute Rachel was mentioned in The X-Files, it was always going to be on the bucket list. Actuaally…truth be told…this is not our first time to Rachel. We have been before. We believe. And there is apparently a new Alienesque museum we just have to check out. The excuse prevailing… yet again…that we are on the road to Vegas, of course.

So to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a more 37 Frames way… we have a tribute to some our very fabulous couples. Some beautiful highlights. To those who have captured our hearts. The 37 Frames couples and duos. To the love stories that never have endings. We have so adored being part of them. Happy Valentine’s Day to all. With just a touch of madness.

We love you all xxx

Tokyo Photographers : The beautiful land of life...

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life!  ~ Albert Einstein

We're still in Moab today. Loving being in the US and dropping into Walmart whenever we have a chance. And experience that particular cultural phenomenon. We're just south of the Colorado River and just west of the Utah/Colorado state line. Canyonlands is overwhelming and everything we wanted to to be and more. Breathtaking. And we're also in movie buff heaven. Lots of our favorite movies filmed scenes here, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Thelma and Louise, Austin Powers - Goldmember, the pod races in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and that episode of Prison Break!  Love it here. In the beautiful land of life. Wish we could get up this early in daily life...

And we wish we could have made a movie with the family of today's featured post.  Complete stars... and the set... their fabulously warm, happy and most gorgeous home. Just a dream to photograph. The light, ooooohh the light. And if they didn't have us at the house, the light, the style, then there was that fabulous family. Just the stuff of magazines. So full of love. Then throw in little Baby Olive and her utter sweetness. Just in time to celebrate the season...as if we needed an excuse. Loved. Every. Minute. And then there were those treats at the end. We'll be back for more anytime x x x

37 Frames : On the road, dreams & here's to the Robinsons...

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." ~ Unknown

We're off to Moab today for a little commissioned work through Canyonlands National Park. Cannot wait to get back. Last time we explored Arches. We've been looking forward to this one. And for us another chance to explore our inner Thelma and Louise... With our dream of making it to The Wave and back realised it's time to come up with some new favorites on the wish list. Being a Showgirl for a day is on mine and heading to Namibia (one day...) is at the top of Trace's (and I'msoabsolutelytheretoo).

And speaking of favorites... There were too many from today's highlighted post. One of our last full sessions for 2011. We were almost at the end of our 3-month photo marathon. They were ready for fun and games. And some fabulous photo moments. And it was totally infectious. A family morning of memories. Older sister Ruby simply adorable to work with. The equally delightful twins marching to the beat of their own gorgeous drums. We just tried to keep up. Really. From the beautifully warm home to a little neighborhood family adventure, this session had it all. From sparkly shoes to scooters, chases through golden leaves, swings and hugs. Terrifically huge, love-filled hugs.

Tokyo Photographers : A walk in the park...

“We love because it’s the only true adventure.” ~ Nikki Giovanni

We are pre-writing and pre-scheduling this post... in the event that we are lying flat on our backs from yesterday's Wave adventure. Actually that's being very optimistic.  Because more than likely we're still on our way out. We're hoping that we've made it to the Wave, are alive and if not back then at least heading towards the exit, wherever the gps leads us. Fingers crossed. We'll hopefully be back in our favourite little town of Page, AZ very soon. Up in Navajo country. Swapping wave stories at the Barbeque restaurant we plan to plonk ourselves in as soon as we're done. Family & friends worldwide, we will be in touch as soon as we have some coverage...

And on to highlighting a truly lovely family today. From a recent session at the end of last year. Beautifully international, being with them is always fabulous and this time a real walk in the park. Always enjoying Tokyo whenever we see them. Another session full of love, smiles, spirit, boundless energy and moments.

37 Frames : A photo rite of passage & other great expectations...

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~ John Muir

We're waving right back at January today as we find ourselves in already February. Unbelievable the year is so underway. So we are right up on the Arizona/Utah border today. We are hiking to 'The Wave' on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes in the Paria-Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness on the Colorado Plateau (whew, that was a sentenceful).  It has been our dream to hike to and photograph the wave for almost 2 decades. It is certainly a rite of passage for photographers but it is so protected that only a few permits per day are issued via a lottery system. We have entered the lottery a couple of times through the years, and got pulled for Feb 1, 2012... Wow. Dreams realized. But... perhaps preparations not quite complete.  These are just some of the instructions we were given when our permits were issued.

• After rain the road to the trail parking lot may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
• Wire Pass Trailhead parking includes a wide parking lot with restrooms, but no water. Bring your own.
• The Wave can be reached by hiking approximately 9.7 km across open desert.
• Anyone attempting the hike in any season is wise to be prepared for harsh desert conditions, including fierce winds, blowing sand, and little shade.
• The Wave is challenging to find.
• In an effort to maintain the natural integrity of the region, there is no formal trail to The Wave. Most hikers are guided to The Wave either by GPS or a prominent landmark known as "the Black Crack," which is widely visible within the Coyote Buttes region. The Wave lies directly below the Black Crack. Hikers must choose their own route across the open desert, which requires traversing exposed sandstone, sand dunes, and sandy wash bottoms. It is not uncommon for hikers to get lost and never find The Wave.
• There have been a significant number of Search and Rescue Operations conducted by both the Coconino County Sheriff's Office (Arizona) and the Kane County Sheriff's Office (Utah) for persons lost during the over-land hike to and from The Wave.
• Visitors are advised to take particular care in their navigation, carry a topographic map, compass and GPS and use them in the course of their excursions.

So this can really only end one way for us. This could quite possibly be our last blog post.  In an effort to actually 'find' The Wave... we have loaded our Garmin eTrex with some topographic maps of the area, plugged in a few coordinates and have tried to work out how to use it. And a compass. Survivalists we are not... but we'll do anything to get the photo we want. So it's a very grand adventure we are about to embark on. A lonely desert hike... trying to navigate our way in - in the dark before sunrise... and navigate our way out - in the dark after sunset. I'm not painting a great picture here really. But anyway - we've let the world know where we are today. Come and find us if you don't hear from us in a few days. For real.

To celebrate our desert adventure, we highlight the beautiful Charmaine about to take on one the best adventures of her life. Here she celebrates her pregnancy and motherhood, drawing energy from the sun on a beautiful autumn day in Yoyogi park.  Great expectations - absolutely. Our general style with gorgeous, private maternity sessions lends itself to less is more, mostly clothed, more allusion than exposure. Always avoiding the cliche...no sheets over tummies for us... But when Charmaine said she'd like to show her beautiful belly, we were so there for her. And so we did both. And here she is in today's post  simply glowing in the early fall colors. A vision. The odd sunbeams and some truly special moments. Between mummy & baby-to-be.

37 Frames : A Month of Hearts + I ♥ Tokyo collections (a little teaser...)

“Love, love me do..." ~ The Beatles

With the month of love just a day away we're so getting ready to celebrate it in photos. And warm things up around here. The big official unveiling is NEXT WEEK, so this is just a little teaser. Check your calendar, save some dates and get ready to make some seriously fabulous & romantic moments. February is generally the 'Months of Hearts'... But luckily this year, we're making it TWO!  A Month of Hearts in the USA in February, and in Japan it happens in March. This campaign is dedicated to couples. For the romantics. For anyone in love. We're taking you on a love-inspired Photo story. All starry-eyed. Of course...

Tokyo Photographers : Up, up & away, living the dream...

“Our truest life is when we are awake in our dreams.” ~ Author Unknown

AND... we're off! On our way to the USA today for a month of work, conventions, PRESENTATIONS and hopefully a little time to take in the sights we've been dreaming of. If we're not completely frozen (can anyone say Yellowstone smack bang in the middle of Winter)  or lost (but we do have a REAL hand held GPS this time and no, it's not an iphone...). We'll try to keep everyone updated as much as possible from the road. Fasten your seatbelts! We're in for a fabulous ride. And there may be the chance of some pop-up Mini-Sessions and Full Sessions along the way.

On the topic of dreams... our post today features a dream Tokyo family. With the sweetest, newest, littlest addition just ready for some holiday-inspired moments and memories. With oodles of endless snuggles, and smiles, there were just as many kisses and hugs. And of course a pretend tea party somewhere in the middle. With imaginary cupcakes. Of which we are always dreaming of...

37 Frames: Geisha Burlesque... on with the show...

"I advocate glamour. Every day. Every minute." Dita Von Teese

If we get to the end of the most manic day ahead it will be a miracle. We're planning on taking in every fabulous detail.  It's starting with an amazing session tearing up and down Omotesando in an Aston Martin DB9, then on to the most dreamy engagement session in the ultimate Japanesque gardens at the Hotel New Otani, then tonight we have have been invited to be special guests of honor (goodness that sounds a bit posh, but that's what the invite said...for reals) and speakers (printer just ran out of ink...sigh...) at the Winter Nights Australia Day Ball. Last year ¥4,000,000 was raised for charity. This year we know the spirited and inspiring Aus Soc community will dig deep again and raise just as much if not more for Tohoku. And that means we might have to wear frocks, or if Trace can get away with it her "formal" trackies.

So in homage to all things Japan today and glamorous we're going, yes, burlesque on the blog, Geisha Burlesque that is.

Who doesn't love burlesque? Gypsy a fave... we even stopped at Exotic World a few years back...Dita is divine... and ok, ok - we even love Christina and Cher. When we were approached to be involved in a special project at the end of last year, Trace said emphatically NO as we were slammed with the end of the year. Then I told her the theme was Geisha Burlesque, it was a video shoot and we would do the stills and document the day and she totally dropped everything. As things went it ended up being rescheduled to early January. With boudoir photography coming back into style, in a big way, it can border on being a bit salacious. Nothing totally wrong with that...but we wanted our take on this more underworld side of Burlseque to be defined with a touch of class, as the art that it is. So in the middle of winter, on the coldest day of the year, here are the results... A peek into another world of iconic references, an epic love story and of course aerial art...in a Japanese Garden, in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese home, in the heart of Tokyo, naturally.

Many, many thanks to the incredible crew and performers. It was such a pleasure being surrounded by such an inspiring, professional team. We shot the stills in something like 10-15mins at the end of the day. Our wedding skills working overtime to get things done in record time. Plus we're sharing a few candid "behind-the-scenes" faves. So just a couple of shout outs...Andria, love you. Lu, you were amazing. And how you ever got on that pole, in barely nothing (gorgeous costuming by Momo) and did your stunning thing, was simply breathtaking. Cannot wait to see you on film...

And so...on with the show...

37 Frames : Photographers Ignite 2012...We're back!

“Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant, it is a fuel in us which needs to be IGNITED with sparks.” ~ Johann Gottfried Von Herder

It's now OFFICIAL! The committee has selected the following 2012 presenters…

Vanessa Joy and Rob Adams, Joe Photo, Tracey and Dee (YAY!), Matthew Kemmetmueller, Art Essence Studio, Kirsten Lewis, Jennifer Emery, Cory Henry, Annemie Tonken, Wendy and Byron Roe, Doug Gordon, Skip Cohen, Tamara Lackey, Benjamin Edwards, and Jerry Ghionis.

Yes, we'll be running the Photographers Ignite gauntlet at WPPI on opening night next month. With "The SEQUEL..." We'll fill you in very, very soon with all the details. Suffice to say that if our promo video ever sees the light of day it will be too soon. Way too soon.  Zoolander posing in the park at 3am seemed a good idea at the time. Anyhoo... we're so thrilled to be in the company of the exceptional people above. Mentors, friends and always inspiring photogs and artists... ready to ignite.

37 Frames : Happy Australia Day, people!

" I love a sunburnt country..."

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY, world!!! Trace's family in Kangaroo Point will be battling the crowds around their home today as the 36th, that's right, the 36th annual Story Bridge Australia Day Cockroach Races gets underway. Yes, only in Australia would we celebrate our National Day by betting on bugs.

Meanwhile here in Japan we'll be sure to pay homage with some nice vegemite on toast, a violet crumble, cherry ripe or a caramello koala or three if we can find some. Hook us up, Tokyo.

To celebrate our Aussieness we're sharing a mini session from Shinjuku late last year with this fantastic family from way Down Under.  They arrived full of energy and adorable smiles even having just completed a 10km race for charity (and coming 3rd!). That's fitness. And dedication. And I hope we take a fraction of that with us today as we are seriously all over town with the OZ Rock playlist on LOUD!

37 Frames : First little stories...

A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities. ~ Anonymous

We love telling stories. And today we share lovely, little Lia's first chapter. Her first little photoshoot, just the sweetest gift from dear friends. What a way to say hello to the world. And remember it. And she was simply adorbs... In early morning sunbeams she lit up Tokyo with her equally gorgeous and doting parents. There was a lot of ohhing and ahhing as she came out to play. Very serious, very into it, aware that something was going on and a story being told. Snuggles and kisses in the sunlight keeping this new family warm. And that last shot, just so perfectly them. Once upon a Saturday.

37 Frames : Sweet rides, iconic avenues & bubble-gum fun...

"A brother shares his childhood memories and grown up dreams." ~ Anonymous

A very warm and huggable session to share today after a too briefly snowy and chilly night in Tokyo. As we keep warm inside and dream of more beautiful snowy days (and all the photos we want to take in them) we remember last fall when the leaves took their time to turn gold. It was family time for a stroll down iconic avenues, with new additions and some bubble-gum fun. A celebration of the season, of life in the moment and the very bluest of eyes and brightest of spirits. Tender moments, epic shoulder rides and the sweetest sibling snuggles. Another of Tokyo's fabulous families we've just been so lucky to meet. 

37 Frames : Life's little work of art...

“A milestone passed, new things begun, dreams as shining as the sun..." ~ Anon

Starting the week sharing a beautiful milestone from a 7-5-3 season last year. Here is sweet little Amelia, all grown up at  3 years old ready for her big day. She lit up Meiji Jingu with her smile and excitement and caused quite the sensation with the many visiting tour groups. Baby Leo was along for the day and the doting grandparents made it even more special. She explored the shrine, her little legs faster than her shiny red zori could keep up. Always delicately picked up by grandma and placed back between the tabi toes. Wearing her own grandmothers 7-5-3 kimono, handed down to her mother to wear and then on to Amelia. A perfect trio of memories, a wearable treasure and a little work of art.

Tokyo Wedding Photographers : Amber + John - The International Love Story (Part 2)

“Yours is the light by which my spirit's born: - you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” ~ E.E. Cummings

As we welcome the weekend and a glitzy day of Mini-Sessions in Omotesando we are sharing the final installment of Amber + John's Tokyo wedding celebrations. Presenting part deux... We heart Tokyo by night. By the time we met them it was all official. They were married and had all, that's ALL (in CAPITAL LETTERS) the documents to prove it. So celebrate we did as we met them in their suite at the stunning Mandarin Oriental, avec bubbles, for a very film noirish inspired and burlesque referenced evening of photos, all totally in love. In love with each other, the sea of sparkles below and the promise of a most fabulous life together. And if the start is anything to go by it's going to be a showstopper.

Amber was sizzling in a corsetted gown, hand-made in Spain. And John, very sharp, very snazzy indeed. We worked the room, with that dazzling cityscape before exploring the hotel. And many thanks to the lovely staff for allowing us to document this very special night. From private bars, secluded nooks, dramatic backdrops, and the most sublime of interiors, they totally rocked the Oriental. So of course then it was time...to do the same...at the local conveni.

Oh, Amber you are just cinematic. Just love how you light up knowing John is just behind you.

And then there's John. Cool and real. Knowing Amber is always there, super glam for sure.

From the Mandarin to Family Mart. Seriously, how much more Japanese can you get? It was all part of their story. And they were a bit peckish by this stage.  Time to refuel and all that. This series is rather lengthy so we're just featuring a couple of images. The staff didn't seem to mind them burning up the aisles with their fierceness. Or letting us set up a few lights outside for the door way shots. Cup ramen anyone?

And then we hit the streets. And as they swanned through Nihonbashi, they were a vision. Exploring everything from the iconic department stores, to landmarks, lions roared, phones were answered, moments reflected in glorious ornate mirrors, backstreets encountered and then we hit the bridge. That most fabulous of bridges.

Here on, literally Japan Bridge. It is the meeting of two hearts. In dramatic spotlights. Gargoyles present. With the world rushing past. Which they never noticed, lost in each other. Couldn't have suited them anymore. Ohhhh...our new faves...

And then as if that wasn't enough...there was another dress. Red-hot and sizzling. And after a quick break and a change we dashed through the hotel, finding time for a quick repose of this most stunning of brocade walls as the streets beckoned again, it was time to take on Tokyo.

Nothing says we heart Tokyo more than the quintessential tower shot. Everyone needs one. The romance will always warm you up on a cool evening, when you're in an off-shoulder gown. In early winter...

From the tower we sped through the city streets, the city in motion, to catch the last of the holiday lights.  Tree-lined streets of light diamonds. And we were at Midtown. It was breathtaking and the perfect place for a snuggle and a stroll. With one last series combining drama, light and love. Always love.

Amber + John, thank you so very much for an amazing two days. It was beyond fabulous to meet you both and be part of this very special time in your life. We so loved being part of telling your Japan story. You are simply meant for each other, that much was crystal. Thank you for lighting up Tokyo with your smiles and hearts, gorgeousness and infectious spirit. Come back really soon...really soon...anniversaries are a great excuse... You make us fall in love with life and our work just a little bit more. Domo x x x

 

Tokyo Wedding Photographers : Amber + John - The International Love Story (Part 1)

"To travel is to live" ~ Hans Christian Andersen

And in this case... 'to travel is also, to love'. It was a wedding and honeymoon, all-in-one. A love story. An epic adventure. A dream realized. And we were so thrilled to be part of it right  from the get go. When John first contacted us and inquired about having us document their time in Japan we were thrilled. Totally.  Then we found out that they were coming from the US and that photography was indeed very special and important to them. We certainly knew they perhaps had other choices for photographers in Tokyo, so we were delighted they sought us and our style out. Lovelovelove that. We were bursting with ideas. And then we found out it was for their wedding.  And that it was also their honeymoon.  And we were so very there.  With bells on. Here they come from the ATL to Tokes (yep, we’re ATL Housewives fans from way back…don’t hate on us haterville…).

We were so thrilled on many levels. Thrilled people were travelling to Japan, coming back, making plans. Thrilled that Japan is now being considered as a most fabulous, one-of-a-kind destination wedding option. Thrilled that through this kind of experience Japan would ultimately be at the heart of some very magic memory making. And for us this resonated so deeply in light of the year we were just coming to the end of.

There were a flurry of emails back and forth until we finally settled on a 2 day shoot. Day time and Night time. Just the way we like it.  And the perfect, most real way to experience the kind of city Tokyo is.  As different, as random, as incredible, as stunning, as wacky, as impenetrable, as fascinating as both day and night. We heart Tokyo.

John and Amber arrived in the middle of December. The city was still a mass of gold, thanks to the late turning Ginkos. Ready for the trip of a lifetime. Which started with the minefield that is… getting married here. Without any language. Without ever having been here before. Go on guys… really dive in to Japan. And so without any Japanese they went for it. And after endless paperwork, pilgrimages to the local ward office and lovely help from The Prince Park Tower concierge they were a few days later officially official in Japan. Mass respect, truly. Honto ni omedeto!!! What an intro to Japan. So here we go. Featuring Tokyo by Day. A journey of love and wedding bliss, poignant and OIJ (only-in-japan) moments in some of the city’s most iconic and unforgettable locations.

We started at Shiba Koen. Right next to their hotel. Amber was a vision in her gown. Breathtaking as she glided down Route 319. As you do. John, looking super fab in his tuxe. We found a stunning grove of Ginkos to start and as the leaves delicately fell around us, creating that golden carpet, it was a mesmerizing beginning to their photo love story.

From there we moved on to the park, the shrines and the neighborhood and of course made a brief appearance at those famous red doors. At their request! Just the place for some quiet, romantic, red-hot moments.

A first dance under the torii leading to Zozoji caused a sensation. Seriously, just look at Amber in that dress, those eyes. Go on, knock us out a bit more. And so of course we had to wait until all the school girls on their field trip and their teachers had the required pics on the keitai’s with the happy couple. The peace sign featured a lot in that series...

It was then back to the hotel, to warm-up and for a quick change.

Next stop, the beating heart of Shibuya, before their afternoon whirlwind trip to the ward office. Shibs was everything shibs is. Completely Japan, and as perfect a place as any for a street session. The station, the crossing, the people, the chaos on a Wednesday. Billboards and love featured and we think at some point John went all “Sexy Zone” on us… that’s one for the private gallery, for sure.

It was such a joy to photograph, hang out, feel the love, energy and excitement of such soul mates. To see them experiencing and exploring so many firsts, was both truly meaningful for us as photographers and inspiring. And if it wasn’t for the ward office requesting more paperwork you can be sure we’d all still be there if we could. But no worries…we had Day 2 to go. And that will all feature tomorrow. Right here. On the blog. With an incredible hotel and locations. A view. Absolute glamour. A convenience store shoot. And a love story. And it’s as different as night and day.

See Amber + John's story on the NEW BLOG HERE...