The Numbers Don't Lie: The Power of Video in Brand Awareness

Video content isn't just a trend—it's the new reality of digital marketing. Businesses around the world have harnessed the power of this dynamic medium to promote brand awareness and shape their brand identity. But what is it about video that makes it so compelling? How can brands effectively use it to capture audiences and leave a lasting impression? Let's dive into some intriguing statistics behind video content for brand awareness and unpack its potential.

Let's start by exploring the overwhelming power of video on social media. Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok are video-centric, becoming the perfect canvas for brands to communicate their message. According to a study by Biteable, video content is shared 1200% more than text and image-based content combined. This statistic is astonishing in its implication: if you want to generate buzz, video is your best bet.

Consider the types of videos that are shared most often: funny clips, moving stories, behind-the-scenes looks at brands, how-to tutorials, and more. These aren't just watched; they're passed along to friends, posted in group chats, and shared on personal feeds. By creating share-worthy video content, brands can expand their reach far beyond their initial audience, multiplying their visibility and boosting brand awareness.

Another aspect to consider is the increasing prevalence of video content consumption on mobile devices. A study by Gitnux found that mobile video consumption rises 100% every year. This uptick in mobile video viewership means that businesses need to ensure their video content is optimized for mobile viewing. From formatting videos to be viewed vertically to ensuring content is still impactful without sound—given that many people watch videos on their phones with the sound off—there are numerous ways to optimize video for mobile consumption.

Interestingly, another study by Facebook found that mobile video consumption increases by 30% when the sound is turned on. This highlights the importance of sound design in your videos. A video with engaging audio can hook a viewer, whether it's through compelling narration, emotional music, or powerful sound effects.

While digital platforms have taken center stage, traditional media such as television still hold their ground. A study by Nielsen found that television commercials have an average recall rate of 70%. This means that viewers are likely to remember the brand or product featured in a television commercial, making it a potent tool for raising brand awareness. As a brand, investing in television commercials could still be a viable strategy, especially for targeting audiences who are frequent TV viewers.

Now, let's turn our attention to your website—the home base of your brand. Including video content on a website can drive significant traffic and increase conversions. A study by Hubspot found that having a video on a landing page can increase conversions by 86%. Think of a well-produced explainer video or a compelling product demo—these types of content can provide your website visitors with valuable information in a digestible format, thereby encouraging them to make a purchase or sign up for a service.

Additionally, a study by Forrester Research suggests that one minute of video is worth 1.8 million words in terms of its impact on website traffic. This shows that video is an incredibly efficient means of communication—it can deliver a vast amount of information quickly and memorably. It's not just about the quantity of information, though. Video content can convey your brand personality and values, forge an emotional connection with viewers, and position your brand as a thought leader in your industry.

In conclusion, video content isn't just a powerful medium—it's an essential one for boosting brand awareness. From social media platforms and mobile devices to traditional television commercials and websites, videos have a unique ability to capture audiences and leave a lasting impression. They provide an avenue for brands to share their stories, express their brand personality, and engage with their audience in a dynamic, engaging way. So, whether you're a startup looking to make your mark or an established business seeking to connect with a new generation of consumers, consider leveraging the immense potential of video content in your marketing strategy.

With the power of video now evident, the real question becomes: what compelling story will your brand tell next? Get in touch with me and we can work on telling it together.

Crafting Engaging Social Media Videos: Tips and Tricks from a Videographer in Tokyo

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, market products, and build brands. As a professional videographer in Tokyo, I've had firsthand experience creating compelling video content for these platforms. So, here are my top tips to help you craft engaging social media videos that captivate your audience and enhance your online visibility.

1. Tell a Powerful Story

Storytelling is at the heart of compelling video content. A well-crafted narrative can connect with viewers on a personal level, hold their attention, and leave a lasting impact. The story you choose to tell could vary greatly, from showcasing the journey of your brand or a customer's experience, to offering an engaging behind-the-scenes look at your product creation. The key is to make your narrative relatable, engaging, and clearly communicated. Think of your video as a short film: it should have a beginning, middle, and end, with a clear conflict and resolution. Use dynamic visuals, evocative audio, and compelling narration to bring your story to life.

2. Maximize Your Visual Impact

With the short attention spans common on social media, your video must captivate viewers from the very first second. A dynamic city like Tokyo provides endless opportunities for striking visuals, from neon-lit skyscrapers to tranquil, historic temples. But it’s not enough to simply point a camera at your subject and hit record. A knowledge of framing, composition, and visual storytelling is essential to make your videos stand out from the rest.

3. Master Platform-Specific Content

Each social media platform has its own characteristics, audience behaviors, and even unwritten rules. Instagram, for example, is a haven for short, visually compelling clips, while YouTube is the home of longer, more comprehensive videos. By understanding the quirks of each platform and tailoring your content to fit, you significantly increase the chance of your videos resonating with the audience and spurring engagement. Do research on the latest algorithms and best practices for each platform to ensure you're always ahead of the curve.

4. Use the Right Equipment

While creativity is vital in video creation, your content will fall flat if you don’t have the right tools for the job. Yes, everyone with a smartphone has a camera in their pocket these days, but not all cameras are created equally. There’s a reason you don’t see Hollywood features being filmed on iPhones. Well, there are many reasons in fact, but one of the biggest is the camera sensor. To put it simply, the tiny sensor inside your phone just can’t compete with a real video camera when it comes to creating depth in your images. Add to that the lack of controls like precise manual focus and exposure, and the inability to capture high-quality audio and you’ll soon see the importance of your equipment when video quality is the top priority. I haven’t even touched upon the importance of carefully crafted lighting yet, but that’s best saved for another rant.

5. Engage with Your Audience

A primary goal of social media videos is to foster viewer engagement. Encourage interaction by including compelling calls-to-action (CTAs) in your content. This could be an invitation to visit your website, leave a comment, share the video, or subscribe to your channel. An effective CTA can create a sense of urgency or curiosity, prompting viewers to take immediate action. And remember, engagement isn't just about broadcasting your message—it's a two-way conversation. Always respond to comments and direct messages to build relationships with your viewers.

6. Keep Up with Trends

The landscape of social media is ever-changing, with new trends and viral topics emerging constantly. Staying informed about these trends and finding creative ways to incorporate them into your videos can make your content more relevant and shareable. However, always ensure the trend aligns with your brand's values and messaging. Keeping a finger on the pulse of the digital world can help your content stay fresh and relatable, but maintaining authenticity is key.

7. Consider Hiring a Professional

While there are plenty of DIY options and user-friendly tools out there, nothing beats the expertise and experience of a professional videographer. A professional can bring a level of quality and polish to your video content that can be difficult to achieve otherwise. They understand the art and science of storytelling, have a grasp on the latest trends, and are equipped with the tools and skills to create stunning visuals and compelling narratives. Additionally, a professional can help you navigate the ins and outs of different social media platforms, creating content that is tailored to perform well on each.

By hiring a professional, you not only get high-quality content but also free up your own time to focus on other aspects of your business. You also gain a partner in brainstorming and executing creative ideas, someone who can provide valuable insights and innovative solutions. If you're looking to film in Tokyo, I’d be happy to help. Get in touch with me to discuss the details of your project.

Remember, the creation of engaging social media videos is a combination of strategic planning, compelling storytelling, technical skills, and audience interaction. As a professional videographer in Tokyo, I'm here to help elevate your social media video content to new heights, ensuring it connects, engages, and grows your audience effectively.

Going Viral: How Video Content Can Engage and Convert Your Target Audience

Video content has become an essential tool for businesses looking to promote their brand and increase their reach. But with so many different platforms and channels to choose from, it can be difficult to know the best ways to share and promote your video content. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best ways for businesses to share and promote their video content.

Social Media

First, let's start with social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are great places to share your video content. Not only do they have a large user base, but they also have built-in features that make it easy to share and promote your videos. For example, Facebook allows you to create a video ad campaign that can target specific demographics, while Instagram allows you to share videos in IGTV, which is a feature dedicated to longer-form videos. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world and it's a great way to increase your brand awareness.

When possible, it’s best to upload video natively to each platform. By this, I mean using each platform’s dedicated video uploader rather than simply linking or embedding a video from a hosting platform such as YouTube or Vimeo. While the end result may look the same on the surface, the algorithms behind each social media platform tend to favor content originating from their servers. On Facebook for instance, native videos will automatically play in users’ newsfeeds, whereas embedded videos will not. Because of this, native videos, when possible, almost always outperform their embedded counterparts.

Email Marketing

Another great way to share and promote your video content is through email marketing. Given that the average person receives nearly 100 emails per day, it’s understandable that most of us tend to skim their contents. If you want to increase the visibility of your emails, make them more visually compelling. By including a video in your email campaigns, you can increase click-through rates and boost engagement. In fact, a recent study found that attaching videos to emails can increase CTR by upwards of 200%. Simply including the word “video” in the subject line also increases open rates by an average of 19%. Additionally, you can also include a video in your email signature, which can help increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your website.

Create a More Engaging Landing Page

Using video content on landing pages can also be a great way to promote your products or services. According to a study by Hubspot, including a video on a landing page can increase conversions by 86%. This is because video content can help to explain a product or service in a more engaging and visual way. The better a potential customer understands what you have to offer and how it fits their needs, the more likely they are to buy it.

Ad Campaign

Another way your video content can be used to engage your audience is through paid advertising. Platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and YouTube Ads allow you to target specific demographics and reach a large audience. Additionally, these platforms also provide detailed analytics, which can help you to track the performance of your video content and make adjustments as needed. This way, you’ll increase the odds that your videos are reaching the people who need to see them, and ad spend isn’t being wasted on an irrelevant audience.

In conclusion, there are many different ways to use video content to reach your target audience and raise brand awareness. From social media to email marketing, landing pages and paid advertising, each platform and channel has its own unique features and benefits. The key is to experiment with different platforms and channels to find the best fit for your business and your target audience. Additionally, always remember to include a clear call-to-action in your video and to track the performance of your video content to adjust your strategy if needed. If your business is located in or is looking to promote in Tokyo and is interested in video production, get in touch with me to discuss the details of your project and how I can help.

The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Video Calls Look (and sound) Professional

Video calls have become an essential part of our daily lives, whether for work, school, or personal connections. However, as we all know, not all video calls are created equal. Poor lighting, camera angles, and backgrounds can make for a less than optimal experience. In this blog post, I’ll cover some tips and tricks to help you make your video calls look better.

Use what’s Available

First and foremost, lighting is key when it comes to making your video calls look better. Setting up in a dimly lit space is a recipe for disaster, as the tiny sensors used by webcams will struggle to discern what they see. The result is often a grainy, unclear, and unflattering mess. Thankfully, we all have access to a gigantic and freely available light source: the sun.

Assuming your call is taking place during the day, try to setup near a window with lots of natural light. How you should sit relative to the window depends on the look you’re going for. For a generally pleasing, well-lit look, sit facing the windows directly so that your entire face is evenly lit. For a slightly contrasty look often found in portraits, try to sit at roughly 45 degrees relative to the window so that the side of your face that is further from the window becomes slightly shadowed in comparison. The helps to create a bit more depth to the image and is typically more flattering that straight on lighting which can flatten facial features.

The one position you’ll absolutely want to avoid when relying on natural light is to be sat with the window placed behind you. Lighting from behind will force your webcam to adjust exposure for one of two extremes, resulting in either you appearing too dark to be seen, or a background that looks as though you may be taking your call from the surface of the sun.

Whether you decide to sit facing the window or at an angle, the golden rule for lighting is as follows: the softer the light, the better. Rather than letting the harsh sunlight shine directly on your face thereby creating harsh shadows, either sit a bit farther from the window so that you still benefit from the indirect ambient light without being directly in it, or diffuse the light coming through the window with opaque curtains. The latter will act like the large softboxes typically found on professional video production lights.

Turn up the house lights

Now, assuming it’s nighttime or you’re not situated in a way to take advantage of natural light, you’ll need to rely on artificial light. Sure, you can flip a switch and make use of the overhead lights, but top down lighting like this creates large, unflattering shadows under your eyes. Since the goal here is to get you looking your best, you’ll ideally want a light that you can easily move and whose height can be adjusted.

The best bang for your buck in this situation is a small LED panel that you can attach to a light stand or mount right to your desk. While it may be tempting to grab any available floor lamp you have lying around and call it a day, the advantage of these panels is that the brightness level can be adjusted on a scale of 0-100, unlike floor lamps which typically give you three levels of intensity at best. To add to that, if you find yourself occasionally working from other locations other than your home (the office, co-working space, etc), LED panels are small and lightweight enough to take with you.

When setting up the light, try to position the panel so that it is coming from slightly above you, pointing down at an angle. This position will allow the light to look much more natural than it would coming directly from the side, while still avoiding the deep under eye shadows that a light placed directly overhead would cause.

Like I mentioned above, you ideally want to soften the light as much as possible. When it comes to soft lighting, the golden rule is the larger the light source, the softer the light. Unfortunately, LED panels are relatively small, so the light they give off tends to be quite harsh if shined directly on you. Luckily, we can resolve this in a couple different ways. Best case scenario, you can hang an opaque curtain or lightweight white bedsheet in front of the panel. This will cause the curtain or sheet to act as an extra large light source rather than the small panel.

If that isn’t doable, sit near a white wall. Rather than pointing the panel directly at yourself, point it at the wall. The light will bounce off the surface, causing it to spread out and soften before hitting you. If you go this route, be sure to use a white wall, as the light will be affected by whatever color it reflects off of. This could lead to some interesting and very unnatural skin tones.

Mind Your Surroundings

By this point, your lighting is looking nice and you’ve ensured that you’re properly exposed. While you may be the star of the show, unfortunately, that’s not all that people are going to see. Before signing in to your meeting, take some time in advance to open your computer’s webcam application or create a new meeting just for yourself. Once you’re able to see yourself on the screen, take a moment to look around the frame and take stock of what’s going on behind you. Is there anything you wouldn’t want the other meeting attendees to see, such as laundry waiting to be folded, a messy bookshelf, your child’s toys sprawled all over the floor, etc.? Also, how is the contrast? By this I mean do you sufficiently stand out from the background? Make sure that whatever is behind you is sufficiently lit and different enough in color so that you don’t blend into your surroundings like a chameleon.

Know Your Angles

When people complain that remote meetings feel very impersonal in comparison, a big part of what they’re picking up on is the lack of eye contact and the inability to read body language via webcam. While not much can be done about the latter, being mindful of your camera placement can go a long way towards making your viewer feel more connected with you.

In general, try to keep your camera as close to your eye level as possible. Nothing shatters the feeling of connectedness quite like someone seemingly staring off into space while they talk to you. In the event that you’re like me and your webcam sits atop a large monitor that is positioned above your head, drag the video window to the top center of your screen so that your line of sight will naturally fall in line with the camera. If you still find it’s difficult to make eye contact with your current setup, you can try something like NVIDIA Broadcast. This free computer app has AI-powered tools to enhance your video calls, including a filter that can make eye contact for you even if you’re looking somewhere else. This is also a great option to explore if you have to read notes while giving an online presentation.

Mic Check

The importance of clean audio to your overall video quality cannot be understated. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s just as if not more important than your image quality. In the all digital era, people can overlook a somewhat pixelated or subpar image, but muffled, noisy audio? Unforgivable. It’s distracting to the point where the person on the other end of your video call will end up paying more attention to the sound of your voice than the meaning of your words.

While most webcams these days have built-in microphones, these tiny, pinhole-sized mics are in no way adequate and should only be used as a last resort. Think of it like one of those 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, body soaps. Sure, you can combine them all, but are any of them really working as good as they could on their own? Ideally, you want a standalone microphone that you can connect to your computer via USB. Personally, I use a Blue Snowball condenser mic. It takes up very little room on my desk, but sounds fantastic.

In conclusion, making your video calls look better is about paying attention to the small details. With good lighting, proper camera angles, an eye for your surroundings, and clean audio, you'll be able to make a great impression on the other end of the call. In the event that you need your video call quality to look even better, you may want to enlist the services of a professional videographer. If you’re in Japan and need help with video production in Tokyo, contact me to discuss the details of your project.

Smartphone vs. Pro: The Case for Hiring a Videographer

Businesses today are constantly seeking ways to stand out and capture the attention of their target audience. One effective way to do this is through video marketing, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a videographer in Tokyo, I’ve worked with many clients who had previously created everything internally; typically by handing an employee any available smartphone and telling them to hit record. While it may be tempting to save money by filming videos on your iPhone, there are several compelling reasons why it is worth investing in a professional videographer. Here are just a few:

1. Professional equipment and expertise

   There’s a reason why you don’t often see TV show and movies being filmed with smartphones. While they’re fantastic tools for capturing impromptu moments, family memories, and photos of your most recent brunch, they lack the professional features needed to capture high-quality, compelling footage.

   That’s where videographers come in. They have access to professional gear that can take the production value of your video to the next level, including cameras with larger sensors (the key to getting those beautifully out of focus backgrounds to make your subject stand out), lighting, and audio equipment. Unless your business revolves around creating video content, odds are you won’t have these tools on hand.

   Now you may be thinking, “ok, but surely I could rent all of that equipment for a day.” You’re not wrong, but in the same way that putting on a lab coat and stethoscope doesn’t qualify you to perform surgery, having professional level equipment available doesn’t mean you have knowledge and experience required to operate it properly. Arguably the most important reason for hiring a professional videographer, they have spent a considerable amount of time mastering these tools and know how to best utilize them in a variety of different conditions.

2. Attention to detail

   Have you ever had the experience where you and a friend take a photo of the same exact thing, but inexplicably, one the photos looks better than the other? More likely than not, this is due to composition. How your subject and background details are arranged in the frame can have a drastic effect on the final image. A professional videographer will have a keen eye for detail and will be able to capture the best shots and angles for your video. They will also be able to edit the footage in a way that is visually appealing and tells a compelling story.

3. Flexibility

   There is no one-size-fits-all approach to videography. For instance, what works for a sit down interview won’t work for concert videography and so on. A professional videographer will be able to adapt to any situation and capture the footage you need, whether it is a live event, an interview, or a promotional video. They will also be able to work with you to develop a concept and script that aligns with your business goals.

4. Time savings

   Filming and editing a video can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are not familiar with the equipment and software. Even with years of experience, editing a one minute video can easily take hours to do when factoring in creating a unified tone and flow of the overall video, seamlessly transitioning between cuts, the addition of motion graphics, etc. By hiring a professional videographer, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort and focus on other important aspects of your business.

5. Brand image

   Think about a big brand whose advertising or social media content resonates with you. Now imagine if that same brand replaced all of that with smartphone footage with echoey audio and unflattering lighting. Would it inspire a sense of trust that this brand takes their work seriously and are professionals in their field? Probably not.

   The quality of your video can have a significant impact on your brand image. A poorly produced video can reflect poorly on your business, while a professional and polished video can help establish your brand as a leader in your industry.

6. Return on investment

   While it may cost more upfront to hire a professional videographer, the long-term return on investment can be significant. A high-quality video can help drive traffic to your website, increase conversions, and build brand awareness, all of which can lead to increased sales and revenue.

7. Versatility

   A professional videographer will be able to create a wide range of video content for your business, including promotional videos, testimonials, educational videos, and more. This versatility allows you to use video marketing to reach a wider audience and achieve a variety of business goals.

In conclusion, there are many compelling reasons why businesses should invest in a professional videographer instead of filming on their own smartphone. From access to professional equipment and expertise to time savings and a higher return on investment, the benefits of hiring a professional are clear. So if you are considering using video marketing to promote your business, be sure to invest in a professional videographer to ensure the best possible results.

Have a project that you’re ready to film? Get in touch with me to discuss the details.

The Power of Video: How to Use it to Improve Your SEO Strategy

Video content has become an increasingly important part of a successful SEO strategy. Incorporating video into your website can help to improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your site. In fact, recent updates to Google’s search algorithm give priority to pages that feature videos. Here are just a few reasons why video content is good for SEO:

Lower Your Bounce Rate

Video content is engaging and interesting, which can help to keep visitors on your website longer and reduce your bounce rate. Research has found that users spend on average 1.4x longer on pages that feature videos. A low bounce rate is a positive signal to search engines, which can improve your rankings.

Get More Shares

How many times have you come across a thought-provoking or funny video online and just had to send it to friends or share it with your wide social media network. Probably a lot. Video content is highly shareable by nature. When people share video content from your website, that creates a backlink to your page. Backlinks are an important ranking factor for search engines, and the more high-quality links you have pointing to your site, the higher your rankings will be.

Enhance User Experience

Video content can help to improve the user experience on your website, which is another important factor for search engines. By providing valuable and engaging content, you can make your website more user-friendly and improve its overall quality, which can help to improve your rankings.

Increase Versatility

Video content is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways on your website. For example, you can use videos to explain your products or services, showcase customer testimonials, or provide helpful tips and advice. This can help to provide value to your visitors and make your website more informative and useful, which can improve your rankings.

Overall, video content is a powerful tool for SEO and can help to improve your search engine rankings and drive more traffic to your website. By incorporating videos into your website and marketing strategy, you can provide valuable and engaging content that resonates with your audience and improves the user experience on your site. This, in turn, can help to improve your rankings and increase your visibility on search engines. If you’re looking to improve your SEO strategy by incorporating video content, get in touch with me to talk about how I can help.

The Benefits of Video Marketing for Brand Awareness

Not so long ago, internet videos were for little more than entertainment; be it movies, personal vlogs, or silly videos of cats. While many of us still spend more time than we care to admit watching the latter, there is no denying that the role of video content has changed drastically over the years. With over a quarter of all business now conducted online, capturing and maintaining the attention of potential customers on the net has never been more important. Let’s take a closer look at how video content can give your brand awareness a much needed boost.

Massive Audience Reach

With over a billion active users watching a combined total of 250 million hours of video content every day, it should come as no surprise that YouTube ranks as the second largest search engine in the world. If you’ve ever run an ad campaign for your company, you’re probably aware that the average CPM for online display ads is between $3-10 for every thousand views. Now imagine getting your business in front of a billion potential customers daily for $0 in ad spend and it’s easy to see why more and more companies are embracing video content as an essential part of their marketing strategy.

Interested in the potential but not sure what your business has to offer in the way of video content? Thankfully, it’s not all about entertainment value. “How-to” videos are one of YouTube’s top search categories. Help to educate viewers about your industry (and how your services factor in), and you’ll soon establish yourself as a trusted expert in that sphere. This in turn will lead to more views, and more importantly, more customers.

Master the Social Media Algorithms

If your social media posts aren’t getting much love, video content could be your missing ingredient. As is often the case with businesses’ social media accounts, getting your posts to break out of the closed loop of those that already follow you is easier said than done. If you want your messages to reach a wider audience, you have to show the social media algorithms what they want to see. More and more, what they want is video content.

At their core, social media algorithms are all about finding ways to keep users on their site longer. As data has shown, videos hold viewers’ attention much longer than images or plain text ever could. Because of this, video posts are prioritized, more often finding their way onto users’ feeds or “discover” pages than static content. Savvy marketers can even make use of social media-specific video cuts to leverage the performance boost that tends to accompany native video posts over their embedded counterparts.

Customers Prefer Video

Simply put, your customers would prefer to watch a video to learn about your services as opposed to reading about them. According to a recent survey, 73% of respondents stated that they would prefer to learn about a company’s products or services via video, with only 11% saying they’d prefer to read an article, and 4% preferring infographics. Not only that, it has also been shown that that video content on your website can increase mobile conversion rate. Of the consumers surveyed, 40% stated that video content increases the chances that they will purchase a product or service on their mobile device.

Rank Higher on Google

It’s a well-known fact that most users don’t make it past the first page of Google search results. That being the case, your business needs to do everything in its power to rank within the top 10 results. It used to be that stuffing as many relevant keywords as possible into your website copy was all it took to rank as number 1, but Google’s algorithm has grown to see past those tricks. Now, site ranking comes down to a multitude of factors, including content type.

Thankfully, Google has demonstrated a clear preference for video content. As you may have noticed, Google searches now often result in a recommended video as the top result. This is particularly effective for the “how-to” type of video discussed above, as potential customers can now see how your product or service could be the answer to their question. The weight that video content adds to your website simply cannot be overstated, as studies have found that websites with video content are 53 times more likely to end up on the first page of Google search results.

Do More With Your Marketing Campaigns

Video content is quickly becoming an essential part of any brand awareness campaign. Is your company prepared? Contact me today to discuss how we can work together to get you there.

Filming a Music Video in Tokyo with Eto

I first met Tokyo musician, Eto, back in 2019 while taking photos of his then band, (the) ocean and i. At the time, I knew him only as a drummer, but eventually came to discover that he is a talented singer and songwriter as well. We had discussed the idea of filming a music video early in 2020, but not long after, the Coronavirus pandemic kicked into full swing, cancelling any plans we had made.

Thankfully, we eventually found a window of time where infections were relatively low. With a little careful planning and plenty of health precautions, we managed to film this music video in a single afternoon.

Working with a small window of time and extremely limited resources, we settled on a simple concept: an uptight, overworked salaryman who finds an escape through karaoke. With no chance to meet and rehearse before the shoot and everything captured on the fly, it was textbook guerrilla filmmaking. In the end, I think it added a sense of realness to the story being portrayed in the video.

Overall, it was a great learning experience. We’ve made several music videos together since then, and there are many more to come. If you’re a band or artist in Tokyo that wants to promote their work with a video, get in touch with me to discuss the details of your project.

Creating a Tokyo Walking Tour Video with Tokyo Localized

In just about every country I have visited (27 and counting), one of the first things I did upon arrival was to seek out a free walking tour. As much as I love getting lost in a new city and discovering things on my own, it’s hard to beat getting a lay of the land from someone who actually lives there. That being the case, I was happy to create a promotional video for Tokyo Localized; a free walking tour here in Tokyo, back in 2020.

I’ve never been one to make the rounds of famous landmarks in the places I visit. That doesn’t mean I skipped over seeing the Eiffel Tower or the Sagrada Familia, but these things are never the sole focus of my travels. Instead, I prefer to see where the locals hang out.

This in particular is what jumped out at me about Tokyo Localized. Sure, they include the quintessential Tokyo sights, but at their core, the tours highlight parts of the city often overlooked by travelers. These small, local shops, standing bars, and off-the-beaten path locales are truly what give Tokyo its indescribable charm.

We chose to set the video in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood; home to the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. We felt that this area was the perfect blend of iconic sights and lesser-known gems. More than showcasing the sights that visitors can expect to see on the tour, I wanted to portray the feeling of experiencing Tokyo for the first time. For me, it was the first place I had been that didn’t feel simply like a different version of home.

Travel to Japan is still difficult (or downright impossible) at the moment due to COVID restrictions, but it’s only a matter of time before the borders open again. The next time you find yourself in Tokyo, I highly recommend booking a walking tour with Tokyo Localized. You couldn’t ask for a better group of people to explore this incredible city with.

If you’re looking for a videographer in Tokyo to help promote your business, get in touch with me to discuss the details of your project.

5 Ways to Prepare for Your Upcoming Trip to Tokyo

So you’ve finally decided to visit Tokyo. Perhaps you’ve been a lifelong fan of Japanese culture, or maybe you were simply inspired by some pictures of Tokyo you saw on Instagram. No matter the reason, rest assured that you have made the right choice. Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the most unique and awe-inspiring cities in the world. I had traveled to twenty-three other countries by the time I first visited the city, and I found that it was the first place that didn’t feel like just another version of home. In order to get the most out of your own trip, there are a few things you should do to prepare.

Money

Despite its reputation for being a cutting-edge, futuristic place, Japan occasionally finds itself stubbornly stuck in the past. In addition to their inexplicable love of the fax machine, you will come to find that much of Japan; Tokyo included, is still very much cash-based. While many of the larger, mainstream stores and restaurants in Tokyo will accept card payments, most of the hole-in-the-wall places from which the city derives its true charm are cash only.

Don’t make the mistake of exchanging large amounts of your own local currency for yen before you visit Tokyo. Not only are the exchange rates typically less favorable than you could find while here, it’s also never a good idea to travel with that much cash on you. Yes, Japan is a very safe country and the odds of you being robbed are not likely, but if you’re anything like me, accidents happen and things can easily be misplaced. Don’t let something like that be the end of your vacation in Tokyo.

The best thing you can do is to withdraw money from local ATMs once you are in Japan. The exchange rates are generally better than you would pay at a bank or exchange service back home, and it gives you the freedom to carry only as much cash as you need in the moment. While not every ATM will accept international debit cards, 7-11 and post office ATMs are typically a safe bet. Be sure to inform your bank that you will be travelling and using your card overseas, as well as to inquire about any foreign transaction fees they may impose. 

If you find that your bank charges high fees or doesn’t allow you to use your card in another country, I highly recommend opening a Multi-Currency Account with Wise. This is the same card I use when travelling internationally. It works in over 175 countries (including Japan) and allows you to take out local currency from ATMs wherever you are in the world.

Packing

One recurring theme I have seen again and again with friends and family who come to visit is over-packing. When travelling so far from home, it’s understandable to think you have to pack for every possible scenario. When it comes to Japan, this is not the case.

Want to stay on top of your skincare routine while on the go? Japan proudly boasts some of the best cosmetic and beauty products on the market. Planning to take lots of pictures of Tokyo? The city is home to one of the largest camera stores in the world, so you’ll never have to worry about running low on film or memory card space. To put it simply, if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in Tokyo, you can find something just as good if not better.

Electronics

One question I get often from people is whether or not their electronic devices will work in Japan. Thankfully, outlets in Japan are the same as in the US (2 prong version). The voltage provided by Japanese outlets is slightly different (100 volts compared to 120 volts), but this is not an issue for most modern electronics. 

If you check the plug end of your device, it should list the voltage range it can work with. For most of the electronics you use on a daily basis (cellphone chargers, e-readers, laptop chargers, etc), you will find that they are rated for anywhere between 100-240 volts. In this case, a voltage adapter is not needed. Should the rated range fall outside 100 volts however, a travel voltage adapter should ensure that your devices work properly during your stay in Tokyo.

Learning the Language

Your tickets are booked, your financial situation is squared away, and your packing list is prepared. With a whole month to go before you visit Japan, why not spend some of that time learning the language, right? Well, maybe not.

I will never discourage anyone from learning a new language. Polyglots are incredible and I think everyone should try to speak a language other than their native tongue. That being said, learning any amount of functional Japanese in such a short amount of time without total immersion is practically impossible. Even if you manage to memorize a decent amount of vocabulary, the grammatical structures of Japanese are so different from English that stringing together a coherent sentence is incredibly unlikely. 

As for reading, Japanese uses three different classes of written characters. Kanji; the most commonly used set, has over 2,000 frequently used characters, and each of those can have several different readings depending on its context.

Rather than trying to learn it all, install Google Translate on your phone and download the Japanese language pack so that it can be used offline. For writing, use the app’s camera feature to translate any text you come across. Need to ask someone a question? Type in or speak your sentence to the phone and it will be instantly translated to Japanese. There is even an option for a two-way conversation, which will automatically detect the input language and translate appropriately.

Make a Schedule

I am a big proponent of keeping travel plans as loose a possible. You never want to miss out on spur of the moment opportunities because your rigorously scheduled vacation plans don’t allow for the slightest deviation. That being said, when it comes to visiting Tokyo, it is not a city that you should jump into without preparation.

Don’t get me wrong - even with zero research or planning, you will have no shortage of things to do in Tokyo. The issue is that there are too many things to do. No matter your interests, you can safely bet that something related to it is going on in the city at any time. Rather than rolling the dice and hoping to stumble upon the things that really resonate with you, check out websites like Tokyo Weekender to learn about upcoming events. The slightest bit of planning can mean the difference between a great vacation to Tokyo, and the best vacation of your life.

Wrap Up

Once you’ve accomplished the above, all that’s left is to count down the days until your Tokyo vacation. If you have questions about visiting the city or are interested in getting photos done to commemorate the occasion, send me a message and I’ll do my best to help!

Street Photos of Tokyo: The Best Places to Take Amazing Pictures

Of the many genres of photography that exist today, street photography may be one of the most difficult to define and the most open to interpretation. Is it candid portrait photography in an urban setting? Is it a snapshot of everyday life as we know it? Is it something more abstract meant to capture the emotion of a scene? In short, yes, yes, yes and then some. 

Regardless of how you, the photographer, choose to tackle the subject, street photography is an excellent medium for any aspiring photographer to practice. With it comes a deeper understanding of your camera in order to dial in optimal settings on the fly, hands-on experience working with constantly changing light and scenery, and perhaps most importantly, it trains your eye to discern photo-worthy moments in a split second. No matter what camera equipment you have to work with, anyone can capture stunning street photos in the right environment. If you enjoy my street photography and want to create your own, the following are a few of my favorite street photography locations in Tokyo. 

Ginza

Classic Japanese fashion in a modern Tokyo setting

One of Tokyo’s wealthiest shopping districts, Ginza, is the perfect location for any budding street photographer. On Sundays and holidays between April and September, Ginza’s bustling Chuo Dori street is completely closed off to vehicles. The result is several large city blocks of purely foot traffic in front of a backdrop of beautiful architecture and distant skyscrapers.

Man with smoking pipe

An old man sitting in a busy road while casually smoking a pipe.

Juxtaposition

Four monks walking in front of a very trendy fashion store.

Beauty is timeless

An older couple with a timeless sense of fashion.

In large urban environments like Tokyo, photos of people standing in a road completely devoid of cars tends to have an eye-catching effect. Add to this the fact that many of Ginza’s shoppers love to sport unique, high-fashion clothing and you have a recipe for some truly memorable photos.

For a change of perspective, several of Ginza’s taller building have catwalks or roof decks which are freely accessible to the public. Street photos from high above can add an impressive sense of scale to any city scene.

The Alleyways of Asakusa

A young boy asleep on his father’s shoulder

As home to Tokyo’s oldest shrine, Senso-ji, Asakusa is rife with the energy and charm needed for excellent street photos. That being said, unless your goal is to take pictures of tourists packed shoulder to shoulder, I suggest avoiding the actual Senso-ji area. Instead, venture out past the covered shopping arcade known as Nakamise Dori in search of a bit more genuine local flavor.

The streets just outside the tourist hot zone are dense with standing bars and open-air izakaya (traditional Japanese pubs). This is a great opportunity to take in some authentic ambiance and capture a sense of how the locals live. During the summer, you may also be lucky enough to catch a matsuri (a Japanese festival) in progress.

Carry the weight

A group of men carrying a portable shrine, called a mikoshi, during a summer street festival in Tokyo

Matsuri

A group of young women attending a summer matsuri in Japan

Shimbashi

A man smoking on the streets of Tokyo

Shimbashi, like the backstreets of Asakusa, is a perfect spot to capture truly authentic photos of Tokyo. I personally find the area to be at it’s best in the early evening. As the neighborhood is home to many of Tokyo’s largest companies, exhausted salarymen leaving the office and heading out to the bar with coworkers is a recurring theme you will see playing out on its streets again and again.

Two businessmen leaving the office after a long day

A big part of Shimbashi’s charm is due to its slightly grungy, edgier vibe. That’s not to say its a dangerous area by any means, but amidst the sounds and smoke drifting out of the many tiny bars tucked away under seedy looking railway tracks, much of Tokyo’s cutesy veneer often pictured by tourists gets stripped away. If you’re shooting here at night, it’s a great exercise in playing with ambient light and shadows to capture the perfect photo.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to the genre of street photography or a grizzled veteran, Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the best street photography locations in the world. With its sprawling urban scenes and seemingly endless amounts of subcultures, you are practically guaranteed to come away from every shoot with interesting photos. If you want to ensure that your work stands apart from every other Japan photographer, don’t be afraid to get a little lost. Many of Tokyo’s best parts are just off the beaten path.

If you want to check out more of my Tokyo street photography, follow me on Instagram!