tokyo studio photography workshop

“I always prefer to work in the studio. It isolates people from their environment. They become in a sense… symbolic of themselves. I get to capture their essence, free from any distractions.”

— Richard Avedon

where ideas become art

Unlike photographing on the street, the studio gives us complete creative freedom. Every element—from lighting and colour to projection, styling, and atmosphere—can be carefully shaped with intention. Whether you arrive with a fully developed concept or simply a desire to experiment, this workshop is designed to help you turn ideas into compelling photographs. Depending on your interests, we can also explore projection photography, coloured lighting, prisms, smoke, and other creative techniques that have become a signature part of my work.

Working alongside an experienced model, we'll explore the creative process behind my studio work, including lighting, posing, colour, creative direction, projection, and visual storytelling. Every session is tailored to your experience level, whether you're stepping into a studio for the first time or looking to push your photography in a new direction.

Everything is prepared before you arrive, so you can focus entirely on creating. The studio, lighting equipment, modifiers, backdrops, and model are all included, removing the time and hassle of organising a professional shoot yourself. Throughout the session, I'll provide continuous guidance and feedback while encouraging you to experiment, solve creative challenges, and develop your own visual style.

If you've followed my work, you'll know I enjoy experimenting with light, colour, projection, and atmosphere to create photographs that feel distinctive and cinematic. This workshop is an opportunity to learn that creative process while building a portfolio of images you'll be proud of.

Private 1-on-1

Enjoy a fully personalised one-on-one workshop designed around your experience level, interests, and creative goals. Working alongside an experienced model, we'll explore studio lighting, creative direction, posing, colour, projection, and the techniques behind my studio work. With my full attention throughout the session, you'll leave with not only stronger photographs but a deeper understanding of the creative process behind them.

Max Size: 1 person

Cost: ¥100,000 / per 3 hour session

Locations:  Shimbashi/Yurakcho, Shibuya and Shinjuku primarily but other areas of Tokyo as well

Language: English, Japanese (intermediate)

Everything Included:

  • Private one-on-one instruction

  • Studio rental

  • Professional lighting equipment

  • Experienced model

  • Sony or Canon flash trigger (where compatible)

  • Backdrops and creative props

What to Bring:

Mirrorless or DSLR camera with manual controls. If your camera isn't compatible with Sony or Canon flash triggers, please let me know before the workshop so we can discuss suitable alternatives.

Recommended Gear:

A standard zoom lens (24–70mm or 24–105mm) is ideal for a wide range of creative setups, although prime lenses within a similar focal range work equally well.

Tekumi Experiments in Light | Colour | Form Studio Event behind the scenes hosted by photographer and educator Deniz Demir in his Tokyo studio.

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A woman with short red hair and tattoos posing for a photoshoot while wearing a black mesh outfit and a red veil, held by a photographer in a dimly lit room.
A model stands confidently while holding a bouquet of colorful flowers in a blue-lit setting. The striking colors and lighting enhance the visual impact, creating a calm, yet bold atmosphere.
A photographer captures a model holding a bouquet of flowers while she poses gracefully in front of a large light. The setting is warm, with soft, flattering lighting that accentuates the model's pose and the natural beauty of the scene.
A model wearing a black latex outfit strikes a confident pose in a pink-lit environment. The dramatic lighting and strong contrasts highlight the model's striking features and the texture of the latex material, creating a bold and powerful visual.
A model lies gracefully in a red and blue-lit environment, surrounded by mist. The vibrant lighting and soft movement create a sensual and dreamlike atmosphere, drawing attention to the model's posture and the dramatic lighting effects.
A model with a fur collar looks directly at the camera, with her hair styled in a way that emphasizes her striking facial features. The background is a mixture of warm reds and blues, giving the image a dramatic and bold vibe.
A model poses confidently in a dark environment with red and blue lighting illuminating her form. The lighting accentuates her sensual pose and the contrasting textures of her outfit, creating an intense and alluring visual.
A woman in a black bikini strikes a pose against a vibrant purple and pink light backdrop. Her body is softly illuminated, and the lighting accentuates her silhouette, giving the image an edgy and dramatic vibe.
A model with long flowing hair stands gracefully in a soft blue-lit environment. The moody lighting highlights her posture and creates a dreamy, ethereal effect, making her the focal point of the image.
A model wearing a black lace outfit holds a red rose while draped in a red veil. The contrast between the red veil and the subtle blue background creates a striking image, adding a mysterious and sensual atmosphere to the scene.
A model poses under green and red lighting while a soft mist creates a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere. The contrasting colors highlight her features and enhance the overall visual effect, giving the shot an intense, cinematic feel.
A photographer captures the moment as a model in a colorful outfit poses under warm lighting. The image shows the behind-the-scenes process of creating a dramatic photo, with the photographer’s figure subtly visible in the shot.
A woman with wet pink hair holding a small disco ball, looking at the camera with a pink and purple lighting background.
A model stands in a soft, pink-lit environment, her posture graceful and poised. The hazy background enhances the dramatic effect, with the soft lighting gently highlighting her facial features and silhouette.
A woman with short hair holds a fan to the side of her face, surrounded by red lighting. The contrasting lighting and shadows give the image a bold, sensual vibe.
A woman with blonde hair in a white top is posing against a pink and blue gradient background, illuminated by colored lights.
A young woman with platinum blonde hair with blue streaks, posing with her hand near her face in a colorful, artistic lighting setting.

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