As a team made up of photographers and artists, we dreamt of building a company that would empower others just like us. We dreamt of generating hundreds of jobs worldwide for people who’s passion is to create. We are thrilled to say we have succeeded in our mission! But it wouldn’t have been possible without the talented international family of photographers that have joined us in this dream.

We are bringing back our Behind The Lens series to turn the camera around and highlight our talented and creative team around the world. Our photographers are the heartbeat behind what we do and what better way to honor that than to share their story with you!

Today our lens is focusing on Kan (from Japan),
part of the Shoot My Travel team based in Tokyo.

Have you always lived in Tokyo?

Tokyo has become my home since 2008. Before that, I grew up in Thailand and then lived in New Zealand and Niigata, a rural city two hours train ride from Tokyo, giving me a complete perspective of what makes Tokyo so unique and different from other cities in the world.

What do you love about it? 

Tokyo is an organized chaos, it is a massive metropolitan with an endless opportunity to photograph, try new restaurants or encounter new findings. I usually got up early on weekends to walk around and finding interesting happenings around Tokyo. Most importantly, it is crazily safe and clean! Trust me, public toilets in Tokyo are the cleanest in the world!

What unlocked your passion for photography?

I was introduced into using c-mount lenses (old cinematic lenses) years ago and started learning about manual photography. Since then, I have been learning every day about cameras, photography and how to create my own masterpiece. I still photograph every client in a full manual mode

Top 3 picture perfect spots in Tokyo?

1. Shinjuku Golden Gai: The place carries memories from the past. Super unique buildings (bars) packed into one small block. The area gets lively and colorful at night when each bar is filled with salarymen, tourists, and regular customers

2. Jiyugaoka: Not your typical Tokyo neighborhood, it is rather modern, somewhat European-like urban setting with greenery cutting along the area. With its diverse scenery (shrine, city park, graffiti, a traditional shopping street), this area is always on top of my favorite photography list

3. Backstreets of Harajuku: Home of Japanese subculture, colorful buildings and graffiti, a lot of energy flowing around the place. Most suitable for street, fun photography and playful type of adventurers!

Do you have any photography tips?

Always anticipate how the scene develops, be ready for the moment to unfold and execute with your ability and imagination. I think photography is a lifelong learning process, you will get better every time you are out there photographing.

How has your experience been as a SMT photographer?

Very, very enjoyable! Through working with SMT, I have met so many awesome people and friends, witnessed many surprise proposals and captured countless memories. What else could I ask for? Every day, I have grown as an individual and improved as a photographer.