"My life almost had its ending before it had a beginning, a personal, perilous and I prefer private story. Leave it to be said, both the fate and the fortune that marked my birth have shaped my career, as well my work and insight into the lives and events of others." - Takako 

Takako doesn't call herself a photographer, rather a storyteller of the lives of others.  She art directs all her shoots with a delicate duality of passion and compassion, thereby allowing her subjects to reveal his/her multifaceted personality that becomes compelling, edgy and intimate imagery. 

From conception of an idea through post-production of all projects, Takako ensures her full artistic expertise, passion and professionalism.  

Her clients range from magazines, musicians, producers, music labels, writers, film and dance companies, actors and special private-client commissions. 

Takako is available in areas of Art Direction, Photography and Post Production and will be happy to answer any questions regarding project proposals and photography needs, please don't hesitate to contact and introduce yourself.  

Bio:

 When I was a teenager, I promised myself to live a unique and authentic life, full of adventure and creativity.  Born and raised in Seattle, Washington – I was ready to find out what that promise meant. At 18, I sold everything, bought a ticket and traveled alone through Fiji, New Zealand and Australia for 9 months.

Upon returning, I yearned to be apart of Seattle’s Northwest Actors Conservatory to study acting/directing for theater and film – I had no experience, but they saw something and accepted me into their intensive program. For the next five years I performed in theater and film in Seattle and Los Angeles. 

When I decided it was time to go to college I enrolled in the local state school, meanwhile beginning a love affair with my camera; building a photography portfolio in my spare time, while going to night classes in general studies. After one year and itching for bigger horizons, I sent my photography portfolio to American Intercontinental University of London. Months later I got a letter of acceptance to study photography, so I packed my bags and moved to England. I studied hard, created a strong portfolio and transferred to the University of Washington’s Fine Art program in Seattle.

During the next three years, I honed my skills, point-of-view and talent – graduating with a Bachelors of Fine Art. In between  those five years of school, I traveled to India, Mexico and Australia photographing the indigenous cultures.  The Hope Project , which I created and produced at this time, landed the cover of Seattle Post Intelligencer and the 5 o'clock KOMO 4 NEWS.

Shortly after graduation, I got a rare opportunity to move to Sydney, Australia for a year and intern at the Australian Center of Photography. In 2009 after moving back to Seattle, I found a unique niche in club scène photography. My goal was to document the multiple levels people communicate within an environment that encouraged drugs, sex and music.  

This is where my reputation took off. My name got bigger and I was shooting portraits for musicians, dancers, authors, actors and commissioned private clients in Seattle and Los Angeles. My years in theatre/film played a key role in the success of my photo shoots by applying the same principles that I learned onstage with my clients. 

I have been written up in the Seattle Post Intelligencer, KOMO 4 News, Subterfuge Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, I Prefer Paris and Vogue Portugal. Less than a year ago, I decided to move to Paris. Currently I’m shooting for Fashion Week, the Opera at Palais Garnier, the electronic music scene, and portraits for artists and private commissions. In conjunction with building a body of work that I call Takako 500.