About Kyo

I was born and raised in Nishinomiya, a town in the southwestern “Kansai” region of Japan. In Japan, the stereotype about Kansai people is that they’re laid-back and have a good sense of humor. I try to fit the stereotype. :)

I started racing go-karts when I was 12 years old and decided that I would be a race car driver when I grew up. But after I graduated high school, I visited my aunt and uncle in Baltimore to take some English-language classes there. On a whim, I took a photography class, too. I loved it. I transferred to the Corcoran College of Art, from which I graduated in 2001.

Photography appeals to me because it’s technical and artistic at the same time. It requires spontaneity, concentration, and empathy. My job is to document important moments in people's lives; sometimes I'm still amazed that I found such a rewarding career.

About Janna

I grew up in Washington, DC and in Germany. For as long as I can remember, I have loved art and stories -- I was the kind of kid who always had her head stuck in a book. I have been working in the children's book industry for the past seven years.

I decided to join Kyo in his photography business because my experience in art, design, editing, and marketing complement his photography expertise. As Kyo's business partner, I am responsible for everything from bookkeeping to website and album design, blogging, and dreaming up new ways to make meaningful art for our clients.

After having lived in Baltimore, Washington DC, and New York City, we now live in Metuchen, New Jersey, with our four-year-old daughter and five-year-old dog.