Profile
Born in Belgium, raised in Kamakura. Moving between Japan, Paris, Hong Kong and Barcelona, I have photographed more than 30,000 people over 22 years.
Portrait photographer Jo Moriyama
Born in Belgium, raised in Kamakura. Scouted while in high school, he worked as a men's fashion model for the magazine Seventeen. While traveling the world, a well-known writer encouraged him to become a photographer, and he trained under the late photographer Isao Yamaguchi. Through a grueling apprenticeship — up at 5 a.m., home at 2 a.m. — he built a professional's instinct for the set.
He then co-created a year-long advertising campaign for a brand with his friend, Japanese actress Nana Eikura, which launched his full-fledged career as a professional photographer. Moving between Japan — Paris — Hong Kong — Barcelona, he has photographed fashion models, actors and many others from around the world — more than 30,000 people over 22 years.
He speaks five languages and has immersed himself in the values and cultures of places all over the world.
My Approach
My ApproachWhat Jo Moriyama photographs
is not surface beauty.
It is the world sleeping deep inside you — the true beauty within.
A natural, free self that doesn't judge others.
I believe that is the secret to drawing out a person's beauty.
What I value most at the start of a shoot is your expression and the world you hold dear.
With that at the root, I promise we will never stray from what makes you you.
From the many drawers inside you, we unearth together the one that fits the theme,
then combine it with beautiful professional light and technique to finish a single photograph.
Five Elements That Make People Beautiful
- Wind
- First, release. No shrinking back — a feeling that everything is stretching out freely. It all begins with being released, just like the wind.
- Earth
- Once the wind is in place, the earth begins to move. “Look at this part of me.” “This is who I want to be.” The unshakable world within you begins to rise to the surface.
- Fire
- Next comes fire. The burning life force inside you. Your goals and sense of mission, expressed with resolve and commitment.
- Light
- Then you create light and illuminate those around you. We nurture the moment when your focus turns outward, toward others, rather than toward yourself.
- Water
- Finally, water. As if you were underwater, the boundary between yourself and others dissolves — and with that sense of oneness, you face the world.
A shoot that brings these five together leaves behind a photograph that is yours alone.
How We Shoot
How We ShootBefore the shoot, we take one hour online. We decide the direction and outfits, and I give you homework: in the days before the shoot, think about how you could spend them joyfully — and say it out loud. That is the homework.
On the day, I never say “smile.” I only ask two things: don't hold your breath, and don't tense your brow.
One thing before we begin: we're going to make the best photo of your life.
Stories from people who have been photographed are collected in Voices.
Philosophy
PhilosophyGo and find
the most beautiful you in the world.
When I photograph you, the first thing I look at is your eyes. The expression in your eyes holds the clue to the moment you look most beautiful.
It is an ability I developed over many years of photographing countless people and living in many places around the world. By watching someone's expression, I have gradually learned to see what they treasure, and where — and why — they are tense.
Through photography, you meet the most beautiful version of yourself.
During a shoot, I speak to each person in their own way and wait for their heart to loosen. Then I become you — “surely you would move like this” — and stay beside you with my whole being. When the small thorn lodged deep in your chest melts away, the light returns to your eyes, and a natural charm even you didn't know you had appears.
Activities
Activities- Personal portrait shoots
- From the online consultation beforehand to choosing your photos. Commissioned Shoots
- Photo Sessions
- Once a month. The place and concept change every time. Next: Nov 8 Osaka / Dec 20 Tokyo. News / Events
- Retreats
- A small group spending several days together. More than just a shoot — it is designed as time to renew the way you live. Dates for the next one are being arranged. Retreats
- Speaking
- On November 14, I will speak at the Shitsumon Conference Okinawa (organized by Mihiro Matsuda Office and the Shitsumon Foundation).
- Beauty Consulting
- A one-hour online session with Jo Moriyama and hair & makeup artist SAKURA. We plan your strategy for the shoot, and you receive lifelong beauty homework. It's also useful if you're still deciding whether to book a shoot. 5 people per month. Currently not accepting bookings.
Gallery
Dior, GUCCI, PRADA, Yves Saint Laurent, ETRO, VERSACE, Salvatore Ferragamo, VALENTINO and more (in no particular order)
Sarah Jessica Parker, Tom Hanks, Shakira, Miranda Kerr, Lee Byung-hun and many international models / Namie Amuro, Satomi Ishihara, Yui Aragaki, Kasumi Arimura, Kiko Mizuhara, Nana Eikura, Keiko Kitagawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Tomohisa Yamashita, Ken Watanabe, Go Ayano, Shingo Katori and many more
