Akiyo was very professional has someone on the Autism Spectrum I was super nervous as this was a new experience for me. He made it super fun and relaxing. We started with a breathing exercise and then played some of my favorite songs and just had fun getting shots. We talked and collaborated the whole time on the vision. I love my photos so much and it was such an easy process from start to finish.

- Mery Drilling-Coren

Akiyo was the best photographer I’ve worked with, he doesn’t push anything, he’s there to collaborate and let the session develop organically, which I loved. Taking pictures can be such an unnatural process so I appreciate Akiyo’s ability to make it feel fun, pressure-free and like a real creative endeavour. Get your shots before he’s too busy and famous to for you in!

- Carlo Marks

I expected to get great photos from the shoot after seeing Akiyo’s work online. What I received was more than that. I had an experience of emotional exploration that has brought out sides of me that I’ve never seen captured in a photo before. Akiyo is not only a good photographer, but a good director that journeys his subjects very soul to the front of the frame.

- Derrion Deon

Real, confident, easy-going, and artistry is shown in Akiyo's work. Collaborating with him was a dream and super fun. He captured an essence in me that no other artists have been able to tap into. Loved working with him!! Can't wait to connect again.

- Audrey Geysbeek

Shooting with Akiyo was a special experience. Akiyo put me at ease and set me up to be myself and shine just by my existing and being genuine. I didn’t have to put on a face or do anything unnatural. It was a lot of fun, and my headshots are some of my favorite pictures I’ve ever had taken of myself in my adult life. I feel like I look like myself and I like the way I look!

– Jake Roberts

Shooting with Akiyo was great. He was very organized and did a great job of explaining the process. During the shoot he did a great job talking and explaining and asking the right questions that would really allow me to get into characters. He was also very prompt with the deliverables! 10/10 would recommend!

- John Tabaniag

Akiyo seeks to personalise headshots to show an authentic version of you. His philosophy is to show who you are as a human and encompass the creative vision you have for your career, straying from the often glossy and manicured traditional headshots for something more raw and soulful. He wants to understand you at your core in order to capture different sides of you. In doing so, he cultivates a safe space for you to experience a range of emotions. Akiyo is a great guy and you know you are safe to create with him because he is very conscientious about creating a protected environment for great vulnerability by making boundaries explicit and actively communicating with you. I had a great time working with Akiyo - I felt comfortable, relaxed and understood. I really hope to work with you again in the future!

- Michelle Jong

Working with Akiyo was an incredible experience! As a fellow creative and filmmaker, his process was very collaborative and exactly what I was looking for. Being in front of the camera is hard, especially with a new photographer, but Akiyo made it easy! You can tell he truly cares about his work and capturing people in a way they feel seen and comfortable with. I have been avoiding professional shoots for a long time because I didn't love the typical corporate, clinical, JCPenny-ification of it all because it didn't feel like me. There is an intentionality and relaxedness in his sessions that I have not seen in the way other photographers conduct themselves. Many times you feel rushed so someone can "get the shot", but that is not the case here. I would 100% recommend anyone who is a bit shy in front of the camera, creatives who want more autonomy in their photos (he sends a collaborative mood board! ), and folks who understand making art takes time. Akiyo is a friendly, gentle, and creative soul who can make anyone feel relaxed and beautiful on camera. Thank you again!

– Regina Emiliano

Three words to describe Akiyo as a photographer and overall, a creative collaborator are welcoming, collaborative, & passionate. On the days leading up to the shoot, Akiyo sent me a link to Milanote where I created a mood board for my overall vision & emotion I was trying to convey. He encouraged a mix of music, photos, color palettes, etc. - anything that I considered inspiring! Throughout the shoot, he asked thoughtful questions that evoked naturalistic emotions & reactions. Akiyo really encouraged the idea of "just being" on camera - nothing felt over posed, everything felt candid. Akiyo and I geeked out about the artist mindset, anime, & the creative process - which definitely helped loosen me up & show my inner soul as a person. This was my first headshot session ever and Akiyo made it such a wonderful experience - I can't recommend him enough!

- Ilona Kereki

I had such a great headshot experience with Akiyo. As someone who doesn't feel incredibly comfortable having their photo taken, Akiyo was skilled at helping me relax and directing me throughout the shoot. He even led us through a meditative breathing exercise before we started taking photos. I was impressed with his knowledge of lighting and composition and what I really loved was his adaptability in getting shots that I specifically wanted to capture. He created a moodboard for me to add photos, inspiration and music to and he catered the shoot to my needs. Would highly recommend you use Akiyo for your headshots!

- Christina Leonardi

Working with Akiyo was such a positive experience. I’ve worked with quite a few photographers, and not only is he skilled and attentive, but kind and good natured as well. He instantly makes you feel relaxed and welcomed and is truly able to create something special in a short amount of time. It was important to me to find a photographer that was able to capture a variety of skin tones, especially Black skin. Akiyo not only seeks out but also celebrates the diversity of his clientele. I look forward to sending out my new headshots and would definitely recommend Akiyo to any of my actor friends as well!

- Boima Blake

I’m grateful for Akiyo’s patience, comforting presence, talent, and guidance! It was interesting to see my own reactions. It was surprisingly refreshing to let myself be vulnerable and honest about my insecurities when it comes to being photographed. Akiyo’s kind and non-judgmental demeanor exudes warmth. Akiyo’s enthusiasm for photography shines through in his work. It's inspiring to see someone excel in their passion and livelihood with grace and fluidity.

- Vené

Akiyo was 100% committed to capturing my most authentic self through a meticulously crafted experience. Like a true artisan, Akiyo crafts a relaxed, open environment with a meditative warm-up and a casual, conversational vibe throughout the shoot. It feels motivating to find a headshot artist (he is more than a photographer) who is fully devoted to capturing my entire self.

-Kota Horiuchi

Akiyo absolutely exceeded my expectations by delivering several headshots I’m obsessed with for an unbeatable price especially for NYC. the shoot was fun, laidback, and you’ll leave the shoot feeling like you made a new friend.

-Lily Tran

Akiyo is the absolute best. One of the most laid back and organic headshot shoots I have done. If you want headshots that truly capture your essence…you need to book with Akiyo. I love my headshots and will be booking with Akiyo again in the future.

- Claudia Cáceres

Working with Akiyo was awesome. He was really attentive and super engaged with the ideas I brought forward. I was nervous since I wanted non traditional headshots, but Akiyo was really game for what I was looking for. He not afraid to suggest and tweak things while really remaining true to my vision for the photos. Also, the day itself was fantastic. Between a meditation at the beginning and Akiyo just talking to you like a person, the entire experience feels human and really thoughtful. The photos that came out are exactly what I was looking for and even better than I had imagined.

- Olivia Basile

I’ve had headshots done several times, but when I saw Akiyo’s work, I knew I had to book a session. The communication was stellar from the start, and Akiyo’s pre-session preparation added unique elements that truly maximized the entire experience. Will definitely use again. I highly recommend both the quality of his work and the overall experience.

-Pat Buck

As soon as I got my headshot, I was invited for 2 stage auditions! Akiyo knows how to make clients relax and set up the environment to make the most out of them. His focus, timing and pace were very comfortable. It was like go with the flow and very easy for me to be and expose myself. Yes, I didn’t need to do or push anything during our session. I just let it happen with friendly and pleasant atmosphere which he magically created. Thank you so much for the amazing time and results!

- Eddy Toru Ohno

Akiyo started the session with a breathing exercise that immediately got me out of my head and into a more relaxed state. I felt more in touch with my personality and ready to let the camera reflect that. Akiyo’s sense of direction helped to create natural images that integrated my moodboard and notes seamlessly. This resulted in many, many elegant photos that I can’t wait to post. Thanks, Akiyo!

- Zoe Jimenez

Akiyo is professional with sensitive eyes to capture your vulnerability and truth in front of the camera. He's funny and poetic as a friend you can talk to also:) I really hope more people will find his talents and work with him for their headshots and other artworks:)

- Fei Han

Had a lovely experience taking headshots with Akiyo! Appreciated the calm, grounded, collaborative environment he nurtured. He led me through a brief warm-up, then a chat throughout our shoot, which made for a relaxed process. He was kind, accommodating, and thorough every step of the way, and he made sure I came away with shots I was excited about.

- Bailey Sawyer

I had such a wonderful experience shooting with Akiyo. He made me feel comfortable before, during, and after our session together- I really felt like I was in good hands. I had a blast collaborating on different looks for my headshots and am thrilled with the results! The photos feel fresh, vibrant, and most importantly, like me. I can’t wait to work with Akiyo again in the future.

- Hayley Batson