The celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Franco-Japanese Society of Kamakura took place in the warm and elegant setting of the softly lit lounges of the Kamakura Park Hotel. Founding members, current members, institutional representatives and invited guests gathered to mark three decades of cultural and human exchange between France and Japan. For Shonan Focus, this evening represented a large-scale event photo reportage, where every detail mattered.
From the preparation stage onward, the photographic work focused on documenting the environment of the event. The lounges, the lighting, the spatial layout and the arrival of guests were carefully photographed in order to convey the setting in which this official celebration unfolded. Dressed in a simple black outfit, the photographer moved with discretion and courtesy, adopting a deliberately unobtrusive presence and showing full respect for the guests.
Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art photographic equipment that operates in complete silence, it was possible to work in close proximity to guests and speakers without disrupting the flow of the ceremony. The ability to communicate in Japanese, French and English further facilitated interactions, particularly when photographing sponsors, official guests and members of the association.
The evening was structured around several key sequences, each of which received precise photographic coverage. Official speeches were captured through a combination of wide shots highlighting the stage and audience, and tighter frames focusing on facial expressions and the intensity of the speakers’ delivery. Moments of conviviality, informal exchanges and interactions among participants then made it possible to convey the warm and intergenerational atmosphere that defines the Franco-Japanese Society of Kamakura.
The artistic dimension of the evening, featuring musical performances, provided moments that were especially rich from a visual standpoint. These sequences were photographed with particular attention to rhythm, eye contact and audience reactions, in order to reflect the shared emotion of the moment.
The images produced by Shonan Focus are intended for several strategic uses: official archives of the evening, institutional communication, press distribution and social media publications. A selection of ten “sneak preview” photographs was delivered the following morning, with the option of an accelerated delivery within two hours when required. The complete final reportage was delivered within forty-eight hours, in strict accordance with the specifications defined during a preliminary briefing.
More than a technical assignment, this evening was about capturing moments that participants will remember for years through the photographs. The images reflect the atmosphere, the exchanges and the shared joy of this anniversary, offering lasting memories of a meaningful celebration. Having been part of this event, the photographer already looks forward to covering the society’s next anniversary. To learn more about this approach, visit our Event Photography section.
Photography by Shonan Focus