10 Photographers and Photographers in Shiga | Chosen by Website Production Agencies

Hello, this isKototsuki Design.

When organizing your website, recruitment page, or social media, "photos" tend to be often put on the back burner. Even if you spend time on writing and design, you end up leaving photos as "just taken with a smartphone for now" or "old photos taken long ago." You often see such cases on the production floor.

However, the quality of photos affects the judgments of customers and applicants more than you might think. For example, just reading the phrase "We value careful work" won't convey whether it's true. But if you have a single photo showing the expressions of staff actually working with their hands, that statement gains credibility. Speaking in writing and showing through photos. Only when these two are together does a website truly "communicate."

This time, we will introduce 10 photographers and photographers active in Shiga Prefecture. Whether you're good at corporate shoots, family photos, or drone aerial photography, each has different areas of expertise, so we hope you choose according to your goals.

*This article is based on information confirmed as of 2026. Fees and services for each photographer may change, so please check each company's official website and social media for the latest information. Also, this article is compiled from Kototsuki Design's original perspective and has not been charged or compensated by the publisher.

Why are photos so important?

For those who think, "You don't need to be so particular about photos," let's look at some numbers.

According to a survey conducted by Dip Co., Ltd., about 60% of job seekers answered that they want to have more than 10 photos on job sites. The same survey found that photos reused across multiple branches, photos not from actual workplaces, or photos that do not show actual employees can lead to dissatisfaction among job seekers (Dip Co., Ltd. survey). This is not limited to recruitment pages. Even on a store's website, if there are few photos of the actual store, products, or staff, customers may worry, wondering, "Is this really a proper store?"

Also, photographers and videographers who work in photography and video are treated as independent occupational classifications in the national census by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Statistics Bureau of Internal Affairs and Communications, "Occupational Classification"). This shows how deeply a culture of viewing photography as a professional profession has taken root. Although smartphones have entered an era where beautiful photos can be taken sufficiently, there are still jobs that only professionals can do, such as how to use light, composition, sense of distance from subjects, and retouching skills.

The relationship between websites and photography

Let's take a closer look at the relationship between websites and photos in numbers.

In Stanford University's Web Credibility Project (a large-scale survey of over 4,500 people), 46.1% of the comments users left when judging website reliability were related to "design and appearance" (Stanford Web Credibility Project). This means that before the content of the text itself, the visual impression is used to judge "trustworthiness." Photos are one of the major elements that make up this "appearance."

Sites handling products have even more specific data. According to a survey by the Baymard Institute, known for usability research, 56% of users who visited product pages started looking at product images before reading the description. Additionally, 42% were trying to judge the actual size of the product from images (Baymard Institute). In other words, product photos are not "decorations meant to look beautiful," but rather "information to help people understand the product." Whether the photos convey the size, texture, and usage scene can greatly affect how well customers understand them.

Another thing we must not forget is "what kind of screen is being viewed." According to a survey conducted by the Cabinet Office in July 2025, the usage rate of smartphones and tablets reached 86.3% (Cabinet Office "Public Opinion Survey on the Use of Information and Communication Equipment"). In other words, many photos on websites are viewed not on the large screens of computers but on the small screens of smartphones. Even on a small screen, you can instantly tell "who is there," "what kind of place it is," and "what kind of company it is running." I believe this is also one of the reasons for hiring professionals to take photos.

The relationship between design and photography

Photography is inseparable from website design.

A study by Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g), a leading usability researcher, reveals an interesting trend. Users tend to pay close attention to photos related to the content while ignoring those that are merely decorative items. In particular, photos of actual people or products are considered to be treated as important information (Nielsen Norman Group). In other words, designs that suggest "just display somewhat stylish photos are fine" may actually not be very effective.

There are even more in-depth points regarding corporate websites. NN/g states that original photos showing the actual company, real people, and actual work are easier to convey a company's culture and realities than stock photos from material sites (Nielsen Norman Group). No matter how refined the design is, if the photos shown are of "someone" somewhere, the actual company cannot be conveyed. The completeness of the design and the realism of the photos. I believe that only when both are present can a website become truly conveyable.

Here, let me add a trendy topic. We have entered an era where AI can create "photos that look just right." In a survey published by NN/g in August 2026, an experiment comparing AI-generated images with stock photos was conducted with 77 participants, and it was reported that when participants were unaware that images were AI-generated, their reliability and professionalism ratings did not uniformly decline (Nielsen Norman Group).

The accuracy of AI images as a technology is definitely improving.

However, we do not think that "AI images are fine" just because of that. What we want to post on our website is not "photos that look like the company," but photos of our own company. The president's expression. The staff's work scenes. The actual atmosphere of the store. Finding things that can only be found there and turning them into photographs. The value of future photographers may be more than ever placed on simply "taking beautiful photos," but also on discovering "things unique to that company" that AI cannot capture. We believe design is not just about refining the appearance, but about thinking about "what and how to show" as a whole.

Key points to look for when choosing a photographer

Before introducing the 10 people, let's first organize the criteria for selecting the 10 people.

Areas of Expertise and Style

Even when we call them 'photographers,' their areas of expertise vary widely. Some are good at corporate profile photos, some are good at family photos or shrine visits, some are good at product photography, and some are good at aerial photography with drones. First, check whether the content you want to request matches their strengths. Styles can be 'bright and natural' or 'formal,' so it's worth looking at past examples to see if they match your own image.

Service Area & Business Visit Availability

Is it a studio type or a mobile shoot type? Depending on the location, the areas where business trips are easy to visit, such as Omihachiman City, Otsu City, or Aisho Town, will also vary. Especially if you want to request photography for a store or facility, you need to confirm whether they can actually come to that location.

Shooting content (corporate, individual, product, etc.)

The types of photography you can handle, such as company profile photos, recruitment page photos, product shoots, store shoots, event shoots, family photos, drone aerial shots, and more, vary from person to person. If you want to combine your request with website production, whether they have experience working with a web production company is also a key factor in your decision.

Pricing Structure

From what we researched, many photographers provide fees on a "request needed" basis, and it is common to provide individual quotes based on shoot content, duration, and number of cuts. For personal shoots such as family photos, some offer publicly available pricing plans, but for corporate shoots, prices vary depending on the content, so it is recommended to check the quote in advance.

Delivery Format & Retouching Range

Is it only data delivery, or does it support printing and albums? Also, it's reassuring to check before signing the contract to see how much retouching such as color correction and skin correction are included.

Did you know you can request website production and photography as a set?

As a bit of a side note, at Kototsuki Design, we offer website production and photography as a set. For those who want to create a website but can't find good photos, or find it troublesome to hire photographers and web production companies separately, we have established a system that allows you to consult on planning, shooting, design, and coding in one place.

Of course, as with the ten people introduced here, you can also hire a photographer who specializes in photography and then consult Kototsuki Design about creating a website that utilizes those photos. Whether you choose to prepare good photos first and then shape the website, or to "take photos together during website creation," either approach is possible. We hope you choose the method that best suits your own situation.

Typical Shooting Fees

Of the 10 people we surveyed, only one clearly listed their fees on their official website, and most were 'inquiries required.' This is not necessarily insincere, but rather reflects the industry's nature where prices vary greatly depending on the shoot content, duration, number of cuts, and whether there is a business trip, so individual quotes tend to better reflect the actual situation. For reference, here are the prices we have confirmed and the generally reported market rate.

You might feel anxious because it's all about "inquiries required," but many photographers offer free pre-consultations and estimates. First, I recommend telling you what you want to shoot and a rough budget, then get a quote.

Process from Request to Photography and Delivery

If you're hiring a photographer for the first time, it's reassuring to know the general process. Generally, the process proceeds in the following order.

• Inquiries & Consultations: We will explain the content you want to shoot, the purpose, and your preferred date.
• Quotation: Depending on the content, a fee estimate will be provided.
• Meeting: Coordinate the image you want to shoot, the number of cuts needed, and the location.
• Filming: Filming takes place in a studio or at a designated location.
• Selection & Retouching: Choose the photos to use from the captured data and make corrections as needed.
• Delivery: Delivered in data or print.

The time from shooting to delivery varies depending on the content and the client. During events and busy periods (such as the Shichi-Go-San season), reservations tend to fill up, so it's recommended to consult with plenty of time in advance.

Search by area: Shiga Photographers & Photographers

For those who want to consult with a nearby photographer directly, here are 10 people introduced here organized by base area.

• Looking for people in Otsu City: (1) Keita Inaba (Ina Photo Plus), (2) Kazuna Hanada
• Looking for people in Omihachiman City: (5) Sanae Kadono (Kuschel Photography), (6) Diamond Photo, (9) Sweettype
• Looking for people in Aisho Town: (7) Studio Takada
• Throughout Shiga Prefecture / On-site service: (3) Misa Utsunomiya, (4) Tetsuro Miyake, (8) Rikachin, (10) Sky View Films (Daiki Ueda)

Purpose-Based Quick Diagnosis

Before we dive into detailed introductions of each of the 10 people, we've compiled a simple quick reference chart for each purpose.

• Want to take corporate promotional or audition photos → (1) Keita Inaba
• I want to take photos from the perspectives of migration, travel, and community → (2) Kazuna Hanada
• I want to shoot apparel brands, or shoots related to regional revitalization projects → (3) Misa Utsunomiya
• Want to do recruitment pages, employee interviews, and office photography → (4) Tetsuro Miyake
• Want to do a family-friendly studio shoot → (5) Sanae Kadono
• I want to consult about everything from children's photography, product photography, to sports and event photography all at once. → (6) Diamond Photo
• I want to outsource everything from product, cuisine, and architectural photography to video production . → (7) Studio Takada
• Family, couple, and sightseeing photography requests → (8) Rikachin
• I want them to take stylish commercial photos → (9) Sweettype
• I want to request aerial photography and video production with drones → (10) Sky View Films (Daiki Ueda)

From here, let's dive into detailed introductions to each.

(1) Keita Inaba (Ina Photo Plus, Otsu City), who captures everything from promotional photos to website creation.

Features

• A Canon-contracted professional photographer with a studio in Sakamoto, Otsu City
• Born in 1980, from and currently residing in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. After 15 years as a salaried employee, he quit his job and became a freelance photographer after working at a studio
• We handle a wide range of products, including promotional photos, profile pictures, product photography, store photography, school photos, and advertising photos.
• We handle everything from video production and live streaming support to website planning and production, as well as printed material production.

Detailed explanation

True to their stance of 'doing everything,' their wide range of services stands out. They have gained a wide range of shooting experience, from personal shoots like ID photos and promotional materials to corporate advertising and school photos. Furthermore, they support not only shooting but also video production, live streaming, website planning, and print production, which is a reassuring point for businesses who want to consult about not just photography but the entire outlet. Depending on the scale of the project, they also collaborate with external photographers and designers, demonstrating team-level responsiveness.

Recommended for people like this

For those who want to take promotional or audition photos. Also, it's suitable for those who want to consult about not only photography but also website production and printed materials in one go.

(2) Photographer with a Migration and Travel Perspective: Kazuna Hanada (Otsu City)

Features

• Based in Otsu City
• It is also featured on the official Shiga Prefecture website
• Moved to Shiga in 2020
• Practicing a working style while traveling, and also handling community management and coaching

Detailed explanation

Not only is his photography skills a lot, but his own way of life—'moving' and 'working while traveling'—connects to the appeal of his work and his content. He is also featured on Shiga Prefecture's official website, showing that he values connections with the local community. In addition to photography, he is also involved in community management and coaching, and seems to play a role not only in 'photographers' but also in connecting people.

Recommended for people like this

For those who want to shoot themed around migration and connections with the local community. For those seeking photos that closely reflect people's ways of life and stories.

(3) From Apparel Photography to Regional Revitalization Projects - Misa Utsunomiya (Misa Utsunomiya, Shiga Prefecture)

Features

• He was born in Shiga Prefecture
• Works as a photographer and brand manager
• Engaged in advertising shoots for apparel brands
• Involved in regional revitalization projects in Nagahama City and Otsu City
• Artist photography and product photography also available

Detailed explanation

What makes me stand out is that I hold two titles: 'photographer' and 'brand manager.' I think it's not just about taking photos—I'm involved in how to present the brand. In addition to my track record in the field of sophisticated image creation for apparel brand advertising, I've also been involved in regional revitalization projects in Nagahama City and Otsu City, so I feel I'm someone who can move between local and urban sensibilities.

Recommended for people like this

For those who want to request advertising shoots for apparel or brands. Also suitable for those considering shoots related to regional revitalization or regional projects.

(4) Strong in Recruitment Pages & Corporate Photography: Tetsuro Miyake (Shiga Prefecture)

Features

• Based in Shiga Prefecture
• Specializing in photography for companies, stores, and facilities
• Supports profile photos, employee ID photos, and recruitment page photos
• We cover a wide range of activities, including interviews and dialogues, company scenes, offices, products, architecture, and restaurant photography.

Detailed explanation

A major feature of this photographer is their specialization in corporate photography. They cover a wide range of photography directly related to company websites and recruitment activities, from practical items like profile pictures and employee ID photos to "photos that convey the expressions of workers" used on recruitment pages, as well as interviews and conversations. The wide range of subjects they shoot includes offices, products, architecture, and restaurants, demonstrating their broad capacity to handle all kinds of "things they want to show" around companies. There is data showing that photos from recruitment sites directly affect click-through rates and application numbers, so having such a photographer specializing in corporate photography is reassuring.

Recommended for people like this

Companies that want to take photos for their recruitment or employee introduction pages. Suitable for those considering shooting to convey the atmosphere of their office or store.

(5) Family Photo Studio in Omihachiman - Sanae Kadono (Kuschel Photography, Omihachiman City)

Features

• Based in Omihachiman City
• It has also been featured in projects for female entrepreneurs in Shiga Prefecture
• Opened a studio in Omihachiman City in 2023
• Focusing on family-oriented shoots

Detailed explanation

She is a photographer who has been featured in Shiga Prefecture's Women Entrepreneur Support Program and is gaining attention from the local community. In 2023, she opened her own studio in Omihachiman City, and despite the relatively new structure, she continues her activities rooted in the community. She seems to focus mainly on family-friendly shoots, reflecting a style that supports children's growth records and family memories.

Recommended for people like this

It's perfect for those looking for commemorative photos for children or family in the Omihachiman area.

(6) Diamond Photo (Omihachiman City), Diamond Photo (Omihachiman City), Broad Coverage from Products to Sports and Drones

Features

• A photo studio based in Omihachiman City
• Supports corporate photography as part of "for Business"
• We handle a wide range of services, including product photography, corporate and store photography, sports and event photography, school photography, and drone photography.

Detailed explanation

While it has a history as a photo studio, it is notable for its solid support for corporate photography. They cover a wide range of roles, from business shoots like product and store shoots to sports and event photography, school photography, and even drone photography. With the stability unique to a community-based photo studio and the "for Business" approach as a corporate service, they give the impression of being accustomed to both individual and corporate requests.

Recommended for people like this

It's perfect for those who want to discuss a wide range of shooting needs in one place, from product shoots to event shoots and drone shoots.

(7) Studio Takada, a long-established studio that shoots products, cuisine, and architecture, Aisho Town

Features

• A photography studio based in Aisho Town
• Supports product photography, food photography, and architectural photography
• Also engaged in store photography and video production

Detailed explanation

This is a community-rooted photography studio that emphasizes "attentive customer service and photography techniques unique to small shops." It is characterized by covering all shooting areas—products, cuisine, and architecture—each requiring different skills. Especially in culinary and architectural photography, since the use of light and composition are completely different specialized fields, being able to handle both is a strength. In addition to store photography, they also handle video and video production, establishing a system where you can consult not only about still images but also dynamic expressions.

Recommended for people like this

For those considering menu photography for restaurants or for stores and buildings. Also suitable for those who want to consult about video production.

(8) Rikachin-san, Family, Couple, and Sightseeing Photographer (Shiga Prefecture)

Features

• Born and residing in Shiga Prefecture
• Mainly engaged in family photography, couple photography, and sightseeing photography

Detailed explanation

A photographer whose profile reflects a deep attachment to the local area, born and residing in Shiga Prefecture. In addition to family and couple shoots that accompany anniversaries and special moments, they also offer sightseeing photography. They also meet the needs of travelers visiting Shiga for tourism and wanting to preserve beautiful memories in photos.

Recommended for people like this

Ideal for families or couples considering commemorative photos, or for those considering taking photos as a way to create memories of sightseeing in Shiga.

(9) Commercial photographer since 2002: Sweettype (Omihachiman City)

Features

• Mr. Nakamura, a commercial photographer based in Omihachiman City,
• Since 2002, he has been working in photography in Shiga and currently has a career spanning over 23 years
• Transactions with companies and organizations account for 80% of the business.
• We handle a wide range of services from architectural photography, product photography, food photography, drone aerial photography, to video production.

Detailed explanation

They are active as "commercial photographers," focusing mainly on business and commercial shooting. Since 2002, they have been based in Omihachiman City and have been a long-established local company, currently accounting for 80% of their business with companies and organizations. Commercial photography is not just about capturing beautiful subjects; it requires a perspective of "how you want the person who sees the photo to move." From architectural photography to product photography, food photography, and drone aerial photography, the scope is broad, and they also handle retouching to match your company's color tone and brand image, demonstrating flexibility backed by many years of experience.

Recommended for people like this

For businesses in the Omihachiman area seeking sophisticated photos for commercial purposes. It is also suitable for those who want to entrust multiple genres such as architecture, products, and cuisine to the same photographer together.

(10) Drone Aerial Photography and Video Production Specialist Sky View Films / Daiki Ueda (Shiga Prefecture)

Features

• Based in Shiga Prefecture
• Specializes in aerial photography and video production using drones
• Mainly serving Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka

Detailed explanation

They are experts in drone aerial photography that can offer perspectives different from ground photography. They excel at creating images that can only be conveyed from above, such as overall views of buildings and land, event venues, and tourist scenery. Their coverage extends beyond Shiga Prefecture to Kyoto and Osaka, establishing a system to meet aerial photography needs across a wide area of the Kansai region. Since drone photography requires specialized knowledge such as legal regulations and permit applications, entrusting it to experienced experts provides great peace of mind.

Recommended for people like this

For those who want to capture the overall view of facilities or land from the air. For those considering promotional videos for tourist spots or events.

Checklist to organize before requesting

Before consulting with a photographer, it's helpful to briefly summarize the following items to help the initial meeting proceed smoothly.

• What are the photos being used for? (For websites, recruitment, social media, print, etc.)
• Approximate budget
• Image of desired shoot content and number of cuts
• Photos and Taste Images You Want to Use as References
• Locations you want filmed (studio, in-house, store, outdoor, etc.)
• Preferred Shooting Period and Schedule
• Preferred delivery format (data only/print/album, etc.)

It's okay if everything isn't clear. Including ambiguous parts, it's fine to start by sharing the current situation when you consult with them.

A common moment when you feel 'I want to reshoot soon'

Many people who already use photos on their websites or recruitment pages may be wondering, "Is it really okay to keep the current photos as they are?" The following triggers are common among those who actually consult with us.

• The photos have become outdated and no longer match the current staff composition or the store's atmosphere.
• If you use photos taken with your smartphone as-is and lack confidence in the image quality and atmosphere,
• Want to enhance your recruitment page, but there are hardly any photos of employees.
• Want to increase your posts on social media, but don't have a stock of usable photos
• With the website renewal, they also want to completely refresh their photos

In particular, considering that about 60% of job seekers say they want more than 10 photos from job sites, having only a few photos on the recruitment page or not updated for years may be causing anxiety among applicants. This is often postponed as "I'm not struggling yet," but I recommend reviewing the current state of your photos once.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical price range for filming?

From what we researched, many photographers indicated that "inquiries are required," and most cases require individual quotes depending on the shoot content, duration, and number of cuts. For personal ID photos and promotional materials, there were cases of public exposure ranging from 4,400 to 22,000 yen, but corporate photography varies greatly depending on the content, so it is recommended to get a quote first.

Is it not okay to shoot with a smartphone?

It depends on the intended use. For everyday communication on social media, smartphones are often sufficient. However, in situations that affect first impressions—such as the main visuals of websites, recruitment pages, or product photography—the use of light, composition, and retouching techniques can greatly affect the final result, so it is worth considering hiring a professional.

Is it okay to get quotes from multiple photographers?

No problem. Since each has a different area of expertise and style, we recommend consulting with about two or three people and comparing past examples and their service before choosing.

Can the photos I take be used directly for my website?

Basically, you can use it, but often you need to adjust the size and capacity appropriately for the website. If you outsource website production to another company, consult with the production company in advance about how to utilize the delivered data for smoother results.

Should I decide first: shooting or website production?

You can proceed from either option. If you have already decided on a website production client, it's a good idea to check in advance whether the production company can handle photography or if they need a separate photographer. Conversely, if you find a photographer you like first, you can also look for a website production company that can make use of the photos they take.

Is permission from employees in the photos required for corporate photography?

It is necessary. Posting photos without the employee's permission or continuing to use photos of former employees may lead to trouble later on. Before taking photos, it is recommended to obtain the employee's consent regarding the purpose and scope of the posting.

Conclusion

In Shiga, there are photographers and photographers with their own personalities, ranging from those specializing in corporate shoots to those specializing in family portraits and drone aerial photography. If anyone is currently considering reviewing the photos on their homepage or recruitment page, we hope the 10 people introduced here can be used as reference material for comparison.

Kototsuki Design also accepts website production including photography. Whether you want to prepare photos first and then organize your website, or want to consult with you all at once from the shoot, please feel free to contact us.

Glossary: Technical terms mentioned in this article

Promotional photo
These are photos used by talents, models, and professionals for job requests or introductions. They are sometimes used almost interchangeably with profile pictures.

Retouching
This process involves correcting the color, brightness, and skin texture of the photographs. This is a crucial step that determines the final result after the shoot.

Drone Aerial Photography
This method uses small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to photograph from above. It is used to capture overall views of buildings or land, as well as scenes of event venues.

Commercial Photography (Commercial Photographer)
Photos used for business purposes such as advertising or promotion. Composition and presentation are required to consciously encourage the viewer's actions.