Скачать или смотреть Robert Kirsch on Building a Career as a Photographer in Japan

In this episode of Talking Sensu, we sit down with Robert Kirsch, a Tokyo-based documentary photographer who has worked with brands such as On Running, Adidas, Mikimoto, IKEA, and Google. We talk about his journey into photography and how it helped him reconnect with himself and with others.

Robert shares his path from growing up between Venezuela, Colombia, and Germany to moving to Japan, studying at Sophia University, and eventually building a photography career in Tokyo.

The conversation dives into film photography, the importance of physical prints, personal projects, and why sharing your work is essential for it to truly be alive.

Alongside photography, Robert also talks about his second career as a certified personal trainer, a long standing passion he now pursues professionally.

We talk about

What first drew him to Japan
Discovering photography and being influenced by Japanese photographers
Instagram’s role in launching a professional career
Learning darkroom printing in Tokyo
Creating and exhibiting his first solo photo exhibition
Personal work vs commercial work
Working with global brands in Japan
Why taking care of your body is essential for sustaining a creative career

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:36 Why Japan?
09:09 Discovering photography
13:20 Instagram, community, and early influences
21:20 First paid photography job
24:11 Blowing up on Instagram
25:45 Poweredby.tokyo, Inspiration Cult Mag
31:31 Going freelance and building a network
35:08 First solo exhibition
36:59 Darkroom printing
45:55 Themes and meaning
53:47 Working with brands
01:05:56 Advice to my past self
01:10:46 Working as a personal trainer
01:19:07 Future plans
01:22:55 Outro

Mentioned by Robert in the video:

Talking Sensu Ep 001:    • Our Creative Journey in Japan, from Workin...  
Asakusa x Cinestill 800T:    • Japan on 35mm Film | Asakusa × Cinestill 800T  

About Talking Sensu

Talking Sensu is a relaxed, long-form podcast hosted by Hai and Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work and the realities of building a career in the creative industry.

Social

Robert Kirsch
Photography: https://kirsch.jp/
Fitness: https://www.kirsch.fitness/
Instagram:   / robertkirsch  

Talking Sensu
Instagram:   / talkingsensu  

Hosts
Hai:   / timpas15  
Jeremy:   / jeremyhannigan  

Produced by Sensu Studio

Sensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects.

If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/.

Instagram:   / sensustudio  

Also available as an audio podcast

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