Japanese Style Portrait Photography in Yorkshire

Searching out the perfect location can take a little organising,  however for LJ English and Sarah, that location needed to be Japan!


Challenge for Lee

Lee (aka LJ English) is the is the only British singer of Japanese Enka and Showa era songs, which he performs both nationally and internationally with his wife Sarah.


They required a collection of images for promotional purposes to showcase their performances across their marketing channels. 


It was going to take some planning but man, all that dressing up . . . photoshoot heaven! 

Solution for Lee

The Consultation is where the planning begins, of course.  And we couldn't wait to hear Lee's story and ideas.


We knew Lee had previously been a singer in a rock band, but now he'd switched out his double denim out for a kimono to take up his love of Japanese music.


Since then Lee has become known for his powerful and emotive performances of Showa era songs and classic Enka. And Sarah often performs alongside him, heads up the tech and interviews him.


Their photoshoot was to be broken down into three separate sessions:


1.  In the studio to capture Headshots and Emotipics®.

2.  Event photography to capture their performance.

3.  Portraits on location in a Japanese garden.


Although we were excited to photograph the guys in their outfits, Enka songs are also performed in a story telling way. Lee uses emotions and gestures to get them across and it was important for us to capture those.


The Headshots and Emotipics® were shot in our studio.  Lee and Sarah  brought along props and kimonos, which we offset with coloured backdrops and lights.


For Event photography day we all headed up to Jam on Top studio in Keighley. Brian, is not only the owner but also a light/sound technician - so his expertise helped to set the scenes.


And for our final shoot we travelled to a Japanese island in the middle of Tatton Park, Cheshire.  This serene part of the park is beautiful with stepping stones, ornate bridges and arches, quirky trees and a striking pagoda.


Our huge thanks to the fabulous people at Tatton Park for allowing us to shoot on their Japanese island. And our special thanks to Barry and his buggy (didn’t half save our legs), and Mike the Head Gardener (for pedalling across the park to help us gain access). 


If you like an on location photoshoot and wish to talk about your next step, please contact us or call 07790753852  

quotesArtboard 1 copy 2


I recently had the pleasure of working with Lincoln and Perrin who brought my vision to life in a stunning Japanese-themed photo shoot. Their exceptional skills and artistic eye have resulted in some fabulous shots and I am thrilled to share my experience and endorse their incredible work.


From the very beginning, they displayed a genuine enthusiasm for my project. They took the time to listen attentively to my ideas, understanding my desire to capture the essence of my stage show and the importance of the theme of “Japan / UK relations”. Their commitment to ensuring my satisfaction was evident from our first meeting.


Throughout the shoot, they demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism. Their attention to detail was excellent, meticulously arranging each scene to create visually striking compositions. They skillfully captured the intricacies of the Japanese theme, showcasing both traditional elements and modern twists that perfectly complemented my personality and performance style.


The final results surpassed all my expectations. I am truly grateful for the skillful editing and post-production work, as they have elevated the images to a level of artistry that I was lacking prior to this shoot.


Roth Read Photography’s dedication and passion for their craft are evident. Their ability to understand and translate my vision into reality is commendable, and I am immensely grateful for their expertise.


Japanese Style Portrait Photography in Yorkshire

L J English

Japanese Enka/Showa Era Singer


Make sure you choose the perfect photographer with this 10 step guide

Grab your guide!

Other Projects

Share by: