What is "Photostudio-Home," which Captures the Love of Parents and Children with Disabilities in Photos?

Taking photos for individuals with disabilities requires various considerations. It may take a lot of time to take family photos in a studio, and some studios might even refuse the service.

This time, we introduce Photostudio-Home, a specialized photo studio that has gained much trust from people with disabilities and their families.

1. What is "Photostudio-Home," a specialized photo studio for families with children with disabilities?

"Photostudio-Home" is a photo studio located in Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, catering to families with children with disabilities. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Hiyoshi Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

With the concept of "Let's Smile! Making Everyone Smile with Photos," the studio offers a space where families can enjoy a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, capturing the bonds between parents and children.

With a complete reservation system allowing up to two groups per day, both those with and without disabilities can participate in the photo sessions with ease.

The photographer, Maiko Kuzuya, has extensive understanding and experience with children with disabilities and their families, and she also offers on-location shoots. This allows for photo sessions tailored to the desire of capturing moments in preferred locations.

Reference: Concept｜Photostudio-Home

1-1. Capturing Special Moments of Parents and Children at Photostudio-Home

At Photostudio-Home, they capture special moments between parents and children, preserving them as everlasting memories. By capturing important family memories such as birthdays, growth milestones, and family trips, love and bonds can be immortalized.

The gallery at Photostudio-Home showcases various scenarios, including Shichi-Go-San, coming-of-age ceremonies, and family photos when welcoming new members, catering to a wide range of needs.

The website features many wonderful photos, so be sure to check them out below.

Reference: Gallery｜Photostudio-Home

1-2. Changes Observed in Parents and Children with Disabilities through Photography

Through photo sessions at Photostudio-Home, the growth and changes in parents and children with disabilities become visible. The camera captures families supporting and encouraging each other, as well as children acquiring new skills.

Through these photos, it can be demonstrated to other families and society that even with disabilities, a happy family life is possible.

2. The Catalyst: The Reality of Prenatal Diagnosis

Maiko Kuzuya, the founder of Photostudio-Home, began photographing children with disabilities after learning during her university studies in photojournalism that "about 90% of parents choose abortion when prenatal diagnosis reveals a disability in their unborn child."

She felt sadness and shock at the thought of lives disappearing from this world, which led her to start this project to support children with disabilities and their families.

Raising a child with a disability can be challenging, and many families experience worries and anxieties. The goal is to provide support to these families and convey through photography the happiness and hope of families living joyfully with their children with disabilities.

Reference: Yokohama Photographer Maiko Kuzuya Continues to Capture Smiles Beyond Struggles｜NHK

3. The Message to Society through Photography

Maiko Kuzuya of Photostudio-Home has a message she wants to convey to society through photography. By showing the smiles of parents raising children with disabilities, she hopes people will think, "They look happy."

In an NHK interview, she shared the following thoughts:

Seeing the genuine smiles of parents and children, I hope everyone feels happiness.

Source: Yokohama Photographer Maiko Kuzuya Continues to Capture Smiles Beyond Struggles｜NHK

In a photo exhibition held in 2021, words expressing the honest feelings when a family learns of a disability and their dreams for the future were also displayed alongside the photos.

From the photos of 29 families with children with various disabilities, one can sense the joy of forming friendships, the despair of having a child with a disability, and the intense parenting experiences.

For those who feel "unhappy" due to worries and anxieties about the future, seeing the family's past emotions and current smiles might offer great hope for the future.

Reference: Photo Exhibition Captures Interactions of Children with Disabilities and Their Parents: "If You Feel Unhappy, Please See This"｜Asahi Shimbun

4. In Conclusion

Photostudio-Home provides a safe and enjoyable space for children with disabilities and their families to take photos. Through their activities, they aim to convey the daily lives and emotions of parents and children with disabilities to society, expanding understanding and support.

The photos capturing the happy family lives of children with disabilities and their families can convey the strong bonds and love these families have, deepening societal understanding and awareness of disabilities.

While raising a child with a disability can be challenging at first, ultimately, it will surely be something you feel grateful for. The activities of Photostudio-Home bring inspiration and change to many, making it a valuable endeavor for families with children with disabilities.

While studio sessions are unavailable from June to September 2023, they are accepting on-location shoots.

Why not consider using Photostudio-Home for capturing special days?

Reference: Photostudio-Home

Ayumi also features other articles about parents and children with disabilities, so feel free to check out the following articles.

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