Idol Photo Session
(
46)
Tue 2006/12/19 22:03
I heard the word “Satsuei Kai” (撮影会(さつえいかい)) among the otaku community and didn’t really know what it was apart from the literal translation roughly meaning “group photo session”. After further investigation, I find out that one can go and participate in an event where one can take as many photos as one desires of an idol without the 60 second time limit.
As you already know, it’s my duty to serve my loyal readers and went along to find out more about this otaku category^^;
Berry Waffle is an organizer of idol photo sessions and I decided to go to check them out – in armor.
I’m still not too sure how everything works but it seems that the organizer rents a photo studio (in this case it was Roppongi Digital Photo Studio) and makes their money from getting punters to pay to take photos – sounds like a good business model to me.
The day is divided up into four segments – each segment divided into three photo sessions. I attended the first segment of the day. The first photo session was outdoors in a nearby park. The second and third session was in the studio.
The cost depends on how popular the idol is. Costs could go up to more than 10,000 yen per segment. I paid 5,000 yen for the first segment and then had to shoot off to another event. One segment lasts about 1.5 hours - but then again this would depend on which organizer you choose to go with.
The type of photo session depends on the idol but the one I attended had civilian clothing in the park and bikini for the studio shoot. If you were worried about the idol getting cold in the studio running around in a bikini – then don’t because the lighting was hot enough. As for the men – I think they got hot just by being in front of the idols...
As you already know, it’s my duty to serve my loyal readers and went along to find out more about this otaku category^^;
Berry Waffle is an organizer of idol photo sessions and I decided to go to check them out – in armor.
I’m still not too sure how everything works but it seems that the organizer rents a photo studio (in this case it was Roppongi Digital Photo Studio) and makes their money from getting punters to pay to take photos – sounds like a good business model to me.
The day is divided up into four segments – each segment divided into three photo sessions. I attended the first segment of the day. The first photo session was outdoors in a nearby park. The second and third session was in the studio.
The cost depends on how popular the idol is. Costs could go up to more than 10,000 yen per segment. I paid 5,000 yen for the first segment and then had to shoot off to another event. One segment lasts about 1.5 hours - but then again this would depend on which organizer you choose to go with.
The type of photo session depends on the idol but the one I attended had civilian clothing in the park and bikini for the studio shoot. If you were worried about the idol getting cold in the studio running around in a bikini – then don’t because the lighting was hot enough. As for the men – I think they got hot just by being in front of the idols...
What you have to do is to book in advance to save yerself some money – if you go along on the day to register then it will cost more. Depending on the organizer you choose, you will be given a member card. Collect up to 18 stamps on the back of the card and you get to go once for free - you get one stamp per visit (or segment?)
The studio was in Roppongi and the car park was right next door which was rather convenient - armor and a backpack is no fun - no look cool. Got to the reception, registered, quick chat with the manager and headed down to the basement.
This is where you can put all your crap and adjust camera settings etc.
This is where you can put all your crap and adjust camera settings etc.
The first session is out doors. There is usually a wait-in-line-and-take-shots-for-20-seconds thing which rotates. At the end of each session, all the blokes crowd around and one of the organizers makes sure that the idol gives each camera a glimpse.
Reflectors are used to adjust the light so you dont have to bother bringing your own.
When the idol does a particularly cute pose, the blokes break out in a sweat and all jump out of their place in the queue. Their cameras are poised within 0.2 seconds. I'm sure these guys used to military members at one point in their life.
And check out the lenses!
And check out the lenses!
This is Ai Shinozaki who is gathering incredible popularity in the idol otaku community – more of the outdoor shots in another post.
You dont get to photo one but two (count em) idols for each segment. This is Chihiro Ueno - another gravure idol.
Back in the studio. This is to adjust the white balance - but because I still dont know how to use my camera, I had to set the WB to bulb ToT
Ai-chan in bikini battle gear.
Chihiro-chan in bikini stealth gear.
Inside the studio.
Signed goodies left by previous idols.
One of the sets has strobe lighting where they attach a dongle or something to your camera that causes all the strobe lights to flash when you take a photo. I still don’t know how to use the camera properly and didn’t get to use this feature. Darn, I should get round to reading the instructions sometime ^^;
You get to listen to some groovesome background music to get you into that charisma photographer mood.
The idols get together for a twosome (is that the right word?)
Leaving you with the armor n idols shots - will upload the rest of the photos tomorrow.
Please excuse this pose but their manager insisted!
What better way to start the week than with a bunch of pics of the companion girls taken...(more)
Mon 09/25 21:11 comments (22)
83% of you said that you would hunt me down and eat my spleen if I didnt go to the Sayak...(more)
Tue 07/18 22:12 comments (31)
marvin
man! you lucky devil. lol. I salute you Danny Choo. ^^ These pictures would make any person wanna get a storm trooper armour as well. ^^
(ID #42255) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
van in Melbourne, Australia
Words... Cannot begin to describe the bizarre teen geek fantasies coming to life right there. Although I'm reminded of "Revenge of the Nerds" XD
(ID #42256) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
jon in uk
How does this go down in Mainstream Japan ? Over here, hiring a studio and a couple of "models" would have most people calling you a prev. However, do it for a living and most guys would be calling you a lucky bugger. "...the manager made me pose like that..." yeah right, you loved every minute of it :)
(ID #42257) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
K Chao in Jersey
. . . wahahaha~~~ You made my day again Danny... stormtrooper with idols... this is crazy!!
(ID #42258) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
eddie. in Tokyo
Oh man, this just puts you on a whole new level, Danny... hahahahahaha...
(ID #42259) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Hmm... I think it a stamp per event. Don't really remember now. I attended three events back when I was a single guy. Yep, you've got to be quick. The first time I went, I think it was as important to show of your equipment. Err, I mean camera equipment. *^^* Then again that was a few years ago. I'm the same, I have never used one of those sync setups, but I would like to give it a try. First I need to master the Speedlite I just bought, before I try a studio setup. Maybe spend the money someday for a small studio setup at home too. I do like the manger's photos! ^o^ Definitely like the bikini stealth gear! The group pose would have been nice for a few candid portrait shots... Oooh, wouldn't mind going to one of these events again. We are developing our photographic skills when we attend such events! ^_- What I would really like to do is run a few of these. I wonder how much the event organizer nets after he pays studio cost, model fees, and and gratuities he may owe the agency. Hmmm.... Looking forward to your other photos! When you get the time, read up on setting a manual white balance. It's really easy to do, and you will enjoy the results. ^^
(ID #42260) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Sweet event Danny, hope you had a good time at the event. While I would LOVE to attend one of these things, I am at a "soul hunt" at the moment to find the correct lady in my life (I feel thats approaching fast is as college), so I have shyed away from being attracted to models and such. Not that it is wrong, in fact I see nothing wrong with it. I just want to concentrate is all :) Woo would love to get to know one of these women, of course without being "hit" on or "hitting" on them.
(ID #42261) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
KL in USA
hmmm...aside from having unusually large cleavage (surprise in Japan!!), these idols seem to look a bit too young, especially Ai-chan, who looks like she should be in school. The things that go on in Japanese society...
(ID #42263) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Henry in Manila, Philippines
you're one lucky guy danny. that's one sweet idea for an event. maybe i could adopt such concept and raise some income here XD
(ID #42264) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Chicken in Singapore
omg Danny lucky lucky *Drool.. did you peek a boob ?
(ID #42265) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Gundam Otaku in Singapore
Yo Danny-san, those Idols are hot..thanks for the great post^^..Wish Singapore has such Idol photo session though..although its wishful thinking on my part.
(ID #42266) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Andy H in Birmingham, UK
Cool pics - the one of you posing with the gals in the trooper armour is ace! The whole 'pay to follow a woman around and take as many pics as you want' thing seems a little creepy to me, though i can imagine its a dream come true for fans of these lasses. Ai-chan looks really, REALLY young though... I'd be surprised if shes even 18. Chihiro looks real purdy! Does your wife approve? Most would chase you out of the house with a rolling pin - Andy Capp style!
(ID #42268) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
BeLe in Cebu, Philippines
Another good reason for me to get a camera ASAP. heheheh. Do these kind of events also happen anywhere else in the world? or is it only in japan? wouldn't be surprised if its the latter. heheh! ^^
(ID #42269) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
TJ Han in Singapore
They both are very busty. Personally, I would prefer more petite and slim idols but Danny, does the Storm trooper armour have extra groin space? Damn, we need such events worldwide.
(ID #42270) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Jacky in Singapore
Haha... Hey Danny, does such event happens in Osaka, Kobe as well? Maybe i shall wear my Boba Fatt armour for the photo session when I station back in Osaka. If such events arrived. Could be one the best collection I could ever had :) Jacky.. the not so otakus Otaku's.
(ID #42271) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
David -M- in France, Strasbourg
Idol Photo Session, I should do the same business here ! Very good photos with our stormtrooper suit !
(ID #42275) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Jeremy in Singapore
OMG~~ why did u wear the suit? i betcha that you would have gain more if u didnt wear it...cos by then...mwahahaha........
(ID #42276) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Windbell in Singapore
Damn, they are cute :) Just a bit young looking :/ And yes, we definitely need one of these worldwide.
(ID #42278) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Alafista in Singapore
I think you would be the first stromtrooper to be posing with bikini babes ... Anyway something unrelated ... here's an article on some little girl showing a Haruhi placard in Gaza City .. http://www.afpbb.com/article/1174867 I thought u might be interested in Haruhi-ism news .. ^^
(ID #42281) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Vincent in Paris
Such models photo sessions doesn't exist in Paris. You have to pay for an alone session with one model. For example: http://www.julie-modele.book.fr/ or http://ewunaphoto.free.fr/ (I don't know them; they were just the first ones I found by Google and Live:)) Otherwise, yours photos aren't bad at all. I kind of this one: http://www.dannychoo.com/images/photo/6665.jpg particulary Ai Shinozaki's face and pose (she looks like a James Bond's girl). You makes my day too ;)
(ID #42282) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
S.D. in N.Y.C.
Nice photo Shoot! Say, did you pick up a model fee?? ;)
(ID #42283) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
Danny U are a LUCKY, LUCKY Man.... TJ Han....I dont blame U for asking that Q......those idols will make U need extra space in just about any piece of clothing/armour!!
(ID #42293) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Lee Bong Sam in Long Beach California
Danny your site is the best and this picture speaks for its self your the father of all pimps any who I was just wondering what kind of camera do you use to take a picture of your figurines The pictures are so crisp and clear well hope you hear more about your little adventures as a storm trooper
- Lee
(ID #42297) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
RAAFie in The Netherlands (Holland)
haha thats so cool, lucky you in your storm trooper outfit! These girls rock...
(ID #42304) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Lok in Bath (aka wettest place on ear...
haha ... what will you wife think I wonder :P sounds a lot of fun .. more posts please.. as i recalled that you said something about Sayaka Isoyama back in November but nothing come after that T_T
(ID #42309) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Tsubaki in Singapore
Wth. First you manhandled Hirano Aya, and next not one but two busty idols? ZOMFG JEALOUSY. Lol.
(ID #42315) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
alan desu in Silicon Valley, California
danny, 撮影会 is the perfect business model if it were also started in Silicon Valley such as Saratoga or at the San Jose HP Pavillion Center where the Formula One Grand Prix is being held every year now. they will also like shopping at santana row! do not forget to invite the idols to california for the Grand Prix and please email me of the event if you get a chance to with 撮影会 in San Jose if it starts here. I am interested in photographing the models also. your photos with the models in bikini are awesome. keep up the website with the idols. yoi desu! totemo tsugoi desu.
(ID #42347) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
John Chang in California, USA
Just stumble into your site. Great site! Looking forward to visiting it often. :)
(ID #42367) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Cosplay angel in west coast of babylon
Wow, felt like I was there. In the back:-))
(ID #42492) Posted on 2007/01/02 01:23
Sales, Retail
Nice! A most interesting, fun learning experience... to see how an idol photo session goes...
(ID #42891) Posted on 2007/01/11 04:36
Mike in Aridzona
Hate to burst your bubble but the Stormtrooper Army has you beat: http://knuttz.net/hosted_pages/Imperial-Stormtroopers-20070110
(ID #42953) Posted on 2007/01/12 23:58
A nice post of you ^^ I have ever watched some photograph-session movies (gravures too hihi) on japansuki.haru.tv , a japanese streaming videos for all japanese freak!..anyway, I know much better since you wrote this ^^ ...nice post!!! arigatou... Danny Choo is the best!!!
(ID #67396) Posted on 2007/12/19 18:52
Ai-chan doesn't look too happy.
(ID #67416) Posted on 2007/12/20 04:20
rawr
(ID #68846) Posted on 2008/01/06 15:17
marvin
man! you lucky devil. lol. I salute you Danny Choo. ^^ These pictures would make any person wanna get a storm trooper armour as well. ^^
(ID #84259) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
van in Melbourne, Australia
Words... Cannot begin to describe the bizarre teen geek fantasies coming to life right there. Although I'm reminded of "Revenge of the Nerds" XD
(ID #84260) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
jon in uk
How does this go down in Mainstream Japan ? Over here, hiring a studio and a couple of "models" would have most people calling you a prev. However, do it for a living and most guys would be calling you a lucky bugger. "...the manager made me pose like that..." yeah right, you loved every minute of it :)
(ID #84261) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
K Chao in Jersey
. . . wahahaha~~~ You made my day again Danny... stormtrooper with idols... this is crazy!!
(ID #84262) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
eddie. in Tokyo
Oh man, this just puts you on a whole new level, Danny... hahahahahaha...
(ID #84263) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Hmm... I think it a stamp per event. Don't really remember now. I attended three events back when I was a single guy. Yep, you've got to be quick. The first time I went, I think it was as important to show of your equipment. Err, I mean camera equipment. *^^* Then again that was a few years ago. I'm the same, I have never used one of those sync setups, but I would like to give it a try. First I need to master the Speedlite I just bought, before I try a studio setup. Maybe spend the money someday for a small studio setup at home too. I do like the manger's photos! ^o^ Definitely like the bikini stealth gear! The group pose would have been nice for a few candid portrait shots... Oooh, wouldn't mind going to one of these events again. We are developing our photographic skills when we attend such events! ^_- What I would really like to do is run a few of these. I wonder how much the event organizer nets after he pays studio cost, model fees, and and gratuities he may owe the agency. Hmmm.... Looking forward to your other photos! When you get the time, read up on setting a manual white balance. It's really easy to do, and you will enjoy the results. ^^
(ID #84264) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Sweet event Danny, hope you had a good time at the event. While I would LOVE to attend one of these things, I am at a "soul hunt" at the moment to find the correct lady in my life (I feel thats approaching fast is as college), so I have shyed away from being attracted to models and such. Not that it is wrong, in fact I see nothing wrong with it. I just want to concentrate is all :) Woo would love to get to know one of these women, of course without being "hit" on or "hitting" on them.
(ID #84265) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
KL in USA
hmmm...aside from having unusually large cleavage (surprise in Japan!!), these idols seem to look a bit too young, especially Ai-chan, who looks like she should be in school. The things that go on in Japanese society...
(ID #84267) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Henry in Manila, Philippines
you're one lucky guy danny. that's one sweet idea for an event. maybe i could adopt such concept and raise some income here XD
(ID #84268) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Chicken in Singapore
omg Danny lucky lucky *Drool.. did you peek a boob ?
(ID #84269) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Gundam Otaku in Singapore
Yo Danny-san, those Idols are hot..thanks for the great post^^..Wish Singapore has such Idol photo session though..although its wishful thinking on my part.
(ID #84270) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Andy H in Birmingham, UK
Cool pics - the one of you posing with the gals in the trooper armour is ace! The whole 'pay to follow a woman around and take as many pics as you want' thing seems a little creepy to me, though i can imagine its a dream come true for fans of these lasses. Ai-chan looks really, REALLY young though... I'd be surprised if shes even 18. Chihiro looks real purdy! Does your wife approve? Most would chase you out of the house with a rolling pin - Andy Capp style!
(ID #84272) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
BeLe in Cebu, Philippines
Another good reason for me to get a camera ASAP. heheheh. Do these kind of events also happen anywhere else in the world? or is it only in japan? wouldn't be surprised if its the latter. heheh! ^^
(ID #84273) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
TJ Han in Singapore
They both are very busty. Personally, I would prefer more petite and slim idols but Danny, does the Storm trooper armour have extra groin space? Damn, we need such events worldwide.
(ID #84274) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Jacky in Singapore
Haha... Hey Danny, does such event happens in Osaka, Kobe as well? Maybe i shall wear my Boba Fatt armour for the photo session when I station back in Osaka. If such events arrived. Could be one the best collection I could ever had :) Jacky.. the not so otakus Otaku's.
(ID #84275) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
David -M- in France, Strasbourg
Idol Photo Session, I should do the same business here ! Very good photos with our stormtrooper suit !
(ID #84279) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Jeremy in Singapore
OMG~~ why did u wear the suit? i betcha that you would have gain more if u didnt wear it...cos by then...mwahahaha........
(ID #84280) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Windbell in Singapore
Damn, they are cute :) Just a bit young looking :/ And yes, we definitely need one of these worldwide.
(ID #84282) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Alafista in Singapore
I think you would be the first stromtrooper to be posing with bikini babes ... Anyway something unrelated ... here's an article on some little girl showing a Haruhi placard in Gaza City .. http://www.afpbb.com/article/1174867 I thought u might be interested in Haruhi-ism news .. ^^
(ID #84285) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Vincent in Paris
Such models photo sessions doesn't exist in Paris. You have to pay for an alone session with one model. For example: http://www.julie-modele.book.fr/ or http://ewunaphoto.free.fr/ (I don't know them; they were just the first ones I found by Google and Live:)) Otherwise, yours photos aren't bad at all. I kind of this one: http://www.dannychoo.com/images/photo/6665.jpg particulary Ai Shinozaki's face and pose (she looks like a James Bond's girl). You makes my day too ;)
(ID #84286) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
S.D. in N.Y.C.
Nice photo Shoot! Say, did you pick up a model fee?? ;)
(ID #84287) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
Danny U are a LUCKY, LUCKY Man.... TJ Han....I dont blame U for asking that Q......those idols will make U need extra space in just about any piece of clothing/armour!!
(ID #84297) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Lee Bong Sam in Long Beach California
Danny your site is the best and this picture speaks for its self your the father of all pimps any who I was just wondering what kind of camera do you use to take a picture of your figurines The pictures are so crisp and clear well hope you hear more about your little adventures as a storm trooper
- Lee
(ID #84301) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
RAAFie in The Netherlands (Holland)
haha thats so cool, lucky you in your storm trooper outfit! These girls rock...
(ID #84308) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Lok in Bath (aka wettest place on ear...
haha ... what will you wife think I wonder :P sounds a lot of fun .. more posts please.. as i recalled that you said something about Sayaka Isoyama back in November but nothing come after that T_T
(ID #84313) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Tsubaki in Singapore
Wth. First you manhandled Hirano Aya, and next not one but two busty idols? ZOMFG JEALOUSY. Lol.
(ID #84319) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
alan desu in Silicon Valley, California
danny, 撮影会 is the perfect business model if it were also started in Silicon Valley such as Saratoga or at the San Jose HP Pavillion Center where the Formula One Grand Prix is being held every year now. they will also like shopping at santana row! do not forget to invite the idols to california for the Grand Prix and please email me of the event if you get a chance to with 撮影会 in San Jose if it starts here. I am interested in photographing the models also. your photos with the models in bikini are awesome. keep up the website with the idols. yoi desu! totemo tsugoi desu.
(ID #84351) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
John Chang in California, USA
Just stumble into your site. Great site! Looking forward to visiting it often. :)
(ID #84371) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12
Cosplay angel in west coast of babylon
Wow, felt like I was there. In the back:-))
(ID #84496) Posted on 1999/11/30 14:12