Silhouette of a couple on the beach at dusk

momography okinawa

Quiet, timeless
wedding photography in Okinawa

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Concept

A gentle touch on the space between moments

In a world full of bright, busy beach photos, I choose stillness.

Soft gradations of light, and the two of you wrapped in the sound of the waves.
Photographs whose feeling deepens with every passing year.

Silhouette of a couple under trees and an arch
Why Momography

Three reasons couples choose Momography

Couple gazing at each other by the sea
01

The photographer behind these photos
is the one who works with you, start to finish

At large studios, the photos on the website are often by their top photographers, while the person who actually shows up may have only a year or two of experience. Requesting a senior photographer can cost an extra ¥30,000 to ¥50,000.

At Momography, I handle everything myself: your questions, planning, the shoot, editing and delivery. There is no request fee, and the launch plan is shot by me too.

Bride and groom on a pier
02

Over 1,000 couples in Japan and abroad,
and years as a chief photographer

I spent six years at resorts in Fiji photographing weddings for couples from all over the world. Back in Japan, I was a chief photographer at the country’s largest photo wedding studio, ranked in the national top 10 for annual requests, and won the Grand Prix at the Zexy Domestic & Overseas Resort Photo Contest.

I want the shoot itself to be a happy memory, not just the photos, so I’ll help you relax and enjoy it.

Couple on the shore at sunset
03

Every shoot is planned
around the most beautiful light

I care about light because that is when a moment is at its most beautiful. Rather than what is efficient, I suggest the time and place based on what will stay with you.

I want you to feel something quietly stir each time you look back at your photos. That is why I choose that hour on purpose.

Just tell me roughly when you’d like to shoot.

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Photographer Sam Momota holding a camera
About Me

I’m the one behind the camera.
Sam Momota / Photographer

I picked up a film camera at university and spent four years absorbed in the darkroom. I then honed my craft at a Tokyo studio, working alongside top advertising photographers.

In Fiji, I photographed all kinds of weddings: European, Hindu, Islander and more. Wherever I was, two feelings never changed: enjoying life, and cherishing the people in it. I hope my photos can quietly add color to yours.

I shoot in both English and Japanese.

  • Graduated in Photography, Faculty of Fine Arts, Kyushu Sangyo University
  • Studio assistant at a rental studio in Tokyo
  • Principal Photographer & Studio Manager at a company in Fiji, photographing weddings for couples from around the world and advertising for 4 and 5-star resorts
  • Returned to Japan in 2018. Chief Photographer at Japan’s largest photo wedding studio, national top 10 for annual requests
  • 6 years of overseas resort wedding photography (ongoing)
  • Grand Prix, Zexy Domestic & Overseas Resort Photo Contest

“With the sound of the shutter, a whisper of emotion.”

Customer’s Voice

From our couples

So much fun, we laughed the whole time!

He took all the classic shots, of course, but also lots of playful, stylish and emotional photos with an overseas feel. We’re so happy! If you’re having photos taken in Okinawa, we highly recommend him!

Translated from Japanese

Sarry — Japan

We are super happy with our photoshoot.

Sam managed to capture our natural essence even considering we had limited sunset and turned our dream wedding as coming out of a fairy tale. Thank you very much for providing such beautiful photos.

Thiago Coutinho — Singapore

Amazing!

The photos you took are absolutely stunning! So creative taking the simplest locations and items and turning them into a masterpiece. We received our photos within such a short time and everything was just amazing!

Angie McKnight — Australia

Plan

Wedding & Couple Photography

Launch Plan

¥18,000tax included

Momography is just getting started, so shoots from January to April 2027 are offered at a launch price, in exchange for helping me build my portfolio. Prices will change from May. First come, first served.

Shoot datesJanuary to April 2027
Planning call30 minutes online
Shoot length100 minutes (travel between locations not included)
Locations2 locations: a beach, plus either a sunset spot or one more daytime spot (the two locations are within 15 minutes of each other by car)
Photos200+ photos, all edited. 10 favorites finished with a film look
DeliveryBy download, in about 10 days
OutfitsBring your own at no charge
RainFree rescheduling

* I kindly ask for your help with sharing photos on social media and leaving a Google review.
* Location permit fees are extra. They vary by location, so I’ll let you know when you get in touch.
* Shoots on remote islands also need travel and accommodation.

Black-and-white photo of a bride smiling through a round window
Casual & Family

Everyday, Casual & Family Photos

Come as you are, in your everyday clothes, for family or couple photos. No wedding needed.

1 hour¥16,500tax incl.
2 hours¥30,000tax incl.
Photos60+ for 1 hour, 120+ for 2 hours
DeliveryI send you a download link
LocationWe choose together
Optional Service

Add only what you need, chosen to suit the mood of your photos.

Rental Dress & Tuxedo

Dress: one dress with accessories and shoes (¥66,000+). Tuxedo also available (¥55,000+). Natural, refined outfits that bring out a sense of calm, ready for you in Okinawa so you can travel light.

Hair & Makeup

Includes a consultation beforehand. Your stylist stays with you on the day to keep you looking your best, even in the wind.

Additional Location

Add depth to your story as the light and air change. Some locations charge a permit fee.

Custom Album

Choose the number of pages and the paper. Each album is carefully designed for you, a quiet book of memories.

Estimate

Quick estimate

Tick what you need to see an approximate total.

Launch plan (100 min, 2 locations, 200+ photos)¥18,000
Dress
Tuxedo
+¥33,000~
+¥33,000~
+¥33,000~
Travel & stay
Approximate total
¥18,000tax incl.

Location permit fees (they vary by location, so I’ll let you know when you get in touch), and travel and accommodation for remote islands, are extra. I’ll send a formal quote when we talk.

Flow

From first message to delivery

  1. Get in touch by email or InstagramTell me roughly when you’d like to shoot, and whether you need outfits or hair and makeup.
  2. Quote and datesI’ll suggest available dates and a shoot time that suits the light.
  3. Confirm your bookingYour date is secured once the ¥8,000 deposit is paid by bank transfer or PayPay. The remaining ¥10,000 is paid in cash on the day.
  4. Online planning call (30 min)We decide the look, outfits and locations together.
  5. The shootI’ll guide you through every pose. Just be yourselves.
  6. Delivery in about 10 days200+ edited photos, delivered by download.
FAQ

Questions

What if it rains or there’s a typhoon?

We’ll reschedule at no charge.

How far ahead should I book?

If a date is free, you can book up to 3 days before. The launch plan is first come, first served, so get in touch as soon as you know your dates.

Where can we shoot?

I’m based in central Okinawa and travel across the island for shoots. I can also travel to remote islands (travel and accommodation extra). For the launch plan, the two locations are within 15 minutes of each other by car.

Where do we meet, and how do we get around?

You get ready at your hotel. Between locations, you and I each travel in our own car. Travel time is not included in the 100-minute shoot.

How much are location permit fees?

They vary by location, so I’ll let you know when you get in touch. Permit fees are charged separately from the shoot fee.

Can we bring our own outfits?

Yes, at no charge. I’m also happy to help you choose a shop.

We’re not good at posing.

I’ll guide you through everything. Walking and talking together brings out better expressions than smiling at the camera.

Can family, kids or pets join?

Yes. For family or everyday photos that aren’t for a wedding, there is the Everyday, Casual & Family plan (1 hour ¥16,500, 2 hours ¥30,000, tax included). Some beaches don’t allow pets, so let me know in advance.

How do I pay, and what is the cancellation policy?

The ¥8,000 deposit is paid by bank transfer or PayPay, and the remaining ¥10,000 in cash on the day. If you cancel, the full shoot fee is charged, but you can postpone within one year at no extra cost. Outfit and hair and makeup providers have their own cancellation fees.

Can the shoot be in English?

Yes, I shoot in English as well as Japanese.

How many photos do we get, and how?

200+ photos, all edited, delivered by download in about 10 days. 10 favorites are finished with a film look.

Contact

Nothing decided yet? That’s perfectly fine.

The shoot, the preparation: let’s find the scene you have in mind, one step at a time.
A simple “Are you free around March?” is enough. Consultations and quotes are free, and we can talk by video call.
I reply within 2 days.

All 2026 dates are now fully booked, thank you.
I’m currently taking bookings from January 2027.

[email protected]

Check availability

If you have dates in mind, you can choose up to three.
If not, just leave them blank.

1st choice
2nd choice
3rd choice
Questions or requests

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