First things first, Lisa Kato is the reason why I look so photogenic in 90% of my New York photos! Most of the time having just stepped off a plane, I know I will never have any red-eye or wonky face shots in Lisa’s pictures! The truth is that she knows how to take the most flattering photos, so my secrets out!

The first time I met Lisa was in NYC where she was working on a job as a photographer. She shot some outfit pictures of me and we immediately hit it off and have remained long distance friends ever since. She is softly spoken, petite and seems to have a knack of being invisible amongst a sea of crowds with her camera.

Lisa might be quiet and reserved, but her work has clout. Her work has appeared on the cover of the New York Times T Magazine and she’s often the incredible talent behind the lens of many photoshoots for the vintage inspired Japanese publication Clutch Magazine. Her recently released photography book ‘Fashion Portraits NYC’ launched a couple of months ago and was an instant sell out! She held her first solo photography exhibition at Rose Marie Ines Gallery in Brooklyn NYC in April 2019.

Her recent ventures don’t disappoint either, including the release of a photo book in collaboration with the Schott brand called ‘One Star in NYC’.

Keep scrolling to find out how Lisa does it all, and shop her new book.

NAME: LISA KATO

OCCUPATION: PHOTOGRAPHER

LOCATION: NEW YORK

IG HANDLE: @lisaka10

WEBSITE: www.lisakato.us

Q: Who is Lisa Kato ?

A: I was born and raised in Japan. I studied photography at Tokyo Polytechnic University for 4 years and after graduating I moved to New York in 2010.

Q: Tell us, have you always been a photographer?

A: My grandfather had a small camera shop in my hometown of Oita in Japan. Unfortunately this was before I was born, as he had already passed away, but my grandmother took over the business and she taught me how to use cameras. I grew up surrounded by camera equipment and my family always let me develop films and prints for free, so becoming a photographer was very natural to me. When I moved to NY after graduating, I started working as a photo assistant for a fashion photographer and years later, I finally became a full time photographer.

Q: How did you first get into fashion photography?

A: When I became a photo assistant, I went to shoots for Vogue, ELLE and other major fashion magazines. It was an amazing experience and I got a chance to work with many talented artists. During this time I was also test shooing with my friends and starting working for Japanese fashion magazines.

A lot of my inspiration to be a fashion photographer came from Richard Avedon, I love his fashion photography and portraits. Especially his iconic white background portraits. I think of myself as a portrait photographer these days. That’s my most passionate subject at the moment.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out on a similar career path?

A: Jump into anything that you love and keep taking as many photos as you can!

Q: What would you tell your younger self?

A: I had a difficult time fitting into society when I was kid, so I would tell my younger self that my life is going to be amazing! So stop being sad and relax!

Q: If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?

A: I can’t think of another job...The only thing I can do is photography!

Q: What is your favorite part of what you do?

A: Photoshoots are like jazz sessions. Until we start shooting, we don’t know how it is going to turn out. Even if we planned well! I like how energy is created between subjects and myself.

Q: What stories do you hope to tell with your photos?

A: I always put effort to show the subjects’s personalty and the history behind through my photography.

Q: What is the most memorable photo you have taken?

A: A cover photo for the New York Times ‘T Magazine’. The job was much bigger than myself and it was my first time photographing a celebrity; Ryuichi Sakamoto. I was very nervous at the shoot, but I really love how the photo came out. It always reminds me that being a photographer is an exciting job!

“Photoshoots are like jazz sessions. Until we start shooting, we don’t know how it is going to turn out. Even if we planned well! I like how energy is created between subjects and myself”

LISA KATO

Q: What is a typical day for you and is photography your full time pursuit?

A: There is no typical day or routine for me. Whenever I have shoots, I will be there. At someone’s studio, on the street, my own studio or somewhere else! When I don’t have shoots, I work at my office and do selecting and editing. Photography is my full time job, so there are many many things I need to work on!

Q: Tell us about your recent project ‘Fashion Portrait New York’ with Clutch Magazine?

A: All the photos were taken in New York City, and it was all about capturing the city through people’s fashion and lifestyles. I started photographing people in my small circle of friends, which eventually became a bigger circle. I got recommendations from people to people. That’s how I met all the amazing people who are in the book!

Q: Where is the most inspiring place you have been?

A: At Eleanor Ambos’s place. She is an interior designer and restorer of old buildings, who is 91 years old. I visited her building in Long Island City to photograph someone. I unexpectedly met her and asked her to be in my book right away. Taking photos of her inside of her beautiful building was such a memorable moment. You can watch a documentary about her here.

Q: How many languages do you speak?

A: Just two. Japanese and English.

Q: What is the best place to pick up a vintage bargain?

A: There are so many good vintage stores in NYC! Stock Vintage, Raggedy Threads, Stella Dallas Living, Church Street Surplus etc...But for a vintage bargain? Probably Urban Jungle and 28 Scott Vintage.

Q: What is your favorite vintage possession?

A: A nurse uniform from the 1940-50’s dyed orange by Church Street Surplus

Q: What inspires you?

A: My husband who is also a photographer

Q: If you had to pick a song to describe yourself, what would it be?

A: Umm...I can’t think of any songs!

Q: What is your New York secret?

A: My favorite photo lab ‘Bleeker Digital Solutions’ in Soho. They do the best job!

Q: What is your favourite City?

A: New York City

Q: Who is your professional hero?

A: Richard Avedon and my Mother

Q: Where is your favourite Hotel?

A: The Beekman in NYC. I love the stairwell!

Q: Breakfast of champions?

A: Grilled salmon, miso soup and rice. Japanese traditional breakfast style!

Q: Coffee or Tea?

A: Definitely coffee.

Q: Describe the last dream you had?

A: Going to Las Vegas with my whole family who speak no English. It was disaster!

Q: Tell me one thing that people might not know about you?

A: I’m a cat lover!

Q: What is the craziest denim trend you’ve ever tried?

A: When I was in junior high school, denim remake was very popular in Japan. I was very into making denim pants into denim bags. I don’t think it looked good...

Q: Describe how your favourite jeans make you feel in 3 words?

A: Masculine, powerful and very Japanese!

Q: What is your best denim memory?

A: Kelly in a rainbow denim outfit at Kingpins show in NYC!

Q: What does the future hold for Lisa Kato?

A: I just released a new photo book called “ONESTAR in NYC” (published by Clutch books) which is a collaboration with Schott NYC. I’ve been working on this project for two years and I’m so excited that I can finally share the images! I’m planning a launch party in NYC at the moment. I’m kind of nervous, but hopefully it’s going to be a great show. Also, I would like to try public photography arts, which anyone can enjoy and make neighborhoods look good and fun! I am thinking of starting somewhere in Bushwick, Brooklyn. I hope this project will make my neighbors and myself happy. I would like to try many other different things using photography!