READING TIME: 6 min 49 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/08/2024
UPDATED: 11/09/2024
Nomo Akisawa, the visionary founder of Simply Sweet Photography, has a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep love for capturing stories. Her passion took root during high school, where she spent two years immersed in the darkroom, learning film photography. “I was in a self-paced high school,” she recalls. “As it worked out for many kids, unfortunately, that did not work out for me at all and I skipped every class and ended up in photography secretly for 2 years all I did was skip class and go into the dark room.” Despite the unconventional path, Nomo found herself captivated by the power of photography. “I ended up failing high school because of this,” she admits, but that didn’t stop her from following her passion.
After returning to Vancouver and experiencing some challenging times, she picked up a camera again, driven by the need for a fresh start. “I was not in a good spot in my life and just decided to pick up a camera,” she says. Then, as if by fate, she lost her serving job, which gave her the push she needed to pursue photography full-time. “It was the most divinely orchestrated way,” Nomo reflects, “and I never looked back.” Since then, photography has not only become her career but a source of healing. “Photography came into my life when I needed it the most, and it has aided me on my healing journey,” she explains.
“Over the years I have had the gratitude to be able to create a really strong team of photographers,” Nomo adds. “I have also enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others, whether through workshops or mentoring aspiring photographers, as I believe in the power of community and collaboration.”
Simply Sweet Photography stands out for its distinctive style, a blend that the team describes as “whimsical, ethereal, romantic fairytale, but also candid, and editorial.” The duality within their work comes from years of experimentation and honing the unique aesthetic. “We have polarized energies in the style within all the years of shooting,” Nomo says, adding that this approach allows her team to bring out the beauty in both spontaneous moments and posed compositions.
Together, the team uses Canon equipment to capture images with a painterly quality, carefully considering lighting, background, and composition to reflect clients’ natural beauty. “ I always say, that the camera is my paintbrush, and a lot of the images come out of the camera with the perfect style of lighting, and in the post processing we want you to embrace your natural beauty and fall in love with who you are,” Nomo says.
Their post-processing approach is subtle, enhancing each photo by smoothing out blemishes, refining backgrounds, and letting the clients’ personalities shine through.
For Nomo Akisawa photography is more than a profession—it’s a passion that brings her immense joy and fulfillment. “What I enjoy most about being a photographer,” she explains, is the unique ability to tell stories and capture emotions through visual imagery. Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about creating a narrative that resonates with people.” Each image Nomo creates is crafted to evoke emotions, spark memories, and transport viewers to cherished times and places.
One of the aspects she loves most is the creative process itself. “Photography allows me to express my artistic vision while experimenting with different techniques, lighting, and compositions,” she says. “Whether I’m shooting landscapes, portraits, or events, each setting presents a new challenge and an opportunity to push my creative boundaries.” For Nomo, every session is a chance to learn something new, try something bold, and create something meaningful.
Another highlight of her work is connecting with her clients. “I enjoy working with clients and subjects, learning their stories, and finding ways to represent their personalities through my lens,” she shares. Building rapport and understanding her clients’ unique stories allows her to capture images that feel authentic and compelling. “It’s rewarding to see someone’s joy when they view the final photographs, knowing I’ve captured a moment that will be cherished for years to come.”
Nomo also embraces the continual learning and growth that comes with photography. “The field is always evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging,” she says. This evolution keeps her motivated to refine her skills and stay updated on new techniques, which she believes not only enhances her artistry but also enriches her personal journey.
Photography has also given her a way to explore the world and find inspiration in new surroundings. “Whether I’m traveling to new places or discovering hidden gems in my local area, I’m constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of our surroundings,” she shares. This sense of discovery, she believes, deepens her appreciation for life and enables her to bring unique perspectives to each session.
In summary, Nomo’s commitment to artistry, connection, and growth is what fuels Simply Sweet Photography. “The blend of creativity, connection, continuous learning, and exploration makes photography not just a profession for me, but a true passion,” she explains. Through her work, Nomo not only captures moments but contributes to the way people see and appreciate the world, creating images that resonate deeply and celebrate life’s most precious memories.
The Simply Sweet Photography team approaches each wedding and event with heartfelt dedication, seeing their work as an opportunity to create lasting memories and be a part of clients’ cherished stories. “Our team is deeply grateful to play a role in your union and the merging of your families,” they share, expressing pride in the trust their clients place in them. “Your trust in our art, skills, and professionalism to be part of your traditions and celebrations is truly an honor,” they add, reflecting the team’s commitment to every couple’s unique journey.
At the core of Simply Sweet Photography’s values is a strong sense of “togetherness.” They see themselves as an integral part of each event, working closely with couples and families to create a supportive, cohesive atmosphere. “We’re fully committed to being there alongside you as a cohesive team,” they say, ensuring that they honor each couple’s meaningful traditions, rituals, and mementos. The team’s approach focuses on capturing natural, authentic moments, investing ample care, time, and support into every detail to ensure a genuinely memorable experience.
The team understands that each wedding is unique, and they keep their calendar intentionally limited to around 25 weddings a year to provide personalized attention to every couple. To accommodate the diverse needs of their clients, they offer packages ranging from 6-12 hours and even up to 35-40 hours for South Asian wedding weeks. Flexibility is a priority, and they’re always willing to create custom packages that meet specific needs. “We understand that not all couples will operate the same and some will need custom-tailored packages,” they say enthusiastically. “We also have a lot of a la carte options.”
Simply Sweet Photography believes that a successful, memorable photoshoot experience starts well before the day itself, and the team is dedicated to ensuring each client feels prepared, confident, and at ease. “We want to ensure you have all the resources you need to make your experience truly exceptional,” they share, with an array of tailored resources and tips designed to enhance every aspect of the client journey.
To help clients prepare, the team provides a comprehensive Preparation Guide that covers everything from outfit selection and hair and makeup to timing considerations. “We encourage you to incorporate personal touches and meaningful props into your photos to make them uniquely yours,” they explain. This guide serves as a go-to resource, ensuring clients feel their best in front of the camera.
Understanding that being in front of the lens can sometimes feel intimidating, Simply Sweet Photography includes Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques to help clients feel calm and natural. “From deep breathing exercises to visualization techniques, these practices will help you feel at ease on your special day,” they add, creating an environment that allows clients’ true personalities to shine through.
In preparation for capturing all of a couple’s must-have moments, the team offers a Customizable Shot List Template. “Share this list with us, and we'll work together to ensure your vision is brought to life,” they suggest, making sure each special detail, significant moment, and personal touch is documented just as envisioned.
The team also knows how important timing is on a busy wedding day. To keep everything running smoothly, they provide Timeline Planning Tools that guide couples through planning each step, ensuring ample time for photography without feeling rushed. “Our timeline planning tools will guide you through the process,” they say, helping clients feel organized and relaxed on their big day.
In case of unexpected weather, Simply Sweet Photography has prepared a Weather Contingency Plan to ensure stunning photos regardless of the conditions. “While we hope for perfect weather on your wedding day, it's always best to be prepared,” they note, offering alternative photo locations or setups for rainy or challenging days so that clients can feel confident knowing their memories will be beautifully preserved, rain or shine.
Finally, Simply Sweet Photography provides Post-Session Care Tips to help clients manage and preserve their images. “Once your photo sessions are complete, we'll share tips and recommendations for caring for your photos,” the team explains. This includes guidance on digital file management, printing options, and preservation techniques to ensure that every image remains a cherished keepsake for generations to come.
For Nomo, the opportunity to shoot destination weddings is a privilege. “Yes!! I definitely do destination weddings,” she says. “ I have enjoyed all destinations and feel so grateful to be able to tap into all parts of the world.” She speaks fondly of Italy and various parts of the U.S., calling them some of her favorite destinations.
For Simply Sweet’s team, photography is more than a career—it’s a lifelong journey of growth, connection, and creativity. As they continue to capture weddings and events across the globe, they remain dedicated to making each session a truly special experience for every client.
