You've Become

The Musician

That Honors

Senior Portrait

You've Become

The Musician

That Honors

Senior Portrait

High School Senior & Youth Musicians Photographer

in San Francisco Bay Area

ready to work together?

You have grown up with your music since you were little. You practiced for long hours when nobody saw. Then came the day a piece finally sounded the way you imagined it, and in that moment of awe, you and the music became one thing.

Your music has been with you all along.

That is why a portrait with your instrument can hold the heart of who you are. It carries the memories you have with it, and it shows you at your truest. Auditions, recitals, senior year. Whatever brings you here, let's photograph you and your music, just as you are right now.

Welcome to Mika Watanabe Photography

MORE ABOUT MIKA

I'm a photographer, and a mom of five, all grown now, including triplets who play bassoon, flute, and percussion in college.

For many years, their sound filled our house every day, from the early squeaky notes to the later years when their music surrounded me like a hug, and I miss it dearly. I know how much work goes into making music sound easy, and that is what I want my pictures to show: the artistry, the years behind it, and who you are right now.

When I am not photographing, I am fermenting kefir, yogurt, and tepache, cooking like it is art and science at the same time, propagating plants, or making something with my hands. I am also teaching myself three languages. I enjoy being a learner of all kinds.

Hi! I'm mika

Work together

Senior year marks the chapter where this music grew up in one house. All of it happened here: the excitement of the first sound, squeaky as it was, the frustration and the working through it, the piece that finally came together. Years of that sound filling every room.

Soon that sound moves on, into the next chapter.

This moment is full of anticipation, excitement, and unknowns for the senior, and for the parent it is the way back to it. The portrait holds both: who they are right now, and the sound that still lives in it.

Why a senior musician’s portrait now?

philosophy

On the day, the pace is calm and unhurried. There is quiet direction throughout, and time to settle in. Your musician does not need to perform for the camera.
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Session

Planning

We start with a short conversation to learn about your musician, their instrument, and what this session should honor. We shape the session together. Tell me your memorable moments with your music.

We plan for the date of the session. The non-refundable session fee is due at the time of the booking.

Discovery

Your session will be Attentively and thoughtfully planned so the it will flow naturally

Process

Location and timing are carefully planned, and what to wear are advised, so nothing needs figuring out on the day.

Your album and prints are handcrafted and delivered to your home, ready to be lived with.

Delivery

Reveal

We view the finished images together, and choose the ones that will become your album and prints. This is a guided appointment, not a sales pitch.

Rupa

The photo of Sahil with the cello reminds me of the special moments he had with his youth orchestra. I feel a sense of pride and gratitude that he got to experience the richness and beauty of playing such great pieces with this orchestra.

Sharon

Mika photographed my son, capturing a big milestone in his life: his senior year of high school. The photos are stunning. She has an eye for detail, a creative touch, and a gift for capturing personality. They bring me joy every time I look at them. I highly recommend Mika!!

Wen & Xiang

III

What made the experience even more meaningful was Mika’s own musical background and her experience working with many musicians. She understands that photographing a musician is about so much more than posing with an instrument. We couldn’t be happier with the photographs. They capture not just beautiful moments, but a special part of our daughter’s musical journey that we will always treasure.

Testimonials

Please feel free to reach me through an Inquire form below. I would love to hear about your youth musician. What they play, how long they have been at it, who they are when they are not holding the instrument. I would love to get to know about your journey with music.

How do we book a session?

Earlier than you might think. Sessions typically happen from spring through the summer, but the date itself is worth holding well before college decisions come in. Reach out whenever you are ready. We can hold a date now and sort out the details later.

When should we book a session?

About sixty to ninety minutes, and nothing is rushed. We start with the instrument and finish with portraits that stand on their own. I guide the posing gently, so no one has to figure out what to do with their posing.

How long is the session, and what happens during it?

Solid colors work best, either soft and light or deeper and darker. Anything they feel like themselves in is the right starting point. If this is also your graduation session, bring the cap and gown, and anything from the college they are headed to to be included in the gallery.

What should they wear?

I make sure the location we choose is safe for the instrument. I schedule around weather so the instrument is not exposed to heat or cold that could harm it. I am happy to also explore indoor locations of your choice as well.

Is it safe to bring the instrument?

Yes. The digital files for every image made into an album and your wall art are all included. Whatever you order, you receive the files for those same images to keep.

Are digital images included?

Q and A

more about your experience

Tell me about your musician. What they play, how long they’ve been playing, and who they are when the instrument is put away. I’d love to listen, and we can take it from there, one conversation at a time.