Spring 2026 in Tokyo
Join Mark de Paola in Tokyo, Japan April 13-21, 2026 for an unforgettable week immersed in Japanese photographic culture shooting fashion, portraiture, and fine art work. It is no secret as to why many call Tokyo the photographic capital of the world. With an incredible cultural reverence for the craft, a rich history in bookmaking, and countless artists throughout history, photography proves to be at the very heart of Tokyo. Having had several exhibitions and worked in Tokyo throughout his career, de Paola is thrilled to share a behind the scenes exclusive experience of Tokyo in 2026.
Tuition: $14,500
Culture & Craft
More Than a Photo Workshop
Immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine, culture, and craft through Mark’s lens. By application only, attendees will explore and capture fashion and portraiture in Tokyo’s various neighborhoods. Stay in Ginza, Tokyo’s most luxurious shopping and cuisine neighborhood, wander the streets of Omotesando shooting portraiture and rest between looks at the new Leica Flagship with a swanky vinyl listening bar, explore the photo book stores of Shinjuku, capture fashion looks in front of some of Tokyo’s most iconic facades in Shibuya, and finally rest at the end of each day with a handmade hot cup of matcha.
- Building and crafting a narrative in portraiture and fashion
- Japanese Bookmaking
- Japanese Photography Culture + Significant Artists in Japanese History
- The elements necessary to produce fashion photography
- Mark’s creative process from concept to completion in photographic storytelling
- Impact of lens choice on the creative process
- Working with natural light on-location
- Techniques for working at minimum focusing distances
- Capturing motion in a still image
- Understanding the collaboration between photographer and subject
- Adapting a creative concept to your own visual style
- Individualized instruction and mentorship by Mark de Paola
- Shoot production
- Talent and shoot teams
- Shoot locations
- 8 Nights of five star accommodations in Ginza, Tokyo (click here to preview accomodations)
- 2 Meals/Day
- Transfers between masterclass activities
Please note that student flights to/from Tokyo, airport transfers, and 1 meal/day
are not included in tuition and must be arranged for individually by each student.
Mid April is the perfect time to be in Tokyo with daytime temperatures in the low to mid 70s Fahrenheit.
Travel Documents Required - 1. Participants must have a valid passport for a minimum of 6 months from the date of departure to travel to Tokyo. 2. Participants will be required to show proof of travel insurance to dePAOLA Pictures prior to travel. 3. Participants will be required to sign the production contract prior to travel.
Food - All food allergies and restrictions must be communicated far in advance of travel. Please note that Tokyo is one of the most robust and incredible cities for food and attendees should expect to immerse themselves in the local cuisine at masterclass restaurants and for culinary experiences. Examples may be ramen, yakitori, sushi, soba, Kobe beef, etc. In addition, for attendee meals that are on your own, a list of some recommended restaurants will be provided prior to travel for your convenience.
Hotel - Our hotel partner is the iconic and historic Imperial Hotel, a luxurious five star accommodation partner with a rich history. The hotel is also situated in Ginza, in the heart of a plethora of luxury and vintage shopping, and some of the most famous culinary experiences in the world. In addition, the Leica Store Ginza is mere blocks away. Several dining options are also available on site for those who wish to stay in during meals on your own.
Walking - Expect to walk from 2-4 miles a day. Tokyo is a huge metropolis and we will be taking advantage of the city’s incredible locations as we capture iconic images together.
Camera Gear - Please only bring the camera gear that you can carry yourself. Please do not bring tripods, reflectors, or large lighting contraptions. This is not allowed for photographing on the streets of Tokyo and proves a liability.
Flight Arrival Recommendation - As you look into coordinating your own airfare for travel, keep in mind that the program will begin in the evening on April 13th and conclude with a farewell dinner on April 21st and a group breakfast on June 11th. Attendees are not required to attend the group breakfast on April 21st depending on each individual’s best and most convenient preference for their departing flight.
Student Tuition: $13,000.00
Tuition Schedule:
$5000.00 nonrefundable deposit due upon application acceptance and registration $9500.00 balance due January 1, 2026
Spouse Rate
Spouse tuition: $5000.00
Please note that the spouse rate allows for double occupancy accommodations, 2 meals/day with the group, transfers between activities, and inclusion for group experiences (for example, a museum archive visit, lectures). The spouse rate does not include any shooting time or portfolio reviews. Spouses are welcome to be present on set during shoots.
Cancellation Policy
The refund amounts below do not apply to the $5000.00 nonrefundable deposit.
> 90 Days 100% of the $8000.00 tuition deposit returned 90-60 Days 60% of the $8000.00 tuition deposit returned 60-30 Days 20% of the $8000.00 tuition deposit returned < 30 Days Tuition is nonrefundable
About
Mark de Paola
Mark de Paola is a New York City based fine art and fashion photographer with over 30 years of experience shooting campaign and fine art commissions for the likes of Vogue Spain, Vogue Mexico, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung, David Koma, Roksanda, and Saint Laurent.
De Paola has directed several hundred television spots in the fashion/beauty sector including those for Giorgio RED Perfume (Bergdorf Goodman windows and MoMA NY), Ducati, Leica Camera, Sony, Neutrogena, and Ford Motorsports.
De Paola's fine art work is included in public collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, New York, The Getty in Los Angeles, the San Diego Center of Photographic Arts, and the TOP Museum in Tokyo. His photography monographs Recent Work I (2018), Recent Work II (2019), and Five Years and Sixty Seconds (2020) can be found with Leica Camera retailers in major cities worldwide. De Paola's solo exhibitions have traveled around the world including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dali (China), Tokyo, Milan (Triennale Museum), and at home in New York City.
De Paola's pictorialist work as a still and motion artist has been driven by his studies of the neurobiology and cognitive psychology of human vision.
How The Application Process Works:
1 .Fill out and submit your application form online.
2. Receive application status from Camera West within 7 days of application.
3. If accepted, receive a "next steps" travel PDF and the program contract (Including passport requirements, providing your travel insurance, specific travel recommendations, etc)
4. Submit your signed program contract within 14 days of receipt.
5. Pay $5000.00 program deposit via a private payment link to secure your registration.
**Please note that the remainder of your tuition will be due in January 2026**
Fill out the form below to apply for this upcoming experience with Mark de Paola in Tokyo. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to info@depaolapictures.com for more information
