Black-and-white large format portrait of a man in a brimmed hat 大判カメラ肖像写真

Analog
Portraits.

Large-format portraits made on photographic paper. Developed by hand.

A traveling portrait studio based in Seattle.

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Black-and-white large format portrait of a man in a backward cap, made at Seattle Outdoor Dance Two friends in a blue-toned color portrait made at Fremont Fridays Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman, made at Seattle Outdoor Dance Smiling woman making a peace sign in a color portrait from Fremont Fridays Black-and-white large format portrait made at Seattle Outdoor Dance Color large format portrait made at Fremont Fridays

Recent portraits  ·  Browse the event galleries →

A Traveling
Portrait Studio

Naruhako (“becoming box” in Japanese) is a mobile portrait studio built around an antique large-format camera and traditional photographic processes.

I make black-and-white and color portraits on photographic paper, developing each one by hand. The studio travels to markets, gatherings, weddings, and other events throughout Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Every portrait is made individually, from the exposure to the finished print.

The photographer under the dark cloth framing a seated sitter with a large format camera
A wooden Naruhako Light Portraits box with a vintage large format camera resting on top なるはこ · 光

Open Studios · Private · Events

Portrait Sessions

There are a few ways to sit with Naruhako. At open studios, the studio sets up at markets and community events, and anyone can stop by to have a portrait made. Private sittings are slower and more personal, with time to work together on the image. For weddings and gatherings, the studio comes to you and makes portraits of your guests throughout the event.

Three friends laughing together in a color portrait made at a public event

Pop-Ups & Markets

Find the traveling studio at markets, art walks, and community events. Stop by for a portrait and take home a photograph made by hand.

Upcoming Events
Black-and-white portrait of a woman with long dark hair

Private Portraits

A dedicated sitting for individuals, couples, families, and anyone interested in creating a portrait with organic direction and chemical processes.

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Black-and-white large format portrait of a smiling couple

Weddings & Events

Bring an analog portrait studio to your wedding, party, or gathering. Guests can sit for individual portraits throughout the event, with each photograph made by hand.

Book for an Event

How It’s Made

The Process

Each portrait begins with a single sheet of photographic paper loaded into a large-format camera. There is no screen and no second take. The image is made by light alone, then developed by hand in a portable darkroom that travels with the studio. Because the work is analog, it answers to its surroundings: the weather, the light, the temperature of the chemistry. That variability is part of the portrait, and every print holds a little of the moment and place it was made.

A large format camera, lights and a chair set up and waiting in a park

01

A Moment of Pause

We pause together while the light is captured in the camera. It’s a collaboration between photographer and sitter, and the portrait is made in that stillness.

The photographer reaching into the portable developing box

02

Developing the Photograph

The exposed paper is developed by hand using traditional darkroom chemistry.

A finished color portrait of a smiling woman

03

The Finished Portrait

The photograph is washed, dried, and prepared for you to take home or collect later, depending on the event.

Get in Touch

Bring Naruhako to Your Next Event

Available for weddings, private gatherings, markets, and special events in Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Have something in mind? I’d love to hear about it.

naruhakolightportraits@gmail.com

Seattle, WA