Robert Kirsch on Building a Career as a Photographer in Japan

In this episode of Talking Sensu, we sit down with Robert Kirsch, a Tokyo-based documentary photographer who has worked with brands such as On Running, Adidas, Mikimoto, IKEA, and Google. We talk about his journey into photography and how it helped him reconnect with himself and with others.Robert shares his path from growing up between Venezuela, Colombia, and Germany to moving to Japan, studying at Sophia University, and eventually building a photography career in Tokyo.The conversation dives into film photography, the importance of physical prints, personal projects, and why sharing your work is essential for it to truly be alive.Alongside photography, Robert also talks about his second career as a certified personal trainer, a long standing passion he now pursues professionally.We talk about- What first drew him to Japan- Discovering photography and being influenced by Japanese photographers- Instagram’s role in launching a professional career- Learning darkroom printing in Tokyo- Creating and exhibiting his first solo photo exhibition- Personal work vs commercial work- Working with global brands in Japan- Why taking care of your body is essential for sustaining a creative careerChapters00:00 Intro01:36 Why Japan?09:09 Discovering photography13:20 Instagram, community, and early influences21:20 First paid photography job24:11 Blowing up on Instagram25:45 Poweredby.tokyo, Inspiration Cult Mag31:31 Going freelance and building a network35:08 First solo exhibition36:59 Darkroom printing45:55 Themes and meaning53:47 Working with brands01:05:56 Advice to my past self01:10:46 Working as a personal trainer01:19:07 Future plans01:22:55 OutroMentioned by Robert in the video:Talking Sensu Ep 001: https://youtu.be/UlFxvvHWH-U?si=AcJ_30qkVG-N9JikAsakusa x Cinestill 800T: https://youtu.be/t9q7llzqxns?si=V44ESip8IOuZ9FNAAbout Talking SensuTalking Sensu is a relaxed, long-form podcast hosted by Hai and Jeremy and produced by Sensu Studio. We have conversations with filmmakers, photographers, actors and other creative professionals working in Japan, focusing on personal journeys, creative work and the realities of building a career in the creative industry.SocialRobert KirschPhotography: https://kirsch.jp/Fitness: https://www.kirsch.fitness/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertkirsch/Talking SensuInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingsensuHosts Hai: https://www.instagram.com/timpas15/Jeremy: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhannigan/Produced by Sensu StudioSensu Studio is a Tokyo-based creative production company specializing in video and photography that helps brands and organizations tell their stories, connect with audiences, and bring their vision to life through engaging content and rebranding projects.If you’re interested in working with us on future projects, check out our work at https://sensustudio.com/.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensustudioSubscribe for more conversations about creative life and work in Japan.