Interview with representative Keiko Hori
We spoke with Keiko Hori about how she launched Ho-k-kori CLIP, how she feels now that two years have passed since opening the studio, and what she has experienced through her work so far.
From leaving her job to deciding, “I’ll open my own studio!”
Could you tell us how you came to open Ho-k-kori CLIP?
Hori (honorific omitted)
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had no choice but to leave the photo shop where I had worked for 14 years.
It was a small, independently run shop, so I was involved in all kinds of work, including DPE (developing film photos, etc.), sales, studio photography, product development, and public relations, and I learned a great deal. I was close with my coworkers and customers alike, so saying goodbye was truly sad.
For a while, I couldn’t sort out my feelings, and there were times when I felt down. But actually, even while I was still at my previous job, I sometimes thought, “Someday, I’d like to provide heartfelt service on a scale I can manage on my own.”
Leaving my job prompted me to decide, “I’ll open my own studio!” As a preparation period, I first got a job at a local construction company.
At the construction company, I had the valuable experience of working on completion photos and residential photography, which I hadn’t been able to do at my previous job. But I had few opportunities to interact directly with people, and I felt something was missing…
I realized again that I really like work where I can see the customers, talk with them, take their photos, and make them happy right then and there—work where I can “see their reactions.”
So I left after three and a half months, then spent about a month preparing to open the business.
I imagine it takes courage to go independent. What helped you make the leap?
Hori
I think it was wanting to live happily in my own way and avoid regrets, so I thought, “I’ll give it a try for now.” If it didn’t work out, I could figure things out then.
If I’d been a little younger, I might not have had the confidence, and if I’d been much older, I might not have had the energy. I think the timing was just right.
I think I was able to make up my mind because I had given my all to my daily work at the photo shop, and having built up experience also gave me a certain amount of confidence.
A studio in an excellent location, brought about by her connection with her grandmother
You started out offering on-location photography, and about two and a half years later, you opened this studio. I live in this area, and I remember it seeming to appear right in front of me one day. It’s visible from every road and very easy to find.
Hori
Actually, this is where my grandmother ran a diner.
She passed away before I was born, so I never knew her personally, but I was given one character from her name.
When I think about it, perhaps there was some kind of connection that led me to open a studio here. The land belongs to my father, and the studio was built by the construction company where I worked briefly before opening my business.
It’s also easy to spot, and many people find out about us as they pass by.
Sharing her work brings in customers who are a good fit
It’s been almost five years since you opened in 2020, and two years since you opened the studio. Have you noticed any changes?
Hori
Little by little, more people are learning about the studio.
Having the studio means the building itself serves like a sign, and not only people from the neighborhood but also people from a little farther away come to visit. I’m truly happy about that.
What do people most often come in for?
Hori
Recently, I feel that many people come in for profile photos.
Some people come after reading every last word of my blog. I write while wondering, “Who’s even reading this?” but it turns out quite a few people do.
Perhaps because of that, many of my customers end up being people I click with. I feel that I naturally build comfortable relationships with people who read my blog, think, “I like this,” and come by.
On the other hand, I think people who don’t feel a connection won’t come in the first place, so perhaps that’s just right. Sharing my work naturally helps us find a good match.
It really shows how important it is to share your work.
Also, not only are the blog posts helpful, but the Ho-k-kori CLIP website clearly organizes the information people need. It even has a calendar showing business hours, and the whole site gives you the reassuring sense that the studio is active.
Hori
I’m glad to hear you say that.
At first, I embedded my X (formerly Twitter) feed on the website to announce my business hours, but I’ve since removed it.
I still post, though. Since I run the business alone, I update with posts like “Good morning” and “Thanks for your hard work” as a way to switch gears, almost like punching a time clock.
It’s like a diary for myself. Sometimes people respond.
The joy of experiencing customers’ smiles and positive energy
What do you find appealing about making photography your job?
Hori
I think many people feel nervous about having their photo taken.
So when I hear comments like “I felt comfortable having my photo taken,” “I used to dislike it, but my attitude has changed a little,” or “I was nervous before I came, but I had fun!,” it makes me truly happy.
And more than anything, the moment people smile when they see their finished photos is what makes me happiest.
Most people come to have their photos taken with positive feelings, such as “to celebrate a special occasion” or “I’m going to start something new!”
That’s why I get to share in their happiness and energy. I think that’s one of the great appeals of this work.
What do you keep in mind and value in your work?
Hori
I hope I can help capture and preserve gentle moments that warm the heart through photography. That feeling is what inspired the studio name “Ho-k-kori CLIP.”
It’s a simple photo studio without a wardrobe of outfits or a glamorous look, but I try to create a homey space where customers can show their natural, unpretentious expressions.
I think taking photos is important not just for recording, but also for gently being there for a person in their “here and now.”
I want the time spent in the studio itself to feel reassuring. That’s the spirit in which I welcome customers.
“I want to value being happy myself”
Do you have any plans or a vision for the future of Ho-k-kori CLIP?
Hori
I think continuing to serve customers with care is the style that suits me. “Making a ton of money!” doesn’t really seem like my thing.
But when I put my heart into each interaction, connections somehow grow. People come through referrals or return as repeat customers, and I’m truly grateful and happy.
I’d like to keep running the business at an easy pace for the long term, without pushing myself, while cherishing the connections that come naturally.
Above all, I want to value being happy myself. I think that feeling will carry over to the studio and reach the customers, too.
Could you share a message for future Ho-k-kori CLIP customers?
Hori
I think many people, especially those visiting for the first time, may feel that a “photo studio” is a little intimidating. But there’s no need to feel pressured—just feel free to get in touch.
I’d be happy if we could preserve the lifelong treasure that is a “photograph” together, in a fun and relaxing setting.
After the interview: “When you think, ‘This is the place!’—go and see it for yourself!”
The Ho-k-kori CLIP website covers all the information you might want to know without going overboard. At first glance, its design and color scheme make it seem light and breezy, yet I was deeply impressed by how thoughtfully it was made with users in mind.
I learned that Hori had created the entire site herself.
Hori modestly says, “I just used a template,” but plenty of template-based websites are hard to navigate and lack information. (And yet, during the interview, Hori said, “There’s still room for improvement.”)
The blog is also easy to read, and regular updates add to the sense of trust.
When I visited the studio in person, I was welcomed into a warm atmosphere just like the one conveyed by the website.
If you think, “This is the place!” go and visit the studio. You’re sure to find a fun time waiting for you—one where you can relax more than you expected and be yourself.
Ho-k-kori CLIP details
| Organization name | Ho-k-kori CLIP |
|---|---|
| Industry | Photo studio, general photography |
| Representative | Keiko Hori |
| Established | December 2020 (studio opened in April 2023) |
| Address | 2432-1 Shinden, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 070-8324-3504 |
| Website | PHOTO STUDIO Ho-k-kori CLIP |
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