Real Estate Photographer, Taka Taira-Kaplan — Taka Taira-Kaplan, 2022

Taka Taira-Kaplan is a San Francisco Bay Area–based photographer, videographer, cinematographer, and media company owner, specializing in visual storytelling for the built environment, food, and commercial brands. Born near Kobe, Japan, and raised in Tokyo, Taka brings a global perspective and a strong design sensibility to every project.

He earned a Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University before moving to California, where his career evolved at the intersection of architecture, light, space, and visual media. His lifelong passion is exploring the world through cameras—creating images and films that are both technically precise and visually compelling.

Taka provides professional photography and videography services across a wide range of disciplines, including architectural photography, interior and real estate photography, aerial drone photography and videography, landscape, travel, portraiture, events, commercial branding, lifestyle, and food and restaurant photography. With over 15 years of experience in the architectural lighting industry, he brings a deep understanding of how light defines form, mood, and spatial experience—an expertise that strongly informs his work.

His clients include architects, developers, realtors, property managers, commercial investors, builders, construction management firms, restauranteurs, local restaurants, food manufacturers, food and beverage companies, hospitality brands, commercial building marketing firms, local housing authorities, municipalities, city officials, and government agencies. The visual media he produces supports marketing, leasing, branding, documentation, public outreach, inspections, and long-term archival needs.

As an FAA Part 107–certified drone pilot, Taka delivers professional aerial photography and videography for both creative and technical applications, including real estate marketing, development documentation, construction progress tracking, site overviews, and civic projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

In addition to client work, Taka joined City College of San Francisco’s Photography Department in Fall 2024, where he teaches drone photography and videography, sharing real-world industry practices with students.

Taka works directly with every client—from the initial conversation through final delivery. There is no AI receptionist or automated customer service; when you call or text, you are speaking directly with Taka, ensuring clear communication, responsiveness, and a personal, professional experience.

Outside of work, Taka enjoys spending time with his wife and son, cooking, hiking, traveling, and—unsurprisingly—capturing more photos and videos along the way.

For project inquiries, licensing, or collaborations, contact Taka directly at taka@takasphoto.com or (415) 881-TAKA (8252). If your call goes to voicemail, feel free to text—responses are typically fast.

Affiliations & Credentials