Maiko

Kyoto, Japan

The person in this photograph is a Maiko, or apprentice geisha. Her bright clothing and youthful hairstyle instantly distinguish her from the full geisha seen in the next photograph. She will spend a long and rigorous apprenticeship, learning the classical arts of Japanese music and dance.

This photograph was taken at the Heian Shrine in Kyoto, where geisha and maiko were doing a photo shoot. Along with a few other tourists and passers-by, I was lucky enough to capture the moment.