Masano Kawana Photography

Masano Kawana is an internationally experienced architectural and hospitality photographer, now based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Born in Japan, Masano began his professional career in New Zealand in the late 1980s. Early on, he worked extensively as a location scout for international TV commercials, gaining invaluable experience navigating New Zealand’s diverse landscapes alongside leading Directors of Photography.

In 1998, Masano relocated to Singapore, where he spent over two decades building a distinguished reputation across the Asia-Pacific. A career highlight during this period was his long-standing collaboration with Dr. Paul McGillick (former Editorial Director of Habitus and Indesign), with whom he co-authored and photographed two significant architectural books.

Masano’s portfolio spans world-class luxury hotels, resorts, and architectural masterpieces. His work is featured in prestigious titles such as Habitus, Elle Singapore, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Qantas Magazine. His commitment to visual excellence was further recognized in New York, where his book “Shunju: New Japanese Cuisine” received the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Cookbook Photography.

His aesthetic is defined by clean, modern sensibilities and a deep understanding of how photography supports branding and spatial storytelling. Now re-established in New Zealand, Masano brings a global perspective and rich Asia-Pacific experience to local and international clients, offering refined visual narratives for hotels, architecture, and design-led projects.

Available for projects throughout New Zealand and Asia-Pacific