Meet Diana Toshiko | Actor & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Toshiko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My dad always photographed everything when I was growing up. Every dance recital, vacation, and outing was put on film. In high school I picked up a camera. It came very natural to me. It was an extension of being around my dad and loving the performing arts. I started out dancing, then acting, and then I moved to L.A.. One day my acting friends were lamenting that they needed headshots but couldn’t afford them. Of course, I said I’d do it. I didn’t charge anything because it was a fun hobby. Then I started getting referrals. By the time I decided to quit my day job at an office, I took a leap and hired a business coach. She encouraged me to take photography seriously. I have been an actor and photographer ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
You caught me at a great time in my career. I used to brand Toshikophoto as uncommon headshots for uncommon people. I was always gravitating towards headshots that look different. This year I changed my focus to portraits and sessions that give more than a headshot. I really dislike boring photos of people. I see the world as colorful, diverse, in constant motion, whimsical, and provocative. This is my aesthetic. I hope people laugh, gasp, and are moved by my photos. Every person I photograph is unique. I combine their energy with mine and we get some crazy magic! I love collaborating with people! My background as a dancer growing up and as an actor now in the industry really helps. I was scared to break the mold but this year, I am so excited to break all the rules of what a headshot “should” look like. Screw the rules. Let’s create something new! I think people would be surprised at how fun and easy their session will be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend to Little Tokyo downtown and and grab pasties from Yamazaki bakery first. I used to frequent that place a lot while doing shows at East West Players. Then at some point to BCD in Koreatown because I love soondubu. In-n-Out just because you can order fries well done with no salt. It’s worth it. I adore TK Cafe in Burbank for the boba drinks and food. Oh my goodness I just have a list of food places because I love food. I should take them to the Zuma beach, to hiking Griffith park, or to a Dodgers game but it depends on the person. I’m not a late night person anymore but Sanamluang was a great place to eat after a show with OPM Comedy. I also like to stop at street food vendors and get elote or a bacon wrapped hot dog. I feel like I’m coming out of daze after years of the pandemic. I need to be more social again. This list is making me want to go out!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dad deserves the credit for introducing me to photography. He was always my biggest fan no matter what I did. His encouragement in my talents allowed me to take risks and follow my dreams! There’s so many people along the way that inspired me. This is a hard question! Can I shout out EVERY person I’ve worked with? So many talented people have been an inspiration.

Instagram: @toshikophoto

Other: To collab on photos, email or message me through my Instagram. Tell me how you found out about me!

Image Credits
@toshikophoto for photography
@dianatoshiko for acting, appearances, podcasts, and geeky things!