MASANO KAWANA
Masano Kawana | Architectural & Hospitality Photographer
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
Hotel Approved & Preferred photographer
*Hilton Hotel Group (Waldorf Astoria, Hilton, Double Tree),
*GHM hotels and resorts( The Chedi )
*Pan Pacific Hotels Group ( Park Royal Collection, Pan Pacific)
*Accor (Swissotel, Fairmont, Sofitel)
*Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
*137 Pillars Bangkok & Chiang Mai
*IHG (Regent Hotel & Resorts )
*Cenizaro Hotel & Resorts (The Residence Hotels).
Books
Architectural Books
*Sustainable Luxury : Dr. Paul McGillick (Author) ASIN : B00Q3FLL72
*The Sustainable Asian Houses : Dr. Paul McGillick (Author) ASIN : B00ER801FU
*Bali Living : Gianni Francione (Author) ASIN : B007WT31XK
*New Asian Style : Jane Doughty Marsden (Author) ASIN : B00AHFAIVY
*25 Tropical Houses in Indonesia : Amir Sidharta (author) ISBN: 9780794602451
*Asian Bar & Restaurant Design : Kim Inglis (author) ISBN-13: 978-0794604073
*Modern Thai Living : Sakul Intakul (author) ISBN: 9780794602918
Cookbooks
*Shunju : Marcia Iwatate (Author) ISBN-10 : 9625936181
(Winner of the James Beard Award 2004 for photography)
*Heavenly Fragrance : Carol Selva Rajah (author) ISBN: 9780794607371
*Entice with Spice : Shubhra Ramineni (author) ISBN: 9780804852647
*Tropical Asian Cooking : Wendy Hutton (author) ISBN: 9780794600068
*Annabel Langbein's Cookbook : Annabel Langbein (author) ISBN 0-908829-00-0
Magazines
*HABITUS Magazine, QANTAS Magazine (AUS), CUBES, ArchDaily, D+A magazine,
Elle Singapore,Harpers Bazar Singapore.