Visual stories for the authentic & artistic
Hey there, I’m Riya Kataria, an international adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in California and London.
Stories aren't romantic despite their so-called 'flaws', but because of them. There is nothing more romantic than remaining authentic. As a photographer, I'm not in the business of hiding any part of you in the shadows. I'm here to show who you are in your best light with a documentary and editorial style, adding a cinematic touch.
Luxury shouldn't come at the price of personality. Authenticity shouldn't sacrifice artistry. My photography centers you, while still capturing the extra details of your special day.
Whether you're eloping on the movie-like cliffsides of Big Sur or renewing your vows in front of family in front of the silhouette of Mount Rainier...
I can't wait to capture your story.
Visual stories for the authentic & artistic
Hey there, I’m Riya Kataria, an international adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in California and London.
Stories aren't romantic despite their so-called 'flaws', but because of them. There is nothing more romantic than remaining authentic. As a photographer, I'm not in the business of hiding any part of you in the shadows. I'm here to show who you are in your best light with a documentary and editorial style, adding a cinematic touch.
Luxury shouldn't come at the price of personality. Authenticity shouldn't sacrifice artistry. My photography centers you, while still capturing the extra details of your special day.
Whether you're eloping on the movie-like cliffsides of Big Sur or renewing your vows in front of family in front of the silhouette of Mount Rainier...
I can't wait to capture your story.
BIPOC Photographer & lgbtq+ affirming
When I was nine years old, my parents told my kid brother, "wow, you might be better than your sister at photography." I decided to take that personally.
Twelve years later, I'm still taking photos－less out of spite, and more out of a genuine passion for capturing moments that you never realized you'll miss until they're gone.
Learn more about the girl behind the lens →
real
for real people
If you're looking for a photographer who...
LOVES WORKING WITH COUPLES FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS
is ALWAYS READY FOR AN ADVENTURE, WHEREVER AND WHENEVER
CHOOSES AUTHENTIC MOMENTS OVER ARTIFICIAL POSES
knows how to bring luxury without losing personality
will make your stories look as great as they feel
CHECK OUT MY WORK →
When I was nine years old, my parents told my kid brother, "wow, you might be better than your sister at photography." I decided to take that personally.
Twelve years later, I'm still taking photos－less out of spite, and more out of a genuine passion for capturing moments that you never realized you'll miss until they're gone.
Learn more about the girl behind the lens →
Real memories for real people
If you're looking for someone who...
LOVES WORKING WITH COUPLES FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS
CHECK OUT MY WORK →
IS ALWAYS READY FOR ADVENTUREs, WHEREVER & WHENEVER
chooses authentic moments over artificial poses
KNOWS HOW TO BRING LUXURY WITHOUT LOSING PERSONALITY
will make your stories look as great as they feel
- Yifan & ryan, CALIFORNIA
Riya was such a joy to work with. She made my fiance and I feel extremely comfortable in front of the camera and truly captured us at our best, turning this into an experience we'll never forget. She's willing to go to any lengths to capture a great shot. I would highly recommend working with Riya!
- Kimmie & carlo, CALIFORNIA
Riya – I'm sitting here and these literally brought me to tears. You were absolutely amazing to work with and made the whole day feel easy and relaxed. From the moment we started the engagement shoot, we knew we wanted you to be our wedding photographer. Thank you so much for capturing the best day ever and being so supportive with each shot.
- Cory & justine, CALIFORNIA
We're going through the photos right now and they're incredible! Riya made us look like celebrities, and they really came out amazing. Thank you for capturing so many!
- Salwa & CJ, CALIFORNIA
Riya took our SF City Hall photos and we couldn’t be more in love with them! She captured the beauty of the building and all the love we wanted to portray – all while staying sweet and making us laugh. They turned out so beautiful and we can't stopped recommending her. Thank you Riya!!
- Alisha & Rhiannon, oregon
Riya was so great to work with! She got to know us before she photographed our wedding. She was also super kind and energetic during our wedding! Our photos turned out beautifully and we will cherish them forever! Definitely recommend her! Thank you so much Riya!
- Erna & John, CALIFORNIA
The photos look so good! We loved working with Riya. The photos are lovely, and we can't wait to share them with friends and family. We love them so much! Thank you Riya!
- ANNA & RYAN, WASHINGTON D.C.
Riya was very personable and took some time to get to know us too. The photos look amazing! They are exactly the style we were looking for. We loved her enthusiasm and creative vision. Riya is great!"
- Eliza & patrick, CALIFORNIA
Riya's photos are absolutely AMAZING!!! We had so much fun working with her! And we’re obsessed with how the photos came out! We definitely recommend her if anyone needs a photographer.
- Margaret & Nick, CALIFORNIA
We couldn't be happier! Riya made us feel incredibly comfortable – it was like we weren't in front of the camera at all. The photos turned out even better than we could have imagined! We're so excited to have her shoot our wedding.
- AMBER & SADIE, Maryland
Riya is a natural and has a true gift! The way she made us feel was priceless in itself. She made us so comfortable, laugh and smile so hard, and we will forever remember that photoshoot!
- Rubi & Martha, Maryland
We want to take the time to personally thank Riya for such great work. It is very obvious to both Rubi and I that she put a lot of effort and we feel honored. We would love if our paths cross again in the future.
- EBONEY & JASON, CALIFORNIA
I can’t thank Riya enough for the opportunity to work with her on our engagement shoot and our first EVER photoshoot. We absolutely our photos and love Riya's work even more.
- Yifan & Ryan, california
Riya was such a joy to work with. She made my fiance and I feel extremely comfortable in front of the camera and truly captured us at our best, turning this into an experience we'll never forget. She's willing to go to any lengths to capture a great shot. I would highly recommend working with Riya!
- kimmie & carlo, california
Riya – I'm sitting here and these literally brought me to tears. You were absolutely amazing to work with and made the whole day feel easy and relaxed. From the moment we started the engagement shoot, we knew we wanted you to be our wedding photographer. Thank you so much for capturing the best day ever and being so supportive with each shot.
- cory & justine, california
We're going through the photos right now and they're incredible! Riya made us look like celebrities, and they really came out amazing. Thank you for capturing so many!
- Salwa & CJ, california
Riya took our SF City Hall photos and we couldn’t be more in love with them! She captured the beauty of the building and all the love we wanted to portray – all while staying sweet and making us laugh. They turned out so beautiful and we can't stopped recommending her. Thank you Riya!!
- Alisha & rhiannon, oregon
Riya was so great to work with! She got to know us before she photographed our wedding. She was also super kind and energetic during our wedding! Our photos turned out beautifully and we will cherish them forever! Definitely recommend her! Thank you so much Riya!
- Eliza & patrick, california
Riya's photos are absolutely AMAZING!!! We had so much fun working with her! And we’re obsessed with how the photos came out! We definitely recommend her if anyone needs a photographer.
- Margaret & nick, california
We couldn't be happier! Riya made us feel incredibly comfortable – it was like we weren't in front of the camera at all. The photos turned out even better than we could have imagined! We're so excited to have her shoot our wedding.
- Amber & sadie, maryland
Riya is a natural and has a true gift! The way she made us feel was priceless in itself. She made us so comfortable, laugh and smile so hard, and we will forever remember that photoshoot!
- ANNA & RYAN, WASHINGTON D.C.
Riya was very personable and took some time to get to know us too. The photos look amazing! They are exactly the style we were looking for. We loved her enthusiasm and creative vision. Riya is great!"
7 Dec 2022
Big Sur Adventure Elopement on Pfeiffer Beach at sunset | Bree & Levi
Big Sur is one of my favorite places in the world – and not just for photography, making this shoot all the more special for me. With the sunset behind them as they took their vows, Pfeiffer Beach took our breath away. Ending it with a champagne toast, Bree and Levi's shoot was a magical one – and a moment I'm unlikely to forget anytime soon.
READ MORE →
Are we meant to be?
Are you a fan of my candid and cinematic photo style that shoots for romantic and authentic? Looking forward to the adventures and the photos to prove it? If you're down to capture a visual story unique to your love, then I'm down.
Lots of laughs. Unforgettable moments. Forever memories. Let's do this.
i was born ready →
