Let's get real for a second...
Getting photos taken can be weird, especially with a one-size-fits-all approach. Photography is about sharing who you truly are—what your story truly is.
Hey there, I’m Riya Kataria, an adventure elopement, wedding, and lifestyle photographer based in California and all around the world.
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.
Photography, to me, is the single most valuable way of making sure a split-second moment becomes a long-lasting memory.
Whether you're getting married on the movie-like cliff-sides of Big Sur or getting your family photos taken right on the coastline of Half Moon Bay...
I can't wait to capture your story.
Let's get real for a second...
Getting photos taken can be weird, especially with a one-size-fits-all approach. Photography is about sharing who you truly are—what your story truly is.
Hey there, I’m Riya Kataria, an adventure elopement, wedding, and lifestyle photographer based in California and all around the world.
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.
Photography, to me, is the single most valuable way of making sure a split-second moment becomes a long-lasting memory.
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.
Eleven 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 candid moments over stiff 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.
Eleven 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...
understands what it's like to feel awkward in photos
CHECK OUT MY WORK →
IS ALWAYS READY FOR any adventure whatsoever
chooses candid moments over stiff poses
KNOWS HOW TO BRING LUXURY WITHOUT LOSING PERSONALITY
will make your stories look as great as they feel
- 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!!
- 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.
- 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!
- Sonia & zach, virginia
We really enjoyed the shoot a lot and loved working with Riya. I've never done photos with a photographer like this before, so I was worried it would be awkward. But Riya really made it feel so easy and comfortable."
- 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!"
- 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.
- 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!!
- 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.
- SONIA & ZACH, VIRGINIA.
We really enjoyed the shoot a lot and loved working with Riya. I've never done photos with a photographer like this before, so I was worried it would be awkward. But Riya really made it feel so easy and comfortable."
- 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!"
never extra to read all about it
SONIA & ZACH’S SUNSET ADVENTURE ACROSS OLD TOWN ALEXANDRA | VIRGINIA
When Sonia and Zach reached out asking to shoot an Old Town Alexandria engagement shoot, there was no way I could say no. As we met at the Old Town waterfront near Chadwick’s, I already knew we were going to get along great. All of that was confirmed to me the moment they mentioned they were from the Bay Area, just like I was, and had just moved to the DMV area!
READ MORE →
ENGAGEMENTS - 30 july 2022
Are we meant to be?
Are you a fan of my candid, authentic photo style that looks for personality, not perfection? Looking forward to the adventures and the photos to prove it? If you're down to make sure you capture your memories in a no-pressure, high-quality environment, then I'm down.
Lots of laughs. Unforgettable moments. Forever memories. Let's do this.
i was born ready →
