My journey into photography mimics almost every other aspect of my life: messy, chaotic, and absolutely worth it. I started with photography because I love art; I've stuck with it because I love people.
In the middle of the ninth grade, I had to bring in a camera for a school project. I brought it in the next day. And the day after. And pretty much the rest of my time in high school, shooting everything from senior portraits to prom photos to working as the official photographer for my local theatre.
Today, I'm a California girl who splits my time between London and the Bay Area. On weekdays, I attend classes and lectures; on weekends, I'm flying around the world shooting elopements and weddings.
Art has always been a part of who I am. If I'm not behind a camera, I'm behind a piano or microphone instead. I also know what it's like to feel different or awkward. I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, and someone who believes that every love story is one worth sharing. I'm incredibly lucky to get to be creative with capturing romance as a regular part of my life, and I can't wait to capture yours.
Nice to meet you, I'm Riya.
01.
Candid
First and foremost, I believe that your photos should capture real interactions of yours. Our sessions are all about hanging out and getting to understand how you truly spend time with each other; the camera is a secondary thought.
If there's one thing I'm conscious of, it's never falling into the trap of having fixed framing or styles. Every couple is going to be unique, and that means every session ought to be too. I want your photos to be artistically exciting.
I love the term documentary style, because documentaries are truly tell real stories. I want your photos to give a feel of a movie that's about you – romantic, authentic, and stunning, capturing both you and your environment.
My approach
making your special moments about you, not the camera
02.
creative
03.
cinematic
past work
style
personal
values
values
values
values
values
AUTHENTIC & ROMANTIC MEANS CAPTURING LOVE IN ITS PUREST, MOST GENUINE FORM – WITH INCLUSIVITY AND VULNERABILITY AS THE BIGGEST PRIORITIES.
I think that being photogenic isn't a thing. I don't believe in perfect photos, because I believe that beauty lies in the imperfections, the quirks, the flaws. Sand in your hair from laying on the beach, chipped nail polish while holding hands, a double chin from laughing too hard – all of these are parts of your love story. Why should you hide it?
No love story will ever look the same, but that doesn't mean we can't create a space to elevate all narratives. As someone who is LGBTQ+ and BIPOC, inclusion is my number one priority. No matter who you are, as long as you share these values of inclusion and authenticity, and you're willing to welcome me into your love story, I promise that we're going to have the time of our lives.
past work
style
personal
values
values
style
past work
personal
the first inhale of a springtime breeze. trying (and failing) to hide your laughter
IN A QUIET ROOM. A HAND BRUSHING AGAINST YOURS. FINGERS INTERTWINED. PLAYING TAG IN
THE HALLWAY. always SAVING SEATs FOR each OTHER. inside jokes. picking flowers from
the grass off the sidewalk. falling asleep on the other's shoulders in the backseat.
MY STYLE IS CANDID, CINEMATIC, AND HOPELESSLY ROMANTIC.
I care about capturing love stories in motion. To me, photography is about connection – not just the physical moments, but how you truly see each other. I work to create a visual narrative that directly captures your romance and evokes the emotions you felt in the moment. I stay creative; every story is unique, and the photos should be too. Some key terms to describe my work are cinematic, editorial, photo-journalistic, artistic, and authentic.
I'm inspired by nostalgia – I want you to look through your old photos and feel lost in them, lost in the moment. This is why I use film-inspired tones for a timeless feel. I capture the small details and big moments, the intimate interactions and gorgeous environment around you – a cinematic composition with candid direction.
past work
style
personal
values
past work
style
personal
values
past work
style
personal
values
isle of skye, scotland ✧ Big sur, california ✧ interlaken, switzerland ✧
mount rainier, washington ✧ oregon coast, oregon ✧ cappadocia, turkey ✧
yosemite valley, california ✧ valencia, spain ✧ edinburgh, scotland ✧
sunset cliffs, california ✧ oxford, united kingdom ✧ seattle, washington
FROM EUROPE TO USA, MY WORK HAS TAKEN ME ALL AROUND THE WORLD...
I started my photography work with shooting concerts and performances, which gave me a pretty good grasp of capturing split second moments. I still work in concert photography – I recently got to shoot the opening act for Ed Sheeran, DYLAN; you can see my concert work at Kataria Media.
My work with couples has taken me all over the world, and I'm super grateful that I've been trusted enough for that. It blows my mind sometimes that this is my life; what do you mean I'm casually flying into Switzerland for a weekend to shoot a honeymoon session? If you want to see some of my past work (rather than hearing me ramble on about it), you can check it out here.
I've loved working with every single couple I've met. I've gotten to work at some amazing places and do some super cool things over the past few years. I can't wait to see what the next few bring!
past work
style
personal
values
past work
style
personal
values
WHEN I'M NOT BEHIND THE LENS, I HAVE A BIT MORE GOING ON...
Hi again, it's Riya (pronounced Ree-yah)! I'm a 2023 Oxford University graduate (majoring in Politics & Economics), a current Masters student at London School of Economics (majoring in Global Media), and a part of the University of Southern California Class of 2025 (the most ironic part is that I'm not really the biggest fan of academia). I was born and raised in the Bay Area, but for the past 4 years, I've been splitting my time between California and England – and yes, those are two very different climates.
I've always been more of a creative, but it didn't start with photography. My first love was and continues to be music – I love writing lyrics, and I play a few
instruments. Fingers crossed I actually release new music soon (I've been
saying this since 2020).
I AM:
- a MASSIVE fan of Taylor Swift since 2008
- someone with too many opinions on media
- An absolute sunshine enthusiast (I have two tattoos of the sun!)
- an ice cream enjoyer: I have an Instagram account where I rate every scoop I have
- a huge fan of Big Sur; not just for photography, but also for road trips
WHEN I'M NOT BEHIND THE LENS, I HAVE A BIT MORE GOING ON...
Hi again, it's Riya (pronounced Ree-yah)! I'm a 2023 Oxford University graduate (majoring in Politics & Economics), a current Masters student at London School of Economics (majoring in Global Media), and a part of the University of Southern California Class of 2025 (the most ironic part is that I'm not really the biggest fan of academia). I was born and raised in the Bay Area, but for the past 4 years, I've been splitting my time between California and England – and yes, those are two very different climates.
I've always been more of a creative, but it didn't start with photography. My first love was and continues to be music – I love writing lyrics, and I play a few instruments. Fingers crossed I actually release new music soon (I've been saying this since 2020).
riya kataria
riya kataria
riya kataria
riya kataria
Frequently asked questions
if your question or concern isn't answered here, please fill out the contact form or shoot me an email at hello@riyakphoto.com
Primarily, I am an adventure elopement and wedding photographer, specializing in capturing the unique and intimate moments of couples in breathtaking locations. While my photography journey has touched on various genres, including concerts, theatre, and portraits, my heart lies in the art of documenting love stories. I've had the privilege of photographing couples from coast to coast in the United States, as well as in destinations like Scotland, Switzerland, and Turkey. If you're looking for concert or performance photography, check out Kataria Media.
Great question. Finding a photographer can be tricky, especially when there are so many options to choose from. Every photographer is going to be different, with distinct styles and qualities, and every photographer may not be the right one for you. If you're looking for someone more geared towards posing or studio set-ups, then I'm not the girl for you – and that's okay!
What I will say is that my photography style is about capturing real love stories in motion. I thrive on the authentic: the unplanned moments, the casual touches, the sudden laughter. I want your photos to reflect how you see each other, which is why I go for a documentary approach. I also aim to capture a timeless, nostalgic feel, which is why my editing is mostly true-to-color, combined with film-inspired tones. The result ends up being a gallery that not only captures the special moments throughout your day, but also evokes the emotions you felt at the moment, and weaves in the unique connection you share. Whether it's an quiet elopement next to the scenery of Iceland, or a ceremony you share with your loved ones in the middle of Mount Rainier, or just a casual couples session on the beaches of Big Sur, my goal is to create a visual narrative that is uniquely yours – one that is real, raw, and beautiful.
More practically speaking, I have a great deal of experience in working with couples from all walks of life – as a BIPOC and LGBTQ+ woman, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for diverse backgrounds and stories. I have considerable experience in working with couples all around the world. I know that being in front of the camera can feel awkward, and parts of your big day can be stressful. My biggest goal is to create a comfortable environment. Your experience with me isn't just about the photos; it's about feeling at ease and enjoying the process. I have connections to vendors across the globe that I can connect you to in order to help make planning a bit easier for you, and I have experience navigating things like permitting. Finally, because I only take on a limited amount of weddings a year, you can rest easy knowing that every story I choose to tell is intentional and will have the greatest possible amount of effort put into it.
For the most up-to-date rates and more specific details about what is included, you can check the Investment page. While I may not be the cheapest option, I promise you that I use the word 'investment' intentionally – I put an immense amount of intention and effort put into producing the highest quality work possible. These memories are important, and I pour my heart into ensuring that every album I deliver reflects years of honing my skills as a creative. My pricing includes not just photography, but also personalized consultations, location scouting assistance, vendor recommendations, and guidance on permitting processes. I also offer payment plans and custom packages.
Absolutely! I call two continents home, so whether it's a quick drive or a 12-hour flight, I'm ready for the adventure. Your story might take us to the heights of the Swiss Alps, or to the Oregon Coast (two places I've already been lucky enough to shoot) – I'm up for it all! When you fill out a booking inquiry, just let me know the location, and we'll factor in travel for your final quote. No surprises, just the excitement of capturing your story wherever it unfolds! And, bonus – if it's one of my dream locations, I'll waive travel!
While I'd love to say yes to every couple, I've learned to be intentional with the projects I take on. In my early days, I jumped onto every inquiry, and I have zero regrets; it allowed me to grow and develop as an artist, and I'm grateful for that. However, now, I take a more thoughtful approach to each elopement and wedding, ensuring every couple gets an experience crafted with care and creativity.
I now limit my yearly bookings to 10-15 elopements/weddings a year, so I can devote the necessary time, energy, and creativity to each one, ensuring a level of quality and dedication that goes beyond expectations. This mindful approach allows me to genuinely connect with couples and tell their stories in a way that reflects them authentically and with care. I want to take the time to co-create a visual narrative that encapsulates the depth and beauty of your love story. So, while I may not take on every request, I'm committed to making each chosen project an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
When you reach out, we'll jump on a Zoom call to make sure we're the right fit for each other – I know choosing a photographer is an important decision, so let's get to know each other! If we end up not being the perfect match, no hard feelings! I know some great photographers around the country/world that have my complete trust, and I'd be happy to recommend them to work with you.
Typically, the couples I work with get anywhere from 50-70 photos for every hour I work with them. This, of course, can vary depending on locations, events, etc. However, while I aim for quality over quantity, I absolutely aim to give you every usable photo possible! When the time comes, you'll receive a link to an online gallery where you can access high-quality downloads.
Absolutely! As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, not only do I take on LGBTQ+ weddings, I actively love doing so. To me, the only time that your sexuality, religion, or any other part of your identity matters is when it comes to crafting a more thoughtful and intentional experience for you. Other than that, as long as you're willing to trust me to capture your story, and you share my values of inclusion and acceptance, then we'll be the perfect fit.
Part of my commitment to authenticity means staying true to you. I truly believe that beauty has no set definition – the only consistent feature that I would associate with beauty is happiness. I genuinely believe that if you're happy, you and your photos will be beautiful. So, while I'm happy to Photoshop things like the occasional person in the background, a runaway bra strap, or a bruise that came out of nowhere (I get those all the time, they're the worst), I don't change clients' height, weight, scars, or anything else fundamental to them.
Please do, and make sure to tag me! You retain full rights to non-commercial online use and printing, so go ahead and post those photos, use them for a Save-The-Date, holiday card – whatever you need!
IT'S A MATCH!
my clients are bold and authentic. They're people who laugh loudly, live passionately, and think creatively.
I know we'll get along if:
You care deeply about being authentic and true to your values, even if you feel a bit self-conscious at times.
You're down to try new things and think outside the box, even if the end result isn't certain.
You love everything from the little details to the bigger memories – everything is important to you, no matter how big or small.
You're a colorful personality that loves mixing conventional traditions with unconventional add-ons – and a bit of a hopeless romantic.
You appreciate capturing memories exactly the way they were: romance can be messy and chaotic, but that's what makes it stunning.
We're totally a fit →
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 →
