So... we're a perfect match!
You've looked through my portfolio, read some of the testimonials, and you've come to the decision that we'd be a great fit.
When it comes to photography, you're not just paying for a service, but investing in your memories. By now, you've probably realized that I'm not the type of photographer to just show up one day and take a few cliche shots before disappearing. These photos are for you.
This means having chats about the vibe you're going for beforehand, checking in actively during the shoots, and keeping you looped into editing process. After the photos are delivered, I'll be there to help you out with any future photography needs, whether they're for you or your loved ones.
Comprehensive communication. Love and laughter. Memories for forever. This is what you're investing in when you work with me.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY AND HOW TO INVEST IN ME
So... we're a perfect match!
You've looked through my portfolio, read some of the testimonials, and you've come to the decision that we'd be a great fit.
When it comes to photography, you're not just paying for a service, but investing in your memories. By now, you've probably realized that I'm not the type of photographer to just show up one day and take a few cliche shots before disappearing. These photos are for you.
This means having chats about the vibe you're going for beforehand, checking in actively during the shoots, and keeping you looped into editing process. After the photos are delivered, I'll be there to help you out with any future photography needs, whether they're for you or your loved ones.
Comprehensive communication. Love and laughter. Memories for forever. This is what you're investing in when you work with me.
scroll to learn more about why and how to invest in me
what you're investing in
creating memories from moments, and magic from memories – here's what you get when i'm your photographer
01.
authenticity
I got into wedding & elopement photography because of true love, in all senses of the word. If you're looking for a photographer whose goal is to capture love stories in motion, then you might love my goal: to create a visual narrative that is uniquely yours – one that is real, raw, and beautiful. These photos are timeless – they'll be your link back to your big day. All I ask if you come ready to be 100% you.
02.
inclusivity
Capturing love means all love. As an LGBTQ+ woman of color, I got into photography wanting to capture all kinds of stories – including those that reflected mine. I know what it's like to feel alienated for what you look like, who you love, and who you are, or to feel awkward in front of a camera. I work with couples from all walks of life – as long as you share my value for inclusivity, we'll get along great.
03.
familiarity
I've worked with couples all over the world to immortalize their big day. Because of this, I'm familiar with what it takes to plan an elopement or wedding. I always utilize my previous experience to ensure that we're in sync about anything that may be important for your big day. From preferred vendors to shot lists to any snags on the day of, rest assured that I'll be ready to take care of anything.
04.
intentionality
I take on a limited amount of weddings and elopements a year, because I want to put everything into the work that I create. When you work with me, you know that I'm creating this story not just for you, but with you – ensuring that your day isn't just captured, but woven into a visual narrative for a lifetime. I approach every project with passion, purpose, and a constant exploration of possibility.
05.
interactivity
I want the camera to be something that excites you on your special day, not terrifies you. I want to make sure that we feel comfortable with each other before we even meet in-person for the first time. When I say we work together, I mean it – I want this to be a fully collaborative process where we're co-creating. This means working together for timelines, expectations, making sure you're comfortable, and more.
06.
creativity
Every story is unique – the way it's captured ought to be too. I never want to take a one-size-fits-all approach to photography, so when we work together, I put my whole heart into capturing images that aren't just authentic, but also visually stunning. I stick by my core style of cinematic, romantic, and film-inspired, whilst also approaching every story with the intention of creating something gorgeous.
the meet cute
When you first reach out, the first thing is to make sure we'd be a good fit. While sending your inquiry, try to provide as much information as you can, and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. This makes it easier for us to get to know each other and visualize the work we could create together. I'll email you back with any answers to your questions, as well as more details about typical experiences, pricing, and more.
the talking stage
Happy with what you're seeing over email? If you're planning to have me shoot your elopement or wedding, I'll ask us to jump on a quick Zoom call. Here, we'll get to know each other, iron out any other details or questions, and generally make sure we're a good fit for each other – I want to provide an exceptional experience for every couple I work with, and that starts off by making sure we're a good fit for each other.
going exclusive
We've both decided that we really vibe with each other and want to work together – that's great! I'll send over your final custom quote detailing all the services we've chatted about. Just look over and sign the contract detailing basic information like dates, services, usage rights, etc. I also ask for a non-refundable retainer that goes towards your final balance in order to secure your date on my calendar. From there, it's official.
say yes to the rest
The in-between stage is the easiest part – all there's left to do is wait. During this time, we'll keep in touch regarding planning, location scouting, and more. If I'm working with you for your wedding or elopement, this is also the time we'll have your engagement shoot. I'll send you a questionnaire asking for more specifics about your special day as we get closer to the date, and we may even have a final call to iron out any last details.
the big day
The day has finally come! Whether this is a couples session or your elopement, throughout our time together, I'll make sure that we stick to my candid style that makes sure you're comfortable while still shooting creative and cinematic photos. I'll be there to make sure we get authentic reactions and genuine emotions, without worrying about things like unnatural posing or feeling totally out of your depth. Let's do this!
ever after
You'll get your first sneak peeks within 48 hours of our time together – about 5-10 edited shots that you can share with your loved ones right away. Turnaround times for the full final edited gallery range from 4-6 weeks for regular sessions, and 8-10 weeks for weddings and elopements. Once you receive your final gallery, make sure to post them (make sure to tag @riyakphoto!), and feel free to get them printed for any personal use!
THE PROCESS
FROM START TO FINISH, HERE'S HOW IT GOES
couples
weddings
other
elopements/intimate weddings
ELOPEMENTS
ELOPEMENTS
ELOPEMENTS
ELOPEMENTS
- Coverage from between 2 hours to the whole day (multi-day experiences available)
- Full and half day experiences include a complimentary engagement photoshoot
- Explore everywhere in California from the rugged cliffsides of Big Sur to the stunning peaks of Yosemite
- A personalized elopement experience complete with location scouting, timeline assistance, vendor recommendations, consultations, periodic check-ins, and more
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
- A final gallery of fully-edited pictures, available for high-resolution downloads
- Personal usage rights, both for online and printing
- Travel included within California
couples
weddings
other
elopements/intimate weddings
ELOPEMENTS/INTIMATE WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS
couples
other
couples
weddings
other
WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS
- Coverage from between 4 hours to the whole day (multi-day experiences available)
- Full day experiences include everything from getting ready to the ceremony to cocktail hour to partying into the night
- Tie the knot anywhere your love takes you – I travel!
- Second shooter provided for all half & full-day experiences
- A custom wedding experience, including timeline assistance, vendor recommendations, consultations, periodic check-ins, venue scouting, and more
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
- A final gallery of fully-edited pictures, available for high-resolution downloads, with specialized guest access for reception photos
- Personal usage rights, both for online and printing
- Travel included within California
elopements/intimate weddings
couples
WEDDINGS
other
ELOPEMENTS/INTIMATE WEDDINGS
couples
weddings
other
COUPLES
COUPLES
COUPLES
COUPLES
- Coverage from between 60 minutes to a half-day experience
- From an adventure session on the cliffsides, to a casual walk on the beach, to an intimate session right in your own home, every moment counts
- Consultations, planning assistance, location scouting, outfit guidance, check-ins, and other customized experiences available for all shoots, from engagement sessions to a surprise proposal
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
- A final gallery of fully-edited pictures, available for high-resolution downloads
- Personal usage rights, both for online and printing
- Travel included within California and locations on my travel schedule; travel outside provided at standard fixed amount
elopements/intimate weddings
couples
WEDDINGS
other
ELOPEMENTS/INTIMATE WEDDINGS
couples
weddings
other
CUSTOM
CUSTOM
CUSTOM
CUSTOM
ALSO OFFERING:
- Events such as birthday parties, corporate functions, commemoration balls, launch events, and more (pricing subject to event details; standard pricing starting at $150/hr, student discounts available)
- Family portrait sessions (starting at $450)
- Graduation photoshoots (individual starting at $200; group pricing is customized based on the amount of people)
- Business branding session (starting at $500)
- Individual headshot sessions (starting at $175)
- For concert and performance work, please visit Kataria Media to see my work and inquire
elopements/intimate weddings
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 →