The Girl Behind the Camera⁺

Tia Haygood is an English & Japanese-speaking photographer living in Tokyo, Japan. She enjoys photographing the urban characteristics of Tokyo and travels around Japan, tasting its many unique local foods. Tia received her first camera at the age of 13 and gradually became familiar with photography afterward. She has also attended classes through the New York Institute of Photography to further her skills.

Her goal is to make her clients overcome their nerves in front of the camera and help them showcase their best selves during their photo sessions regardless of the genre of photography she is hired to do. She believes that being photographed should be an investment and an experience that is enjoyed and remembered fondly.

As a Toyko Portrait Photographer, she will offer coaching in styling, posing, and expressions throughout your time with her before and during your photo session so that you’re not on your own.

Tia is very active in the international community and is currently a member of several Tokyo-based organizations such as FEW Japan, the Legacy Foundation Japan, and Jarman International K.K. She has provided photography services to some of these organizations for headshots and their events in Tokyo as well as others throughout Japan.

TOPTIA has been requested by Japanese and international businesses such as:

Western Digital ・Dale Carnegie Training Japan・Sasuga! Communications K.K.・The European Commission・For Empowering Women (FEW) Japan・Jarman International K.K.・The International Academic Forum・Run for the Cure Foundation・Phoenix House International School・LexisNexis・Tokyo Legal Hackers・Chambers and Partners・Withers Worldwide・White & Case

MEMBERSHIPS & AWARDS⁺

Professional Photographers of America, Member

PPA Certified Professional Photographer

The Portrait Systems, Member

Sasuga! Communication, The Movement, Founding Member & Sponsor

2020 Bronze Award for The Portrait Masters

2023 Bronze with Distinction Award for The Portrait Masters

2024 Bronze with Distinction Award for The Portrait Masters

Her purpose is to help you succeed! Book a photo session via the “Contact Me” page and follow her on her Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages! Or contact us below.

Artist's Statement⁺

My personal work has always driven me to explore Japan on a micro-level. Focusing on the lesser-known aspects of Japan or even the non-typical looks of Japan have transformed my own relationship with Japan. I, too, was amazed by the historic richness juxtaposed with the futuristic moods of Tokyo and Osaka. But I wish to learn more and show more. Using my sense of storytelling I hope to showcase Japan’s hidden stories on a wider scale.

Using a typological approach to my work, I enjoy setting my subjects in a homogenous setting while allowing them to be seen unapologetically as they are. This is a similar approach I enjoy with many of my corporate and business headshots. Homogenous, clean, minimalistic yet unique.

I forward to speaking to you as a future photographer for your business needs or even as a collaborator.