Kintsugi Reclaimation 2026 Sponsorship Deck

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Earlier this year I went to Namibia for a photographer’s getaway. In 2024, it was Cape Town, South Africa, and this time we were in Windhoek, with plenty of time to explore and create. During the trip, I found myself thinking a lot about what it means to be an artist. In Japan, the words kamera man and shashinka are often used to describe photographers. I realized that I don’t want to be a kamera man. I want to be a shashinka.What’s the difference? A “kamera man” is often seen as more of a technical or commodity photographer. A “shashinka”, on the other hand, is closer to an artist. On the day of this shoot, I was feeling really low. Instead of directing Nanje, the model to look sexy or polished, I asked her to reflect how I was feeling. The room feels like it’s swallowing her. Honestly, that’s exactly how I felt. That day I chose to let my art reflect how I was feeling.Through editorial creative portraits, photography becomes a way to explore the deeper emotions we carry. This is the kind of work I like creating as a photographer in Tokyo.Location: Kolmanskop#toptiaphotography #photographer #portaitoftheday #headshot #tokyo

1 day ago

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How well do you really know yourself?In our consultations at TOPTIA Photography, one of the first things I ask is: What is your joy? What lights you up? What pulls you forward each morning beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities.Sometimes self-knowledge unfolds slowly through curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to listen to what feels alive inside you. In this latest blog, I share a personal reflection on rediscovering creative joy. It’s a story about artistic identity, the courage to follow what resonates deeply, and trusting my own voice again.You can read the full reflection here: https://toptia.com/learning-about-your-joy/#tiahaygood #tokyophotographer #photography #photographer #portraitmood

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How well do you really know yourself?In our consultations at TOPTIA Photography, one of the first things I ask is: What is your joy? What lights you up? What pulls you forward each morning beyond titles, roles, and responsibilities.Sometimes self-knowledge unfolds slowly through curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to listen to what feels alive inside you. In this latest blog, I share a personal reflection on rediscovering creative joy. It’s a story about artistic identity, the courage to follow what resonates deeply, and trusting my own voice again.You can read the full reflection here: https://toptia.com/learning-about-your-joy/#tiahaygood #tokyophotographer #photography #photographer #portraitmood

2 days ago

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Hey, I know you’re working on your goals, trying to meet deadlines and book projects.
There’s a lot on your shoulders because you care deeply about what you do. But before the weekend begins and the next week rushes in, take a moment to pause and reset.Here are a few questions to sit with at the end of the week that can help you realign and prepare for the week ahead:1. What made you feel most alive in your work this week?
2. When did you feel most like yourself while creating or building something?
3. Where did something feel heavy or resistant?
4. How can you take care of yourself better next week?
5. What are you ready to release?#photographer #portaitoftheday #photograperintokyo #tokyophotopgrapher #tokyo

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Hey, I know you’re working on your goals, trying to meet deadlines and book projects. There’s a lot on your shoulders because you care deeply about what you do. But before the weekend begins and the next week rushes in, take a moment to pause and reset.Here are a few questions to sit with at the end of the week that can help you realign and prepare for the week ahead:1. What made you feel most alive in your work this week? 2. When did you feel most like yourself while creating or building something? 3. Where did something feel heavy or resistant? 4. How can you take care of yourself better next week? 5. What are you ready to release?#photographer #portaitoftheday #photograperintokyo #tokyophotopgrapher #tokyo

6 days ago

3/6

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Are you scared of AI replacing your job? Or wondering if your profession will still exist in the future? It’s a conversation happening across many industries right now.Emily Kamata @emilyspeaksgold is a Japanese–English conference interpreter. Like many language professionals, her field is beginning to navigate the growing presence of AI translation and interpretation tools. But spending time with Emily, it becomes immediately clear that what she brings to her work goes far beyond what AI could replace.She is deeply personable, stylish, knows how to build trust, and has a unique way of connecting with people from completely different cultural and professional worlds. So if you find yourself wondering if AI will replace what you do, the answer is not so simple.Hi, I’m Tia Haygood, a Tokyo photographer who helps entrepreneurs like Emily stand out visually. If you’re thinking about updating your portraits, send me a message.#photographer #portaitoftheday #headshot #business #tokyo

1 week ago

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Over the years I’ve written quite a few articles for the TOPTIA Photography community. Many of them come from moments of reflection, creativity, and the quiet questions we ask ourselves while building our lives and careers. Some pieces were written to encourage. Some to challenge the way we see ourselves and others simply to spark a little curiosity.Here are a few of my favorite reads from the blog:1 “How Well Do You Really Know Yourself?” A reflection on rediscovering your creative journey and reconnecting with what truly makes you feel alive.2 “You Are Worth Remembering” An invitation to see our bodies differently. Not as problems to fix, but as vessels carrying our stories, resilience, and joy.3 “What to Wear for Your Modelling Portfolio” A practical guide to help you choose wardrobe pieces that elevate and strengthen your modeling portfolio.4 “Building the Confidence to Act” A personal reflection on pushing beyond creative comfort zones and taking the steps that growth requires.If you’re in a reflective mood or simply looking for a little inspiration, these are beautiful places to start. You can read them all on the TOPTIA Photography blog.Visit the link in bio and subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss a new story. See you there.#toptiaphotography #photographer #portaitoftheday #headshot #tokyo

1 week ago

5/6

Meet the real boss behind the scenes at TOPTIA Photography 🐾This is my youngest cat, Jiji. She’s 3 years old and she LOVES chasing butterflies, cat grass, and getting belly rubs.She’s a bit skittish, but if she gives you a sniff, let her get to know you so she can make a new friend. Consent queen. Social on her terms. We respect it.She’s pretty active during the day and will try to get her older siblings to play with her… even when they are trying to sleep. I think Shoga and Lea are hiding from Jiji more so than Robert and I.What I love most? Her meows. It’s a high-pitched staccato of meows that sounds like she’s having a full conversation with us. Nothing forlorn or needy. Just curious. Always curious.My advice for fur mamas? Let them be exactly who they are. Even the chaotic butterfly-chasing, sibling-annoying, conversational ones. Especially those ones.Would you like to see another photo of us together?Drop a 🐾 if you’re a fellow fur mama or if Jiji has officially stolen your heart.#catlover #catlife #neko #nekoclub #tokyo

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Meet the real boss behind the scenes at TOPTIA Photography 🐾This is my youngest cat, Jiji. She’s 3 years old and she LOVES chasing butterflies, cat grass, and getting belly rubs.She’s a bit skittish, but if she gives you a sniff, let her get to know you so she can make a new friend. Consent queen. Social on her terms. We respect it.She’s pretty active during the day and will try to get her older siblings to play with her… even when they are trying to sleep. I think Shoga and Lea are hiding from Jiji more so than Robert and I.What I love most? Her meows. It’s a high-pitched staccato of meows that sounds like she’s having a full conversation with us. Nothing forlorn or needy. Just curious. Always curious.My advice for fur mamas? Let them be exactly who they are. Even the chaotic butterfly-chasing, sibling-annoying, conversational ones. Especially those ones.Would you like to see another photo of us together?Drop a 🐾 if you’re a fellow fur mama or if Jiji has officially stolen your heart.#catlover #catlife #neko #nekoclub #tokyo

2 weeks ago