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Our Memorable Moments of 2021

Close-up black and white headshot of a smiling young woman - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos

It’s been another year of living with our new norm. Many of us are still continuing to find our footing in a prolonged pandemic however, as we find our new selves and purpose, TOPTIA was able to encounter some very memorable stories along the way. Here are some of the memories, I will continue to carry with me into the new year.

TOPTIA’s Memorable 2021 Moments

A double circular path with a cross sign on the top and 2021 written in between - Photographer in Tokyo, Japan Photography
A photo collage of albums, frames, and photos by Toptia Photography - Photographer in Tokyo, Japan Photography
This year was the first year, TOPTIA began selling prints and photo collections!
A collage of a black & white, and a colored photo of a model smiling & posing - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
2021 was Payton’s last year in Japan. But before she left for her new home, we connected for last two photo shoots.
Maternity Session by Tokyo Photographer
Maternity sessions are some of the most beautiful sessions that I enjoy doing. I don’t get to photograph many of these kinds of sessions and I absolutely love creating maternity silhouettes.
A collage of wedding portrait, and engagement portrait of a young couple - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
Couples sessions were some of the most creative opportunities to showcase a couples story unfolding.
Wide angle shot of a grown up tree in night with a couple sitting underneath - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
Another magical couples session during Twilight hour in Showa Memorial Park with Daigo helping me as my lighting team.
Black and white headshot of a young man in black coat smiling at the camera - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
I got to spend time with this dashing and excited actor and the range this very talented man has is astounding. How on earth can one channel their inner George Clooney, then Ryan Gosling, then Zac Efron! We’ll this man can!
Black and white collage of a beautiful kitten in different poses - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Photographer in Tokyo
In 2020, I wasn’t able to return home as many others weren’t. In July, I was able to fly home to see my family again. Especially, my oldest cart Mutsu (Left), named after the town in Aomori that grows Mutsu apples. The two right cats are my youngest Japanese cats, Shoga and Leia. I might just be a professional cat lady in 30 years or so.
A collage of a women photos standing with a golden trophy, and with some country flag - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
One of the biggest honors this year was photographing Her Excellency Ms. Julia Longbottom in the Ambassador’s Residence of the British Embassy. It was a humbling yet exciting experience capturing and photographing her for Custom Media’s BCCJ Acumen Magazine.
A collage of two women in red and blue outfit discussing casually - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Photographer in Tokyo
It was equally exciting photographing Dr Jackie Steele of enjoi K.K. interviewing politician Akiko Domoto in April.
Collage of Sakura Cherry Blossom, one is a wide angel, and other is a closeup shot - Photographer in Tokyo, Japan Photography
Fun Fact, this year was the first year seeing the cherry blossoms in Naka-Meguro. They were just so amazing to capture and look at.
A collage of the famous Cider from Aomori Prefecture placed, and poured in two glasses in hand - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
It was also a privilege to work with a prestigious company for a project in Aomori. Here we were able to enjoy the local cider.
A wide angle back-shot of a couple standing far away in the turnip rape - family photography, Tokyo Portrait Photographer
We also enjoyed looking at the canola flower fields. The fields were so vast! Blindingly YELLOW!
Editorial Photographer in Japan
And featured a local ramen shop that serves delicious curry milk butter ramen. It was heavenly!
Two identical girls in unique purple and pink dresses looking in the notebooks - family photography, lifestyle photography
These two little ones came to my home studio for a Mother’s Day photo session. While mom was getting her hair and makeup done, these two lovlies entertained themselves with some snacks and some entertaining books. It brought back memories of my sister and I quietly keeping to ourselves as our mother rehearsed for an upcoming dance performance.
A mother with her two daughters, all in fancy unique dresses posing the camera - family photography, lifestyle photography
These lovely ladies embracing each other for their photo.
An elderly woman in a multi-color dress sitting on a sofa, and smiling - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
Branding with several Tokyo-based businesses was one of the highlights of the 2021 year. I had a phenomenal time capturing a well-known attorney and podcaster in a fab location!
Personal Branding Tokyo Photographer
Here I was able to photograph a fashion designer who sells Colombian bags worldwide.
A photo collage of a young woman sitting on a sofa smiling at the camera - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
Branding sessions with coaches and consultants have been an eye-opening experience. I learned so much about how people can offer their expertise for the most specific needs their clients have.
A photo collage of an elderly woman sitting on a sofa smiling at the camera - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
Also just being able to not only capture their brand but their work and history that help solidify their brands.
Collage of two, a woman with her new born baby, and along with her husband in a romantic pose - family photography
When I started TOPTIA Photography, I was strictly a businessperson’s photographer. Then a trend happened, clients with families also wanted family sessions and I just couldn’t resist. This is one of my first Omiyamari sessions at an English-speaking shrine in Yokosuka.
Collage of three, a woman headshot, a woman smiling, and a man with eyeglasses - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
Something else I noticed about photographing international families in Japan were the children who follow their parents’ journeys across the world. The personal stories of an international jet-setting kid in 2021 has got to be one for the books. At least the photo books.
A collage of two, father flying his daughter & a mother with his son on a beach - family photography, lifestyle photography
It wouldn’t be a TOPTIA year for family sessions if there wasn’t a session on the beach. Between the Enoshima island and a gorgeous view of Mt Fuji, this wonderful family continued to enjoy the summer season in the bright sun.
A collage of two, a family at a pond, & another family in a park with their pet - family photography, lifestyle photography
Here are some family sessions during the spring and autumn seasons as well.
A collage of four young woman smiling at the camera in casual dresses - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
This year was also the first year I opened my home in Musashi-Kosugi for home studio sessions in natural light. I am so grateful for the many clients who trusted me with their headshot and portfolio sessions in my living room!
A collage of three young woman smiling at the camera in business formals - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
These fabulous ladies also trusted me with capturing their likeness and energies in my living room
A collage of event photos with purple theme, some music and dance as well - Event photographer, Tokyo Event Photography
Though we aren’t completely past the pandemic, it was great seeing a familiar annual event: The Pink Ball. Hosted by the Run For the Cure organization, almost 300 people who were fully vaccinated came to donate to breast cancer awareness.
Headshot of a beautiful woman in a white over sized top, smiling at the camera - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos
As the year comes to a close, TOPTIA has an exciting campaign to share with everyone in the new year! Keep an eye out for the news!
Toptoa Photography banner with the physical address, and social handles mentioned - Photographer in Tokyo, Japan Photography
Close-up black and white headshot of a smiling young woman - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos

Award-winning Tokyo portrait photographer Tia Haygood builds genuine connections with each client to understand their unique needs. She empowers those who may feel camera-shy, helping them see themselves in a fresh and confident light. With a mission to guide clients of all ages, body types, and ethnicities, Tia provides expert coaching in posing, expression, and styling to create transformative portraits that reveal their best selves.

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