Portraits

•

Hi, I’m Tia Haygood, an English-speaking Tokyo portrait photographer and the founder of TOPTIA Photography.For over 10 years, I’ve had the joy of photographing people here in Japan with care, intention, and heart. Through this work, I’ve met entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, and incredible people whose stories have stayed with me.For a long time, I stayed behind the scenes, letting my work and my clients take the spotlight. But this year, I want to share more of myself too. My story, my perspective, and the heart behind why I do this work.So I’m starting with this Jiko Shokai series. In Japanese, jiko shokai means self-introduction, and this feels like my way of inviting you to know me beyond the photos.What stood out to you in this video? I’d love to hear in the comments.#tiahaygood #toptiaphotography #jikoshokai #photographer #tokyo

2 weeks ago

1/4

One thing I hear often as a Tokyo photographer is, “I’m awkward in front of the camera.” And honestly, I understand why. Being photographed can make you hyper-aware of yourself. You start wondering what your face is doing, where your hands should go, whether you look stiff, or if you are getting it wrong. That kind of overthinking can make anyone feel awkward.But awkward does not mean you are bad at being photographed. Most of the time, it just means you have not had the chance to settle in yet. You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose or how to perform. You don’t need to be naturally confident. My job is to guide you, create ease, and help you feel safe enough to come back to yourself.Usually, the images people love most are not the ones where they tried hardest. They are the ones where they finally exhaled. If being in front of the camera feels hard for you, you are not alone.DM Portraits to learn more about my session.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

•

One thing I hear often as a Tokyo photographer is, “I’m awkward in front of the camera.” And honestly, I understand why. Being photographed can make you hyper-aware of yourself. You start wondering what your face is doing, where your hands should go, whether you look stiff, or if you are getting it wrong. That kind of overthinking can make anyone feel awkward.But awkward does not mean you are bad at being photographed. Most of the time, it just means you have not had the chance to settle in yet. You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose or how to perform. You don’t need to be naturally confident. My job is to guide you, create ease, and help you feel safe enough to come back to yourself.Usually, the images people love most are not the ones where they tried hardest. They are the ones where they finally exhaled. If being in front of the camera feels hard for you, you are not alone.DM Portraits to learn more about my session.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

2 weeks ago

2/4

Here’s a little look at what happens in the studio before the final images come together. From the moment you arrive, I want the studio to feel like a space where you can breathe, settle in, and feel taken care of. You begin with hair and makeup, and then we ease into the session together. You are not expected to know how to pose or how to get it right. I guide you through expression, movement, and the small adjustments that help you feel more at ease. We also check images together as we go, so the experience feels supportive and collaborative.I want you to feel supported throughout the shoot, not just happy with the final photos. Many people come in feeling nervous at first, which is completely normal. That is why I care so much about creating an atmosphere that feels calm, warm, and reassuring. The final portraits matter, but so does the experience of being photographed.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

•

Here’s a little look at what happens in the studio before the final images come together. From the moment you arrive, I want the studio to feel like a space where you can breathe, settle in, and feel taken care of. You begin with hair and makeup, and then we ease into the session together. You are not expected to know how to pose or how to get it right. I guide you through expression, movement, and the small adjustments that help you feel more at ease. We also check images together as we go, so the experience feels supportive and collaborative.I want you to feel supported throughout the shoot, not just happy with the final photos. Many people come in feeling nervous at first, which is completely normal. That is why I care so much about creating an atmosphere that feels calm, warm, and reassuring. The final portraits matter, but so does the experience of being photographed.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

2 weeks ago

3/4

Have you ever wanted to be visible, but felt vulnerable when it comes to being seen? Don’t let your fear of being seen stop you from your desire to be visible. You’ve probably done hard things before while feeling nervous and unsure. You still applied for the job. You still showed up for the interview. You still went after the opportunity even with all the what ifs.A photoshoot can feel like that too. It can bring up nerves, self-consciousness, and the pressure to feel ready before you begin. I want you to know you don't have to move through that feeling alone. I approach every session with care. My team and I guide you through the experience, support you throughout, and create space for you to feel safe and comfortable in front of the camera.You’ll walk away feeling safe, seen, and more confident in your visibility. DM Portraits to learn more about our sessions.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

•

Have you ever wanted to be visible, but felt vulnerable when it comes to being seen? Don’t let your fear of being seen stop you from your desire to be visible. You’ve probably done hard things before while feeling nervous and unsure. You still applied for the job. You still showed up for the interview. You still went after the opportunity even with all the what ifs.A photoshoot can feel like that too. It can bring up nerves, self-consciousness, and the pressure to feel ready before you begin. I want you to know you don't have to move through that feeling alone. I approach every session with care. My team and I guide you through the experience, support you throughout, and create space for you to feel safe and comfortable in front of the camera.You’ll walk away feeling safe, seen, and more confident in your visibility. DM Portraits to learn more about our sessions.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

3 weeks ago

4/4

Current Locale

Tokyo, Japan

Headshots

Events

Blog
Headshots
Events
Modes/Actors Portfolio

Stay in the Loop

Join our insider circle for occasional updates on upcoming campaigns, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive invitations.

Newsletter signup

Email

Name

subscribing...

Thank you for sign up!

•

Hi, I’m Tia Haygood, an English-speaking Tokyo portrait photographer and the founder of TOPTIA Photography.For over 10 years, I’ve had the joy of photographing people here in Japan with care, intention, and heart. Through this work, I’ve met entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, and incredible people whose stories have stayed with me.For a long time, I stayed behind the scenes, letting my work and my clients take the spotlight. But this year, I want to share more of myself too. My story, my perspective, and the heart behind why I do this work.So I’m starting with this Jiko Shokai series. In Japanese, jiko shokai means self-introduction, and this feels like my way of inviting you to know me beyond the photos.What stood out to you in this video? I’d love to hear in the comments.#tiahaygood #toptiaphotography #jikoshokai #photographer #tokyo

2 weeks ago

1/6

•

One thing I hear often as a Tokyo photographer is, “I’m awkward in front of the camera.” And honestly, I understand why. Being photographed can make you hyper-aware of yourself. You start wondering what your face is doing, where your hands should go, whether you look stiff, or if you are getting it wrong. That kind of overthinking can make anyone feel awkward.But awkward does not mean you are bad at being photographed. Most of the time, it just means you have not had the chance to settle in yet. You don’t need to arrive knowing how to pose or how to perform. You don’t need to be naturally confident. My job is to guide you, create ease, and help you feel safe enough to come back to yourself.Usually, the images people love most are not the ones where they tried hardest. They are the ones where they finally exhaled. If being in front of the camera feels hard for you, you are not alone.DM Portraits to learn more about my session.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

2 weeks ago

2/6

•

Here’s a little look at what happens in the studio before the final images come together. From the moment you arrive, I want the studio to feel like a space where you can breathe, settle in, and feel taken care of. You begin with hair and makeup, and then we ease into the session together. You are not expected to know how to pose or how to get it right. I guide you through expression, movement, and the small adjustments that help you feel more at ease. We also check images together as we go, so the experience feels supportive and collaborative.I want you to feel supported throughout the shoot, not just happy with the final photos. Many people come in feeling nervous at first, which is completely normal. That is why I care so much about creating an atmosphere that feels calm, warm, and reassuring. The final portraits matter, but so does the experience of being photographed.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

2 weeks ago

3/6

•

Have you ever wanted to be visible, but felt vulnerable when it comes to being seen? Don’t let your fear of being seen stop you from your desire to be visible. You’ve probably done hard things before while feeling nervous and unsure. You still applied for the job. You still showed up for the interview. You still went after the opportunity even with all the what ifs.A photoshoot can feel like that too. It can bring up nerves, self-consciousness, and the pressure to feel ready before you begin. I want you to know you don't have to move through that feeling alone. I approach every session with care. My team and I guide you through the experience, support you throughout, and create space for you to feel safe and comfortable in front of the camera.You’ll walk away feeling safe, seen, and more confident in your visibility. DM Portraits to learn more about our sessions.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographerintokyo #photographer #tokyo

3 weeks ago

4/6

Sometimes all you need is a window and a bunch of sand. That’s it.
Not the perfect time.
Not the perfect body.
Not the perfect version of yourself.So many people think they need to wait until they feel more confident, lose weight, know how to pose, or become more “photogenic” before booking a shoot. But the truth is, you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to be worthy of a photoshoot. You can show up as you are. Nervous, unsure, and still figuring this out.I collaborate with my clients to make sure they love the final portraits. But beyond the images, the guidance and reassurance is creating a space where you can feel safe enough to let yourself be seen matter just as much.If being photographed has been on your heart but fear keeps getting in the way, DM SAFE and let’s talk about it.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographer #photographerintokyo #tokyo

•

Sometimes all you need is a window and a bunch of sand. That’s it. Not the perfect time. Not the perfect body. Not the perfect version of yourself.So many people think they need to wait until they feel more confident, lose weight, know how to pose, or become more “photogenic” before booking a shoot. But the truth is, you don’t have to wait for the perfect time to be worthy of a photoshoot. You can show up as you are. Nervous, unsure, and still figuring this out.I collaborate with my clients to make sure they love the final portraits. But beyond the images, the guidance and reassurance is creating a space where you can feel safe enough to let yourself be seen matter just as much.If being photographed has been on your heart but fear keeps getting in the way, DM SAFE and let’s talk about it.#toptia #toptiaportaits #photographer #photographerintokyo #tokyo

4 weeks ago

5/6

Namibia awakened the little girl in me. I was in awe of how beautiful the country was, and being around some amazing photographer friends reopened a part of myself that feels deeply connected to wonder, creativity, and the kind of beauty the little girl in me simply loved to see. It feels especially meaningful because this year marks 10 years of TOPTIA Photography.There was a time when I did not know what my life in Japan would become. After four years here, I was standing between leaving and staying, between photography school, law school, and so many futures that did not fully feel like mine. I just knew something in me was searching. Photography became the thing that kept pulling me back to myself.Now, ten years later, TOPTIA Photography has become an established studio built with care, trust, and vision. My journey as a photographer in Tokyo has played a big part in the person I’ve become and the studio I’ve built.If you’ve ever been curious about my studio, you’re always welcome to send me a message.Photographer @shutterleafcreations#toptiastory #photographer #tokyo #photographerintokyo #portraits

•

Namibia awakened the little girl in me. I was in awe of how beautiful the country was, and being around some amazing photographer friends reopened a part of myself that feels deeply connected to wonder, creativity, and the kind of beauty the little girl in me simply loved to see. It feels especially meaningful because this year marks 10 years of TOPTIA Photography.There was a time when I did not know what my life in Japan would become. After four years here, I was standing between leaving and staying, between photography school, law school, and so many futures that did not fully feel like mine. I just knew something in me was searching. Photography became the thing that kept pulling me back to myself.Now, ten years later, TOPTIA Photography has become an established studio built with care, trust, and vision. My journey as a photographer in Tokyo has played a big part in the person I’ve become and the studio I’ve built.If you’ve ever been curious about my studio, you’re always welcome to send me a message.Photographer @shutterleafcreations#toptiastory #photographer #tokyo #photographerintokyo #portraits

4 weeks ago