As a doting mother of 2, that overwhelming feeling of being in pure awe and in love that time practically stands still is otherworldly. I became obsessed with preserving that feeling. I wanted to cherish it forever. That same feeling through imagery is the gift I want to share with others.

This is where my passion for motherhood and family photography began.  

golden-hour skies.
wildflower fields & nature.

I'M TONAYA. MY PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE IS ETHEREAL & AIRY. I BELIEVE YOUR FAMILY PHOTOS SHOULD BE WORKS OF ART.

ABOUT TONAYA - motherhood & Family portraiture

COFFEE ORDER

caramelicious blended

secret talent

gift giving

I'd rather be

traveling

on my bucket list

disneyland

perfect day includes

sunshine or thunderstorms

hometown

okinawa

favorite place

the lake

obsessed with

my children

guilty pleasure

home decor + diy

COFFEE ORDER

cappuccino

Secret Talent

baking sourdough

Perfect day includes

friends + family

obsessed with

birkenstocks

Guilty pleasure

leather bags

QUICK FACTS

FOR THE SKIMMERS

OVER THE YEARS

2019

launching the dream

It was in documenting my own journey of motherhood and my children that inspired me to capture the memories and tender moments of other families.

2020

bridal editorial work

In the beginning I explored various niches in portrait photography including editorial and branding. Editorial really helped me hone into my craft behind the lens.

2022

my first publication feature

I remember the excitement of finding out that my work has been featured by Vivier magazine. Check it out!

2023

pour into motherhood

I decided to devote my talent in capturing the stages of motherhood and family. 

1.

Through authentic storytelling, connection and interaction with my clients, I evoke natural, emotive expressions in my imagery to awaken and capture a type of beauty between people that can not be faked. 

The most beautiful photographs of ourselves are true and unforced. With strategic placement against the sun's glowing, radiant light - a dreamy photograph is produced.

I prefer candid over overly posing

2.

It is within all the tiny elements and details that high-quality imagery is created. 

As the creative director behind every single session, I understand how vital color palette, wardrobe, lighting, scenery, posing and expressions are in producing impactful imagery. 

A great deal of time and careful planning is dedicated to each session to give life to stunning work.

I am extremely detail oriented

3.

As a natural light photographer, the sun is the major supporting character in all of my work.

Careful attention is placed on how it's rays radiate and illuminate the scenery and main subjects in every photograph. 

For this reason, I exclusively shoot during golden-hour for the best light.

I chase the sun's light

a few more things you should know

years spent overseas

NUMBERS

7

countries travelled

6

years as a mother

6

The

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