About Araya

Beginnings

I fell in love with photography as a child, when my aunt gave me an old Brownie camera. It held me captive with endless creative possibilities and the fascinating lightscapes I was able to capture.

My passion endured. While attending the Los Angeles High School for the Arts, I saw a documentary about photojournalists from around the world, I knew that photography was my future. It had so many opportunities - the ability to travel and to work with people while expressing myself creatively. It was the ideal career for me.

I continued my photography education in college. There I learned the history, and fundamental techniques of the field. And with the excellent guidance of my teachers and the empowering / nurturing atmosphere, I cultivated and polished my style. When I launched myself into the world of the professional, I was ready to take on assignments, and I continue to refine my skills to this day.

Inspiration

My inspiration comes from everything I see and think about. From traveling, interacting with people, and watching life unfold around me, to seeing a really great exhibit at a gallery, watching a sunset, or having a funny thought, any one of these can spark my imagination. Letting life influence me helps me to influence my work with mood, drama, attitude and humor.

Interaction

One of my greatest gifts is my ability to work with people and put them at ease during a shoot. I've been blessed to work with some amazing artists and models who have consistently expressed just how comfortable they were working with me. I firmly believe that a photography shoot should be enjoyable and I work hard at making that true for my clients.

With my background in art, I tend to view people as works of art themselves. I believe in working with my clients instead of for them. It's that collaboration that produces the best photography.

Now

These days, my focus is on creating beauty and images that move us. I am also a contributing photographer for WireImage and Getty Images, taking celebrity, concert and event photographs. I aspire to learn and grow as a photographer, always allowing my inner artist to shine while maintaining the integrity of my clients.

I invite you to contact me for photography work. I work out of the San Francisco Bay Area and am also available to travel for photography shoots.