My name is pronounced like papaya. Aya. Aya Papaya. My pronouns are she/her. I am currently based out of Brooklyn, NY, and Seattle, WA. Starting June 2024, I will be based out of Seattle, WA, and Tokyo, Japan. I have been shooting professionally for 19 years. 2024 is my 15th year photographing weddings! I started out in the music industry and it is still a large part of my life.

My photographs and illustrations have been featured in publications such as The New York Times, NPR, Sportswear International, International Traditional Film Photography Society, Spin Magazine, AP Magazine, and Diverging Magazine. I have shown my work across several cities, ranging from Seattle, Denver, Chicago, and DC. I am also a published children's book illustrator.

I am a second-generation Japanese American and grew up in the Midwest. My dad immigrated to the United States as a chef with my pregnant mom (carrying me) in tow in 1986. In 2022, my parents moved back to northern Japan to take over our family business growing rice. Much of my personal and professional work, including pricing accessibility, is influenced by being raised in a working-class immigrant home.

Here is a list of things I love:

• Lists

• Shooting and collecting Polaroid & film cameras.

• Beer! Lagers and Sours/Wilds are my favorite.

• Hockey; particularly the Colorado Avalanche.

• Soft serve ice cream.

• Traveling frequently.

• Red pandas!!

• Electronic music. Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Boards of Canada are always in rotation.

Looking for a wedding photographer? I'd love to chat! I am also available for travel.

Questions, comments, or factoids about cats can be sent here: ayatiffanysato@gmail.com