I like to say “My name is Araya, rhymes with Papaya!” I was born in the California mountains and raised in Los Angeles. I grew up in the world of entertainment, so I naturally had a pull towards the arts and creative pursuits from a young age. My aunt gifted me an old Brownie camera as a child and I quickly became fascinated by the world of photography and the ability to create art with light, capturing each precious moment. I felt compelled to pursue photography professionally while attending the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) and continued my photography education in college.
After graduating from college, I moved to San Francisco, interning and working for various magazines and newspapers. I eventually landed jobs with big companies like Pixar, Disney, Getty Images and Lucas Film where I was graciously offered a photography position, created just for me. Once I hit the peak of success in the Bay Area, I packed up and moved back to Los Angeles where I currently reside. I’ve been fortunate to reconnected with the entertainment world in Los Angeles and now I photograph premier parties and awards shows for Getty Images, Shutterstock, Penske Media Corporation: PMC and also for private clients. I photograph portraits, headshots, fashion and creative photography, remaining versatile and ready to work in studio, on location or travel to destinations for the perfect photoshoot.
With over 18 years experience as a professional photographer, I pride myself on my professionalism, work ethics, positivity, connections with clients and ability to bring light (both literally and figuratively) to any event or studio photoshoot, always providing top notch images with sleek post production work.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, to book a photo session for any of your personal photo needs or with Getty Images, Shutterstock or Penske Media Corporation: PMC.