This Mother's Day, gift a personalized photo session with TOPTIA Photography to celebrate this special occasion

Most women can relate to the struggle of not being seen. Not just as the roles they play: mother, daughter or wife, but for who they are beyond the label. In a world that asks women to shrink, Tia Haygood of TOPTIA Photography empowers women to proudly take up space. For Tia, capturing portraits isn’t just about a high-quality headshot; it is an act of reclamation. Over the past decade, her work has evolved from a generalist “English-speaking photographer” in Japan to a specialist who captures the beauty and joy of internationally minded women and professionals. 

Early Inspiration To Editorial Excellence

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/NZ93192.jpg)Tia’s signature style is defined by a commitment to technical growth and a mastery of lighting

The seeds of TOPTIA Photography were planted early. Tia credits her grandmother as the designated family historian. Armed with a Kodak camera that looked like a “little chocolate bar” and a pop-up flash, her grandmother beautifully captured the moments of everyday family life. This early exposure birthed a fascination with “freezing time,” and as her career progressed, that curiosity evolved into a sophisticated editorial flair. Influenced by legends like Annie Leibovitz and mentored by Tom Trevatt, her signature style is defined by a commitment to technical growth and a mastery of lighting that elevates each portrait into a work of art.

Celebrating Beauty in Authenticity

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/NZ93026.jpg)Celebrate their current selves with the same awe she might reserve for a younger version of herself

When asked when Tia’s photography journey shifted to focus on photographing women in high-level executive and management roles, she said it was when she noticed a jarring disconnect. On one hand, the women she photographed were highly educated, professionals leading industries; on the other, they were women who would walk into a consultation and immediately put themselves down. “The two people, to me, just don’t align,” she notes. Many of her clients cited weight gain and aging as reasons not to step in front of the camera. From then on, Tia’s mission transformed into creating a positive environment where her clients could celebrate their current selves with the same awe she might reserve for a younger version of herself. “Stop waiting. We’re already there,” she adds. 

Since then, Tia has shot several portrait series. Her Kintsugi Reclamation Project, for example, celebrates scars (physical or emotional). Tia asked her subjects to reframe their stories so they would appreciate the beauty of their own journeys. It was an act of fighting against shame and self-hate, through empowerment and personal reflection. Additionally, Tia’s 40 over 40 series brought together 40 women across different paths, each with a personalized photo session that captured them at their best. Through this series, her aim was to combat the societal misconception that a woman’s “usefulness” or beauty expires after she has fulfilled society’s traditional roles.

On Motherhood and Legacies

[

](https://cdn.savvytokyo.com/app/uploads/2026/03/NZ93121.jpg)Create a lasting legacy, one photo at a time

Tia shares that her close relationship with her own mother helped her see the role portraiture plays in defining a legacy. Wishing her mother had left more photos of herself behind, Tia wishes more mothers would take the time to celebrate themselves. By stepping in front of the camera, mothers solidify how the next generation remembers them, not just as a background figure but as a woman in all her glory. 

Special Mother’s Day Offer

This year, TOPTIA Photography is launching a campaign that spans UK Mother’s Day through to the US and Japan celebrations. This is more than a quick photo op; it is a Luxury Mother’s Day Portrait Session. Each is a personalized experience that focuses on what brings the mother joy. Whether it’s a glamorous editorial setup, traditional cultural attire or a simple, soulful session. This photo session will include professional hair and makeup and a photographer who understands the messy, busy, hard work of motherhood.

If you are looking to book your own session or gift one, here are the details for the upcoming sessions:

• Service Area: Kanto Area (Tokyo/Yokohama and surroundings).

• Booking Lead Time: At least one month in advance to ensure proper consultation and planning.

• Slots Available: Six slots

• Starting Price: Packages begin at ¥60,000.

Contact Information: 

• Online:sessions.toptia.com/mothers-day-portrait-session 

• Email: info@toptia.com  

Each photo session guarantees that you will leave with more than just a beautiful image. Whether you’re an executive or an expat mom navigating a new country, celebrate yourself as you are.