Photography has a unique ability to hold onto something that would otherwise disappear: a unique expression, a special gathering, a moment of joy, or even an ordinary day. For Aya, that ability to preserve a split second is at the heart of why she photographs.
“Photography is a way to capture a split second into a memory that can last forever, through the worst and the best.”
Photographs have carried stories across generations. For Aya, there is something deeply comforting about knowing that a moment can be encapsulated and held onto through a single image.
Finding Inspiration in Family
Aya’s greatest inspiration comes from the people she is closest with: her two younger sisters.
Watching them grow, discover who they are, and share their joy with the world reminds them of the beauty of becoming. Their growth has become a source of motivation that continually pushes Aya to be better, love more, and give more to the world.
Her photography reflects that same sense of connection. At its core, it is about people and the stories that make us who we are.
Seeing Through an Asian American Lens
As a former Youth Ambassador and a current alumni board member with Act To Change, Aya has become more intentional about what they photograph and how she tells stories through her camera.
Aya’s experience as a Youth Ambassador has encouraged her to consider not only what a photograph captures, but also whose perspective is behind the lens.
“Act to Change has made me more intentional about what and how I photograph. It’s made me think of the lens of an Asian American, and the stories I can share with my camera.”
That intentionality is part of what makes photography such a powerful form of representation. A camera can document what exists, but it can also invite people to see a community, an experience, or an identity in a way they may not have encountered before.
Bringing Stories Into the Spotlight
Aya’s photography has already reached audiences through her university’s paper, as well as Fresnoland and CalMatters. These opportunities have allowed her work to contribute to larger conversations and demonstrate how photography can complement journalism and storytelling.
Her goal, however, extends far beyond individual photographs.
Photographing the American Dream
Looking ahead, Aya hopes to document the experiences of first- and second-generation Asian Americans in cities across the United States, and explore what the “American Dream” means to them.
This World Photography Day, we’re proud to celebrate Aya and the perspective she brings to the world through her lens. Her work shows us that sometimes a single photograph can do more than preserve a moment, it can preserve a feeling, challenge norms, and help someone express themselves.
Written by Jax Kohlbrenner
