Kay Yanagawa is a New York based photographer.

Born in Japan, Kay Yanagawa brings a quietly distinctive perspective to her work as a New York–based photographer. Her eye is shaped by a sensitivity to balance, rhythm, and detail—qualities influenced as much by her background in holistic practices as by her life between cultures. She has a natural ability to connect with her subjects, creating images that feel intimate and considered rather than constructed. There’s a sense of ease in her work, as if the moment has been gently uncovered rather than directed.

A licensed acupuncturist and dedicated yoga practitioner, Kay is also deeply immersed in tango and salsa—forms that inform her understanding of movement, timing, and connection. This translates directly into her photography, where she approaches each subject with attentiveness and fluidity, allowing space for expression while guiding with a subtle hand. Now based in Manhattan, her work reflects a balance of discipline and intuition, with a focus on capturing presence, energy, and the quieter details that give an image its crafted nuance.