Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny Park.
Hi Sunny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
First of all, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share my story! Being born and raised in Seoul, South Korea and moving to Los Angeles, California at age ten, I had the opportunity to meet countless different people. This allowed me to fall in love with meeting new people and listen to their unique stories and perspectives. I have always been in touch with my creative side since I was little, wanting to get my hands on every art project that I saw in books and TV shows, eager to create anything. It was not until I was in high school that I found out about digital media and photography, which was when I quickly fell in love with the medium and wanted to create breathtaking images and heart-felt videos myself. I’m grateful that photography gives me a chance to capture and share the beautiful moments that let me feel so much joy. Not only that, I love how it allows me to meet new people, hear their unique stories, adore their beauty, and help them feel the most beautiful and confident in their own skin! Basically, I’m lucky to have found a medium that allows me to explore my love for people and my creative side, and give back by creating and sharing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It took a long time for me to be able to see myself as a photographer. I never felt like I knew enough about photography to call myself a professional. Although I was very lucky to have people around me affirming my work, it ultimately came down to me having confidence in myself and in my work. It was not until I realized that I will never stop learning and growing even if my work seems to reach the “expert level”, and that being a photographer (or any other “professional” identity) will always be a journey of continuous growth. It also helps me to feel grounded and confident to know that my intersectional identity – a woman, an immigrant, a daughter, a student, an empath, etc – is what makes me and my work unique.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you so much for your kind words! I specialize in portraits and branding photography. I love connecting with my clients and helping them see the endless beauty that lies within them and helping them to share their stories through a timeless visual medium.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Yes, absolutely! I would not be able to continue my work without the constant inspiration that I get from other creatives. A few of my favorite podcasts that I love to listen to are: Asian Boss Girl, Bamboos and Glass, and Ted Radio Hours. As an Asian American woman, learning and accepting my identity is as important to me as learning other cultures and perspectives. I believe being grounded in my identity helps me to be more welcoming and allows me to celebrate other cultures and people in their most authentic selves.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sunnyparkphoto.com
Image Credits:
Image Credit for the personal photo: Sophie Park // @sophieepark on Instagram
