Meet MARTIN WONG of LOS ANGELES

Today we’d like to introduce you to MARTIN WONG.

Hi MARTIN, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started photography over 25 years ago, long before social media became what it is today. Back then, it was just me, a camera, and hours learning Photoshop because I loved the idea of shaping images, not just capturing them. That early mix of technical curiosity and creativity became the base of everything I do now.

Over time, I explored different genres: portraits, lifestyle, events, travel, really anything that let me understand people and light better. I eventually discovered cosplay photography at conventions, and while it wasn’t my main focus, it opened my eyes to a community that valued creativity and storytelling. It also pushed me to refine my editing style and think more cinematically.

As my work evolved, so did my online presence. I started sharing behind-the-scenes, tutorials, and thoughts about the craft, and that naturally grew into the MartinWongPhoto brand. Today I focus on a blend of commercial work, creative portraits, and educational content for photographers. What hasn’t changed is the core: I still approach photography with the same curiosity I had 25 years ago, always trying to help people look their best and inspire others through what I create.

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 definitely has not been a smooth road. Photography is one of those careers where you are constantly balancing passion with practicality. Early on, I dealt with the same challenges most creatives face: inconsistent income, clients who did not fully understand the value of professional work, and the struggle of turning something I loved into something sustainable.

Another challenge was finding my own voice and style. After more than 25 years of shooting, you go through phases where you feel stuck or unsure if your work is moving in the right direction. When social media became a major part of the industry, the pressure to shoot, edit, teach, and stay active online made things even more complicated.

Every difficulty pushed me to grow. Learning business fundamentals, improving my workflow, and staying open to new types of photography helped me develop resilience. All of those challenges shaped me into a more versatile creator, and they allow me to understand and support other photographers who are going through similar experiences.

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?
I am a photographer and content creator who focuses on portrait, lifestyle, and commercial work. I also create educational content that helps photographers understand lighting, posing, workflow, and the business side of the industry. Over the years, people have come to know me for clean and dynamic imagery, strong use of lighting, and an editing style that enhances the subject without overprocessing.

I am most proud of the fact that my work has helped everyday people feel confident in front of the camera. Whether I am photographing a brand or an individual, I always aim to bring out the best version of the person in front of me. I am equally proud of the community I have built online, where I share tips, experiences, and honest insights about the creative process. Many people have told me my tutorials and breakdowns helped them grow their own skills, and that means a lot to me.

What sets me apart is the combination of technical experience and long-term consistency. I have been shooting and using Photoshop for more than 25 years, so I understand both the artistic and technical sides of photography. I also approach every project with a balance of creativity, clarity, and practicality. My goal is always to deliver images that are both visually strong and purposeful, while also communicating what I learn so others can grow as well.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I started in photography long before social media and content creation existed. A lot of people discover my work through YouTube or online platforms, so they assume I grew my career through the internet. In reality, I spent many years quietly practicing photography, learning Photoshop, and studying light simply because I enjoyed the craft. I never expected it to become a public-facing career.

Another surprising thing is that I am naturally very analytical. I love breaking things down, experimenting, and solving technical problems. That side of me plays a big role in how I teach and how I work behind the scenes, even though most people only see the final images.

Overall, people often see the polished content, but not the decades of curiosity, trial and error, and self-teaching that shaped the foundation of what I do today.

Pricing:

• $100/Portrait Photo

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MartinWongPhoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinwongphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martinwongphoto
• Twitter: https://x.com/MartinWongPhoto
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MartinWongPhoto