Meet Andy Kim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Kim.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Andy. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I started photography in middle school, around the 7th grade, when I had to choose an elective. I was always intrigued with the “Behind-the-Scenes” concept and how that worked, so I decided to join Yearbook, to get an idea of how a yearbook is put together for a school. I chose to be one of the photographers that captured images for the yearbook.

I participated in yearbook until I graduated from middle school. This is where I discovered my passion for “capturing images.” It wasn’t until high school where I took photography in a more active and passionate way. At my sophomore to senior year, I participated in the school’s newspaper, yearbook, and video production team.

In these classes, I learned more about the technical aspects of photography and cinematography. It wasn’t official photography or cinematography classes, but it was a great first step to learning more. High school is also where I learned a valuable lesson in life. Knowing the “why” in anything you do. Like ask myself, why am I doing what I do? Why am I pursuing this passion? Etc. Then came the important question: Why am I pursuing photography again?

My high school, unfortunately, set some poor society standards on what females should look like. It was the cliche of the “popular” kids against the normal, nerds, and other people. The so-called “popular” kids set a standard that in order to look pretty, you have to have this body, have a nice butt, big breasts, and overall look like this. They even have something similar for what a “real man” is.

I always hated and was against what society’s standards for what a pretty female looks like, because I had many friends that were females that became very insecure about themselves because they kept hearing about these “standards.” Of course, we weren’t part of the popular group, but it really bothered them, despite my best efforts to tell them that society’s standards are nothing but a Shepard telling his/her sheep what they think is true, even though it isn’t. Being an Aquarius on the zodiac sign, I’m a people person, and I love helping people.

There had to be something I could do to help them find their inner beauty. I always believed everyone is beautiful in their own way. One day, I asked one of my friends to maybe go on a shoot with me. Maybe if she saw professionally done pictures of herself for the first time, maybe she will know that she is beautiful in her own way. This was also where I tested my photography abilities, after learning from just pure trial and error.

After the shoot, I showed her the photos, and she instantly became more confident with herself. After seeing photos of herself for the first time, she actually felt pretty and good about herself. The realization that I helped someone feel confident with themselves was an amazing feeling. That’s the moment I realized the “why” I am doing photography. I found my purpose.

After that first shoot, I did with my friend, I decided I wanted to pursue photography, to be able to help others find their inner beauty and confidence. When Instagram came out during my high school years, that’s when I started learning by looking at other photographers and models and getting inspired.

That’s how I mainly learned photography, through inspiration from others, and constantly shooting my friends, models, and learning from trial and error. No classes. I started reaching out to other Instagram models and photographers when I started college. I never thought working with other models and photographers who share the same passion as me, could make me so happy, and help me find my place.

– To this day, I keep a mindset of “make this person more confident by the end of the shoot.” Shooting with other models have taught me how to effectively work with others while keeping a fun, positive attitude. Make shoots more like hangouts rather than making it feel like a job.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No one goes through any journey without struggle. I feel like if you have all these obstacles coming your way, it is easy to believe that maybe you aren’t destined for it, or you shouldn’t be doing it. But to be a wiser, and stronger person, you have to go through all the bad.

My high school life always battled me in my pursuit of photography. Since I was involved with all the media our school had to offer, people often think I stalk and blackmail people. This almost caused me to give up on photography for good. It was also very hard for me to ignore what everyone said about me because back then, I struggled to let things go. But if I hadn’t gone through what I did, I most definitely would not be the resilient and strong-willed person I am today.

When I first branched out and worked with other models and photographers, at first, I was very excited, but at the same time, a little jealous. Looking at other people’s work and how great their work is compared to mine. But in the end, I remind myself, why I branched out in the first place. Instead of getting jealous, use it as a motivation to learn, and get better, so I could rise to the skill level they are in.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a freelance photographer/videographer in the OC/LA area. I am mostly known for being a very versatile photographer, skilled not only in one aspect of photography but many. Such examples as the golden hour, night time, neon lights, studios, etc. I am also known for shooting in creative and unusual places for photos, such as IKEA, an arcade, restaurants, rooftops, etc. Basically, the average Instagram photographer who works to get “instagrammable” photos.

One thing all my models tell me is that I have a very creative mind and a good eye. A good eye in catching someone’s angles, and a good eye in locations wise. One thing every model I have worked with tells me that they appreciate about me is that I treat shoots not in a very strict professional way, but a fun, open-minded professional way. Meaning I treat shoots as if I’m hanging with someone, but still provide professional quality manners and photos.

What I am most proud of myself is how much I have overcome to get to where I am. Also, the fact that I am known for having a good eye on angles and locations, people always telling me I am one of the most creative, passionate people they have worked with, sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve such kind words. All I want is for others to be happy.

What sets me apart from others, in my opinion, is how I treat shoots, and how I interact with my models and clients. And despite having a fun, weird, playful attitude, I am still able to provide professional quality photos that satisfy my clients and models. Reaching out to Instagram models and photographers, I have heard a lot of stories.

Let’s just say I was told the way I treat shoots, is far better than what my models have previously experienced. They love the way I treat it as a hangout and still manage to get photos better than a person who is strict, doesn’t talk much, but does get good photos.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far is going back to my first shoot ever in high school, when I finally made my friend confident with herself and was no longer insecure. It was that moment where I discovered my purpose with photography and created the gateway to my future and how I would treat shoots.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/androthekim0131/albums
• Phone: (714) 917-9008
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/androthekim0131/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andykimphotography/

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