Rising Stars: Meet Lily Chan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Chan.

Hi Lily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My photography journey started in elementary school when my parents gave me a 110 mm plastic camera from K-Mart. It was turquoise and white, and it became my best friend. I used that thing until the white part of the camera was a grubby yellow. If I ran out of film, I’d point the empty camera at things, peek through the viewfinder, and take pretend pics. Fast forward 10 or so years when I’m an art student at UCLA focusing on painting and photography. I took a break from art after graduating to focus on other areas of interest and then rediscovered my love of photography when I started my business about 13 years ago. 

My first clients were families with young children. A few of my clients came to me for their maternity shoots and now have teenagers! I soon branched out to include other types of portrait photography, such as headshots and boudoir sessions. I absolutely love shooting boudoir. More than any other type of pics you can take, those are the pics you take for yourself. It doesn’t matter if they are ostensibly for a Valentine or anniversary gift. Girl, those pics are 100% for you first and your partner second! I think every woman should do a boudoir session at some point in their lives. Maybe one day, I’ll do one myself. 

And no, I do not currently offer dudoir sessions. Yes, it’s a thing. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
An ongoing struggle I have is staying true to myself creatively. I love shooting lifestyle portraiture, but what people often think they want are what I call “grandparent pics.” Those are the pics where everyone is looking straight into the camera with perfect smiles. I always try to get a few “grandparent pics” during each session, but what I really love for are the moments before and after people pose. I live for crinkly eyes, wide-open laughs, and raw “realness” in all its messy glory. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think most of my clients would describe me as “energetic” and “bubbly.” I talk a lot – a LOT – during my sessions. Sometimes I hear myself talking, and I think, “Lily, what are you even saying? Why are you asking THAT question? Do not curse. DO NOT CURSE.” I’m kidding. Ok, half kidding. I’m just so darned curious about anyone who steps in front of my camera. I’ll never get tired of hearing people’s stories. And I truly believe that the more I get to know someone, the better the photos create together will be. 

How do you think about luck?
So much of what happens in life is luck, is it not? Luck, chance, happenstance… Whatever you want to call it, it’s that invisible thing that no one can predict or control. So, yes, although I have worked very hard for what I have, I would be naive to think that luck had nothing to do with it. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilychanphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilychanphotography/

Image Credits
Lily Chan Photography