Check Out Yuna Jo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuna Jo.

Hi Yuna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent my early teenage years taking photos and making iPhone vlogs as a hobby, and staying consistent with that passion naturally led me to the freelance career I have today. I was hungry for creative growth and open to any kind of gig that would push me toward the career I envisioned. During college, I’d commute back and forth between Irvine and LA just to build my portfolio, like volunteering to take concert photos for media publications or translating at K-pop concerts. From creating fun projects with my friends in high school to shooting my very first Vogue editorial this year, I’m grateful for every single experience I’ve had on this journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. Quite the opposite, actually. I’m an Asian-American woman from a low-income background with no connections in the creative industry. I couldn’t afford gear, so I borrowed cameras and equipment from friends who were incredibly generous, and I’ve never forgotten that. The people around me supported me in whatever ways they could. I got my foot in the door partly by putting myself in as many rooms as I could, and other times through cold outreach.
The hardest part was my own inner critic. I’d logically know that doing will get me further than thinking, but it was really challenging to overcome my fear of not meeting the standards I had for myself. I still did it scared, but it did take me a long time to become comfortable with letting go of control and detaching from the outcome.
Friends have told me they always knew I’d make it, and it means a lot, because I’ve doubted myself countless times. Ultimately, I’m learning to focus on my strengths and trust that what’s meant for me will always find its way into my path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an LA-based photographer, director/DP, live camera operator, and dancer, working as YJ Studios and as the contracted Head of Video Production at STEEZY Studio. My motto is “Jack of all trades, master of all.”
I specialize in fashion and music, from magazine editorials to live shows as a concert photographer or camera operator. I’ve worked with BTS, ATEEZ, Jennie, Vogue Philippines, JYP, SM, KCON, and Head in the Clouds by 88 Rising.
People hire me for my eye for raw, dynamic moments in both photo and video, and for the range of styles I can deliver. I layer texture, composition, lighting, and color to build an emotion or story. What sets me apart is my background as a dancer, which gives me more creative vocabulary when working with movement, and my fluency in English and Korean, which lets me connect directly with artists and their teams.
I’m most proud of my first Vogue editorial. That day came way sooner than I imagined, at 24, and I’m ready to keep pursuing this next chapter of my career.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
People assume I had all the freedom and support to do this from the start, but I was always just doing what I wanted. A teacher once laughed at my answer on a career path assignment, and few people around me pursued creative careers. I was a stubborn kid who couldn’t ignore the passion I had for the arts.
Even now, I still get nervous before jobs, so I sometimes give myself pep talks in the car. I really believe in fake it till you make it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yunajo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yunajo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunajo?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@yunajo

Image Credits
Yuna Jo
Peter Park
Gina Joy
Calvin Ma