Daily Inspiration: Meet Pia Hou & Frank Zhuang Sway In Light Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pia Hou & Frank Zhuang Sway In Light Photography

Hi Pia Hou & Frank Zhuang, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Frank and I first met in college in Chicago, where our lives took shape in ways we never quite expected. After graduation, Frank ventured into the world of documentary production, immersing himself in storytelling through film, while I pursued a career in architectural design, shaping spaces and structures.

In 2017, we tied the knot and celebrated our wedding in Beijing, China. It was there that we experienced something truly special—receiving our wedding photos, beautifully captured on film. Those images touched us deeply, preserving not just moments, but emotions, in a way that felt timeless and authentic.

A few years later, life brought us to Los Angeles, and with it, a new chapter. Inspired by our own experience, Frank picked up a camera and began exploring photography more seriously. What started as a passion quickly evolved into a journey—he captured weddings, elopements, and portraits, each with a unique story to tell.

In 2024, we took the leap and founded our own photography studio, ‘Sway in Light.’ Our goal is simple yet profound: to capture cherished moments through our lens, preserving them with honesty and artistry. We believe that every couple’s journey is unique, and through our work, we strive to celebrate love in its most authentic form.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. Photography, we’ve come to realize, is so much more than just taking pictures. When we started our business, we knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we didn’t anticipate just how challenging it would be to put ourselves out there and attract the right clients. We’re still in the beginning stages, figuring things out as we go, and we haven’t found the perfect solution yet.

Balancing everything has been tough—I’ve been managing our creative content and client communication while holding down my full-time job as a designer. Some days feel overwhelming, but through it all, our passion keeps us moving forward. We believe that photography is about more than just capturing moments; it’s about creating meaningful experiences.

Despite the hurdles, we’re confident in what we’re building. We know it takes time, and we’re committed to continuing to push forward, express ourselves, and connect with people who share our vision. We’re learning, growing, and staying true to our belief that with dedication and heart, we’ll create something truly special.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We’re photographers, capturing weddings, couples, and portraits with a focus on both client work and our own creative expressions. Frank is the one behind the lens, bringing stories to life through his keen eye and artistic approach, while I contribute by brainstorming ideas, setting up shoots, and handling the editing process. Together, we work as a team, blending our unique strengths to create something meaningful and personal for each client.

What sets us apart is the fact that we’re not just photographers—we’re a couple ourselves. This gives us a unique perspective, especially when photographing other couples. We truly understand the emotions, the little moments, and the connection that makes each love story special. When we’re behind the camera, we’re not just capturing poses; we’re capturing feelings—moments that are raw, intimate, and authentic.

We’re most proud of the way our images tell stories. Every photo we take is more than just a beautiful image; it’s a reflection of real emotions and genuine connections. We believe that photography should go beyond aesthetics and truly resonate with the people in front of our lens, leaving them with memories they can cherish forever.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
We both grew up in Beijing, China, and met in college in Chicago. Later, we moved to Los Angeles when I started grad school at UCLA.

Frank has always been passionate about film and art, spending much of his time exploring visual storytelling. I, on the other hand, was deeply focused on design and how it shapes our surroundings.

Even though our interests were different, they complemented each other well. Over time, our shared love for creativity naturally led us to photography, where we now combine our strengths to capture meaningful moments together.

Pricing:

• 1-Hour Session- 550
• 2-Hour Session -800
• 4-Hour Session -1500
• 8-Hour Session (Wedding) – 3100

Contact Info:

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