Life & Work with Juhn Kwon of Los Angeles, California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juhn Kwon.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I didn’t go to school for photography or plan this path in any traditional way. It started pretty simply—I picked up a camera, got hooked, and never really stopped. What began as curiosity turned into a habit, and eventually a way of seeing and communicating.

I’ve been shooting for close to 30 years now. Over the years I’ve photographed everything from downtown alleyways to desert highways, fashion campaigns to strangers on the street. But honestly, the moment I felt like I truly became a photographer was when my son was born. I took over 10,000 photos of him before his first birthday. That kind of documenting—daily, obsessive, driven by love—really shaped how I approach photography today.

I’m based in Koreatown, but I’m often on the road. Sometimes I’ll drive hours just to catch the right light in the mountains or find a mood in a foggy street. Whether I’m shooting for clients or for myself, the goal’s the same: to find something honest, something human.

Even after all these years, I still see myself as a work in progress. I think that mindset keeps me curious, keeps me growing—and honestly, it keeps me in love with what I do.

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?
Definitely not a smooth road—but I don’t think it’s supposed to be.

Photography can look glamorous from the outside, especially in LA. But behind the scenes, it’s a lot of uncertainty, long hours, canceled shoots, people flaking, and trying to stay creatively inspired while also holding your ground.

Before the pandemic, I had a studio and was steadily working. But when COVID hit, everything stopped. I had to shut down the studio and step away for a while. That period was tough—not just financially, but emotionally. It felt like everything I had built was slipping away.

One of the biggest challenges is that I work with people—and people come with moods, expectations, and sometimes walls. I’ve shot celebrities who showed up annoyed or impatient, and I still had to create something strong and meaningful, fast. In those moments, it’s less about camera settings and more about patience, empathy, and reading the room.

There were also stretches where I didn’t shoot much at all. Life gets in the way, confidence dips, energy fades. But somehow, photography always pulls me back. And when it does, I remember why I started in the first place.

Every struggle—personal or professional—ends up shaping how I see things. And that’s what photography is about for me: seeing clearly, even when things are messy.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work centers around people—how they move, how they carry emotion, how they reveal themselves when they forget the camera is there. I specialize in portraiture, but I approach it more like quiet storytelling. Whether I’m photographing a stranger on the street, a brand campaign, or a personal client, I try to create images that feel both composed and unguarded.

People often tell me they felt seen and comfortable during our shoots. That matters to me more than likes or awards. I’m not trying to just make someone look good—I want them to recognize themselves in the photo in a way that feels honest, even poetic.

What sets me apart is that I don’t rush. I observe, I listen, and I look for the details in body language, pauses, and tone. I believe that the best photos happen when trust builds quietly.

I’ve worked on a wide range of projects—from fine art to restaurant menus, fashion lookbooks to interview portraits. The diversity keeps me grounded. But what I’m most proud of is when someone tells me that a photo I took helped them see themselves differently—in a good way.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The photography industry is evolving fast—maybe faster than ever. With smartphones getting more powerful, and AI-generated imagery becoming more mainstream, I think we’re seeing a shift where technical quality is no longer the main differentiator.

What’s becoming more valuable is intention. Why was the photo taken? What does it say? Can the viewer feel something real through it? I think photographers who can tell meaningful stories and build trust—whether through a brand shoot or a personal portrait—will continue to stand out.

At the same time, I see more clients looking for versatility. They want someone who can shoot stills, capture video, think in both vertical and horizontal formats, and understand social media dynamics. So being able to adapt without losing your vision is going to be key.

Personally, I welcome the changes. Tools will come and go, but the need to connect—to be seen and to see—will always be there. That’s the part of photography I believe will never go out of style.

Pricing:

• Portrait sessions start at $250 (on-location, 1 hour, 10 edited images)
• Brand or small business shoots start at $500 (includes planning, up to 2 hours)
• Lifestyle/editorial lookbooks begin at $600, including image licensing
• Wedding photography packages start at $2,200 (half-day coverage, consultation included)
• Photo critique or private mentoring: $200/month (4 weekly sessions)

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.juhnkwonphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juhn_kwon_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juhnkwonphotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juhnkwonphotography2969

Image Credits
Juhn Kwon