Today we’d like to introduce you to ligia chin.
Hi ligia, thanks for joining us today. Please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sure, photography was always a hobby for me. I am thankful to now call it my passion and career. I love how I feel behind a camera. I fell in love with photography in 2017. After becoming a mom of two under two. One Mother’s Day, my husband gifted me a camera. If I am honest, I know I am not the only stay-at-home mommy turn-photographer. I know it’s quite popular these days. When I started, I was doing it all and everything that came my way. I remember thinking that I did not need a niche. I tried it all and that got old fast. Looking back on my progress, it took time for me to find my niche and I can now appreciate the family sessions and family parties that I didn’t particularly enjoy because they allowed me to find my love for portraits and special event photography. I remember my first event was a 40th birthday party at a nightclub for a dear friend. At the time an external flash was foreign, and I was terrified of bumping my ISO. Walking up to people and asking to take their photos was terrifying for me. I remember walking out of that experience saying, I will never do an event again. That was until I was offered the opportunity to capture an event at a prestige university years later. I felt ready and found the courage to try again. I put my big girl pants on got prepared and walked in there and did my best. I like to say it went amazing, but it felt like the first day of school. Excited but scared, but I wanted to try again. That feeling of wanting to try it again helped me realize what my niche was.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I had many ups and downs. I Moved from the Dominican Republic at 19 and learned very quickly to embrace my challenges as part of the journey. After my first event, I was excited to try again as I said, and I did. Not without my share of challenges along the way. I had figured out my niche but now I needed experience. I read somewhere that experience comes with a chance. I am grateful for the many chances to grow in my craft even through the obstacles and challenges. I can now look back and see the steps that got me where I am today. I am glad I never gave up on me. If I am paying attention, the struggle becomes a lesson.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a portrait and event photographer based out of Southern California. I specialize in corporate events, portraits, and personal/business branding. I think I am the proudest of the people I get to work with and the connections I have made along the way. I believe what sets me apart in my field is my ability to capture real emotion in the moment. When I am walking around at an event, I have to be in the moment to predict the next shot and not miss it. I am always looking for what I call my “go-to smile”. That person in the room who is having the best time. I take great pride in making everyone who I photograph feel as comfortable as possible.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am an introvert who loves being extroverted. I love being around different people and interacting with them, but I often feel the need to just close my curtains and get in bed after a long shooting day to recharge. Also, people who know me may not know Spanish is my first language.
Contact Info:
- Website: ligiachinphotography.com
- Instagram: ligiachin_photography
