Today we’d like to introduce you to Senya Zhang
Hi Senya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first picked up a camera in 2013 while I was still an undergraduate student, photographing portraits on the side as a part-time job. Even during my postgraduate studies in Hong Kong, I continued shooting portraits—ranging from solo sessions to bridal photos, using both film and digital formats. Thanks to that early experience and portfolio, it felt natural to pursue photography professionally after graduation.
In the beginning, I worked alone as an independent photographer, taking on portrait sessions, bridal shoots, weddings, and commercial campaigns. In 2018, I founded my first studio in the Arts District of Downtown LA, which also marked a turning point—forming a team and partnering with collaborators. That same year, I stepped into wedding and event planning. Having captured so many weddings, I realized that while photography skills and aesthetics are crucial, the design and setup of the event space are equally important. I wanted to create not only beautiful images but also beautiful scenes to capture—so I began offering design and planning services as well.
We pioneered a one-stop wedding solution model that’s still quite rare in the North American market. Our studio brought together some of the top Chinese wedding vendors in Southern California—each with over a decade of experience in their respective fields. We shared a common vision and aesthetic, which made our collaboration seamless. The response in the Chinese community was overwhelmingly positive from the start.
In 2019, I also launched my own bridal gown brand- SENYA. The idea came from years of observing brides on the wedding day—many gowns looked stunning but were difficult to move in or uncomfortable to wear throughout a busy wedding schedule. I saw a gap in the market for designs that were both creative and functional, so I jumped into sketching, sampling, and working with production teams.
The pandemic in 2020 put many things on hold, but I didn’t stop moving forward. In addition to welcoming my second child, I founded SENYA Lifestyle Aesthetics Academy—an online platform offering courses across various creative and design disciplines. It gave people a chance to explore beauty and art, even while staying at home.
In 2022, as the pandemic gradually faded, I purchased a three-story building in Santa Ana to house our new studio. Today, our business has expanded into two parallel paths: visual storytelling and comprehensive one-stop wedding and event solutions. Over the years, we’ve grown into one of the most recognized wedding studios in the Chinese community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe every entrepreneur encounters challenges on their journey, and I’m no exception. Interestingly, many of the external obstacles I’ve faced haven’t been the most difficult part for me—my biggest struggles have actually come from within.
One ongoing challenge has been balancing my personal artistic vision with market demands. Early on, my photography style was quite distinctive and refreshing in the market, which helped me gain traction quickly. But as more photographers began to adopt similar aesthetics, I felt an instinctive urge to evolve and differentiate my work again.
Another internal conflict has been my love for film photography. I’ve always had a deep passion for shooting on film, but it remains a niche in the commercial world and comes with certain limitations. For a long time, I wrestled with whether I should offer film photography as a primary service, knowing that it might not always align with what the broader market expects.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Senya Studio?
Our brand is called Senya Studio, and we currently operate across three distinct business lines.
The first is Senya Studio Photography, where we focus on bridal portraits, wedding day documentation, and commercial campaigns. The second is Senya Studio Planning, which offers full-service, one-stop wedding and event planning—from concept and design to seamless execution. The third is Senya Studio Portraits, where we specialize in personal portraiture, including lifestyle sessions and maternity photography.
What sets our work apart, especially in photography, is our ability to blend a sense of vitality with refined elegance. We strive to capture both soul and style in every frame.
Our one-stop wedding model is already quite unique in the North American market, but what truly strengthens our position is the combination of elevated aesthetics and a highly experienced, collaborative team. Every member brings years of expertise in their field, and we share a unified creative vision. This synergy is at the heart of what makes our brand special—and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Whether it’s through imagery or event design, we’re here to help people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with beauty, intentionality, and style.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
To me, success means being able to live life on your own terms—doing the work that feels most true to who you are, being surrounded by people you love, and having the freedom and confidence to choose your own path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://senyastudio.com
- Other: Wechat:SenyaStudio
Image Credits
Senya Studio
