Meet Simon Kim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon Kim.

Hi Simon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Photography has been a personal hobby and passion of mine ever since I started documenting my life with a point-and-shoot disposable film camera during high school. When I began working as a teacher at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles in 2016, the faculty and staff knew that I was interested in photography because I started the school’s photography club.

Shortly afterward, the marketing department asked me if I would like to take some promotional photos for a new series of advertisements that the school was developing. Ever since then, friends and family members would ask me if I would be able to take their family, engagement, or personal branding photos. It was a slow and steady start, but I eventually made the decision to pursue photography full-time in 2022 after years of working on photography part-time. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph beautiful weddings, families, personal brands, commercial campaigns, city-wide events, JoKoy’s “Easter Sunday” movie private premiere, and even parties for NBA stars Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade. I now work primarily as a wedding photographer specializing in film photography.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been very blessed with the relationships and opportunities that have allowed me to pursue a career as a full-time photographer. One of the most challenging parts of the journey was making the decision to become a solo entrepreneur rather than working a steady 9-5 job. It was trading in a steady job with a 401k, pension and stability over the potential for much faster growth after an initial hustle period. As a newlywed and with a baby on the way, this was not an easy decision to make. But with the incredible support of my wife, we decided to pursue this opportunity.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a wedding photographer that specializes in shooting with film. I photograph my weddings in a cinematic way with a photojournalistic approach that tells your story from many different perspectives. I am most proud of being able to connect with my clients, allow them to feel comfortable, and to have a lot of fun being photographed!

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I began shooting film long before it became trendy! I also love street photography which definitely shapes my approach to photography in general.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.simonkimphoto.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/simonkimphoto