Rising Stars: Meet Suyun Kim of LA & SEATTLE

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

Hi Suyun, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Suyun Kim, and I’m a photographer celebrating my 10th year in the industry this year.
Most people call me Sue.
When it comes to sharing my journey, I find myself wondering where to begin.
To be honest, the path I’ve walked isn’t particularly extraordinary.
I studied film directing—more specifically, cinematography—in Korea, and like many international students, I came to the United States dreaming of a brighter, more exciting future.
There were times of uncertainty, and moments when I had to search deeply for the path that truly fit me.
Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have found work that I both love and feel naturally good at.
I started with wedding photography and gradually expanded into portrait portfolios, family photography, and product branding.
Along the way, I was fortunate to encounter many wonderful people who supported and encouraged me, making all the difference in my journey.

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?
If you ask me whether the road has been tough, I would say… honestly, not really.
I feel a little shy admitting this, but most of the clients and people I’ve worked with have been truly wonderful. They have often inspired me just as much as I hope I’ve inspired them.
Of course, I’ve faced the common struggles that many photographers go through. But I was fortunate to meet an incredible mentor early on, and I believe that made all the difference in getting me to where I am today.
Saying “where I am today” still feels a little bashful to me.
But if I were to describe it, I would say I’m now a photographer in my 10th year, working actively, with many clients who seek me out and trust me with their important moments.
It’s not just because I come from a culture where humility is valued — I genuinely try to hold onto the mindset I had when I first started.
Even now, when I think back to my very first shoot, I feel there was so much I could have done better.
Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if I could go back with the skills and experience I have today.
But still, when I remember the brides and clients who hugged me at the end of those early sessions, saying, “Thank you. I’m so happy you were there for me,”
I feel certain that the path I’ve walked was not such a hard one after all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a photographer specializing in capturing life’s most meaningful moments — from weddings to family portraits, individual portfolios, and brand storytelling.
I’m especially known for creating images that feel natural, warm, and deeply connected to the people in front of my camera.
Rather than chasing trends or styles, I focus on capturing the unique emotions and stories of each client, believing that every person has their own kind of light.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many of them return over the years — from their engagement to their wedding, to the birth of their first child, and beyond.
I feel honored to be invited into those important chapters of their lives.
If there’s something that sets me apart, I think it’s my belief that photography isn’t just about beautiful images — it’s about building real connections, making people feel seen, and preserving memories that truly matter.

One of the biggest turning points in my life was becoming a mother.
Just like so many others say, it truly changed everything for me — not only my life, but also the way I see the world through my lens.
Where my eyes pause, what I choose to capture, and the way I tell stories through images have all shifted.
Through this experience, I’ve found a deeper passion and commitment to photographing families and children.
It feels incredibly special to be able to document the fleeting, beautiful moments that form the heart of family life.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If I could give one piece of advice to those just starting out, it would be this:
Take your time and don’t rush.
It’s easy to get caught up in trends, to compare yourself to others, or to feel like you’re falling behind.
But what really matters is finding your own voice and building trust — both with yourself and with the people you work with.
Every little project, every client, and every mistake will teach you something important.

When I look back, I realize that the moments I doubted myself the most were also the times I grew the most.
And honestly, I’m still learning, still figuring things out even after 10 years.
The beautiful part is that growth doesn’t have a deadline.
So be patient, stay curious, and be kind to yourself along the way.
And one more thing — never lose the feeling you had when you picked up your camera for the first time.
That excitement, that wonder — that’s your compass, even on the hardest days.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelliee_photography/

Image Credits
Suyun Kim