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Conversations with the Inspiring Jiang Li

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiang Li.

Jiang, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
From the time that my children were born, it became second nature for me to grab a camera to document their growth and experiences. While I still worked as a product manager in a software company, I enrolled in all sorts of photography lessons and workshops to improve my technical skills in my spare time. I am fascinated with studio portraits, and I started to build a small studio in my basement to practice with my families and friends about ten years ago.

I discovered my passion for photography because of my children. My daughter is the one who gave me the courage to pursue my dream. When she was seven years old, one day when we were on the way to her piano lesson, she curiously asked me why Donna (her piano teacher) likes to be a piano teacher. Without thinking, I naturally answered that Donna teaches because she loves the piano and she loves working with children. My daughter digested my answer and immediately explained that she now understood why I worked for a software company—it was because I love to be in front of the computer!

I wish I could have agreed with her at the time, but I was silent. The truth was I was not working for a software company because I loved the technology. As an international student, I had to pursue something practical to ensure that I would have the opportunity to find a job after I graduated. It had never occurred to me that I had the freedom to pursue something that I LOVED. That same afternoon, after the brief conversation with my daughter in the car, I made a wish to myself that I would be able to pursue a career I loved in the future and set a great example for my daughter. My daughter’s name is Jasmine. The flower in my company’s logo is a jasmine flower. It stands for love, beauty, and appreciation.

My dream was to have a beautiful, sunny, cozy studio where I could provide an amazing experience and beautiful portraits for parents and their children. At the beginning of 2019, I finally established my own commercial studio and started to pursue my passion full time.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not an easy journey. I often felt defeated and frustrated in my adventure, but I kept moving forward. Eventually, I discovered the field of black and white Relationship Portraits and the world-renowned Relationship Portrait artist – Tim Walden. This was the moment in time where I could feel my heart, my years of practice, and my passion all converge on this genre of photography. I knew this is what I wanted to do. I am very lucky to have Tim Walden as my mentor.

It is important to have your passion and stick to it. It is equally important to have an experienced and successful mentor in your industry that you respect to guide you along the journey. The mentor’s valuable guidance, experience and suggestions will help you improve, make progress and save you a lot of mistakes.

What should we know about Jiang Photography? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in fine art Black and White Relationship Portraits and maternity portraits. As Tim Walden described: “Relationship Portrait is a very purpose-driven portrait, which is birthed from the heart. It is not simply about what someone looks like. It is about people’s stories; it is about celebrating the things that are most important in their lives.” My passion is to listen to my clients’ stories and use my skills to translate those stories into precious and timeless pieces of art for them to keep and cherish forever.

One of the proudest things I did is the Celebrate Motherhood Project, which I initiated and carried out in 2019. A total of fifty-two moms came to my studio to have black and white relationship portraits taken with their children. Each mom wrote a letter to her children and defined what motherhood meant to them. I will publish a book at the end of the project. The first part of the book is a collection of portraits I took over the course of the year and the fifty-two moms’ reflections on their journeys into and through motherhood. The second part of the book reveals who inspired me to take on this personal project. It is such an inspiring and beautiful book, which will be released soon.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
A quote from Helen Keller has always been my inspiration: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” I always remember this inspirational quote and her story whenever I need to make tough decisions and step out of my comfort zone.

In my opinion, fear is one of the biggest barriers in life. When I was in my early twenties, I decided to come to the United States to further my studies. I was afraid about studying and living in a foreign country. To be away from my family in a foreign culture speaking a foreign language with minimal financial support. I was afraid of whether I would be able to survive, support myself and complete my studies. In the end, I was able to overcome all the difficulties I encountered with hard work. I not only survived but completed two advanced degrees.

When I decided to start my own photography business, the same fear arose. After signing the contract for my commercial studio, I was somewhat panicked and fraught with self-doubt: “Will I be able to produce a sustainable business? Will I be able to support my family? Am I going to fail?” Then I asked myself: “What really is failure in life? Is it sticking your neck out and taking a risk and possibly failing – or is it staying in your comfort zone while leading a safe and stable life?”

Looking at the beautiful print proof of “The Celebrate Motherhood Project” book I just received – I am struck as I turn over the pages and read the stories, take in the photographs, remember all the mothers I had the pleasure of meeting and the legacy this book will leave for their family, and furthermore how this might touch mothers all around the world! I realize that none of this would have been possible had I not taken the risk to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself at the beginning of this year.

I hope I will lead a fulfilled life and have the courage to continue to pursue my passion in spite of the difficulties. I hope I can have a positive impact on the world. Helen Keller is a great role model for me.

My mission in life is to tell stories, touch people’s lives and inspire people with my photographs and photography books!

Pricing:

  • Portrait Session Fee – $150
  • Basic package starts at $599. Individual images start at $150.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
@Jiang Photography

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