Meet Virisa Yong: Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Virisa Yong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Virisa, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I hope to be remembered for my energy. It’s easy to pick up a camera and take a good photo of someone, but what is significant to me when I take a person’s photo is how I made them feel. If I can make someone feel good about themselves, the world, or life in general through our interaction just by being myself, then I might just have fulfilled my purpose. It would be amazing for people to think of me and think of my photographs of all of the incredible people I met in this lifetime, but it would be even more meaningful if people thought of me and thought of the genuine human connection I built with others.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I photograph events, concerts, festivals, red carpets, behind the scenes of music videos, portraits, and more. I’m most proud of being able to do what I love for a living and being happy doing it. What keeps me excited is that my list of goals is endless. There’s just so much creating, documenting, connecting, and living to do. It definitely wasn’t easy to get to where I am today. I had to get uncomfortable. I had to take risks. I had to go from being insecure about myself to being confident in who I am and what I do. I really had to believe in myself and transform the way I viewed myself. I learned that investing in yourself is your best investment. You are worth your own time, money, effort, and energy.

I want the world to know that I am passionate, ambitious, compassionate, creative, and grateful. I am attraction. Like a magnet, what I put out into the world, I receive back. Therefore, I choose to lead with love, kindness, and good energy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love living in Los Angeles. There are so many dope spots I still haven’t checked out yet, but my favorite places to kick it at are The Row in DTLA, Arts District, The Highlight Room, Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, Elysian Park, Vasquez Rocks, or anywhere with a basketball court. When it comes to food and desserts, I can’t even name them all! Haha. Off the top of my head, I’d have to say I really enjoy going to Magnolia Bakery, Salt & Straw, KazuNori, JOEY Woodland Hills, Sushi One, Jon & Vinny’s on Fairfax, Smorgasburg on Sundays, and any taco truck that looks legit. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everyone who gave me the opportunity to be myself deserves some credit for my journey. When I first moved to Los Angeles from the Bay Area and realized I wanted to make photography my career, I didn’t have much experience being a photographer, especially in the music industry. I used to reach out to concert venues, promoters, and artists and offer them free photos just to get my foot in the door. There was a time when I wasn’t even 21 yet and people would have to sneak me into a club just to shoot for them. I’m so blessed that there were so many people I connected with that saw potential in me and gave me opportunities to learn and grow as a shooter. Everyone who took a chance on me deserves a huge thank you. I’m forever grateful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virisayong