Meet Chir Yan Lim | Photographer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chir Yan Lim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chir Yan, how do you define success?
When it comes to measuring success, there are many factors that people may consider, such as wealth, career achievements, or social status. Nonetheless, one of the most important factors that should be considered is happiness. Ultimately, success should be defined by an individual’s overall level of happiness and fulfillment, rather than by external markers of success. While material possessions and career accomplishments can bring temporary happiness, true and lasting happiness comes from a sense of purpose, meaningful relationships, and a fulfilling life. Therefore, when measuring success, I prioritize one’s own well-being and happiness as the ultimate measure of success.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is how I view myself as an artist. Beyond simply labeling myself as an artist, I view myself as a visual journalist, and I see my work as a means of communicating complex or emotional messages with visual media that words alone cannot.

What excites me most about this is the opportunity to function as merely an observer as I capture images and videos at the moment. Through my work, I am able to bear witness to the beauty, complexity, and diversity of our world, and to share those experiences with others. And since the majority of my work is collaborative in nature, I often experience unexpected surprises and synergies. Working with others allows me to bring new ideas to the table and to develop creative solutions that I may not have arrived at on my own.

I think perseverance and hard work are what get me to where I am today, and even though the journey felt like a maze, I am lucky enough to meet individuals who are not only insightful but also kind-hearted. My trick to overcoming challenges is to keep trying, even if you fail. Try better.

The most important lesson I have learned along the way is that there will always be more lessons coming your way. So stay humble and stay hungry.

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?
Since it is a week-long trip in LA, I think it should be all-rounded with a serene, chill, thrilling, and splendid vibe. A morning hike with the sunrise in view, some acai bowl from a local store, riding on the Venice Boardwalk soaking up Vitamin D, getting some tacos and quesadillas after a night of clubbing, a weekend farmers market for fresh produces, or getting lost in art in The Getty Center. While there are countless tourist spots to explore in Los Angeles, I believe that taking the time to visit different neighborhoods and areas is truly the best way to experience the city’s diverse cultural and historical influences. Each part of town has its own unique flavor and character, and exploring them all allows you to see how they shine in their own individual colors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I reflect on my journey thus far, I cannot help but be grateful for the individuals who have influenced and supported me throughout the different stages of my life. First and foremost, I owe a debt of gratitude to my parents for instilling in me the values of perseverance, which have guided me throughout my career, but I also want to thank them for supporting me in a career that may seem unstable and ambiguous. Additionally, my mentors and colleagues, Bryant Swanstrom and Tom Campbell, have played an instrumental role in shaping my professional development and helping me achieve my goals. I am truly grateful for the guidance, mentorship, and support that these individuals have provided me, and I am committed to keeping honing my craft and paying it forward by serving as a mentor and advocate for others.”

Website: www.chiryanlim.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/chir_yan_lim

Image Credits
In frame: Photo 1 – Charles Choi Photo 2 – Louisa Songco Photo 3 – Justin Corbo Photo 4 – Shelby Parks