Meet Esther Choi | Director and Photographer

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

Hi Esther, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family, always expressing gratitude for life’s small blessings. They taught me that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”, it’s about appreciating the journey, the people, and the opportunities that shape us.

For me, the principle of gratitude is at the heart of everything I do. While it’s not always easy, it helps me navigate challenges with grace, reminding me to focus on the positives even in the most demanding situations. Gratitude also influences the way I collaborate and build relationships with others. It inspires me to celebrate every small win, respect others’ hearts, and approach everything with joy and intention.

Ultimately, living with gratitude is my way of creating meaningful connections, both within and outside of my professional life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work blends nostalgia and hope, enhanced by cinematic color tones. When it comes to client work, it depends on their needs. However, I love creating pieces that feel abstract and timeless, with a touch of quirkiness. What sets me apart is something I’m still discovering—I’m constantly evolving and figuring it out as I grow. What I am most proud of, however, is sticking with my photography journey, even when my parents were against it. One of the most unforgettable moments in my career came five years in when I took my parents to LAX. Seeing my photos displayed around the International Airport and watching them tear up with pride was incredibly meaningful.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?
I’m in a transitional phase, taking a much-needed break to reflect and recalibrate. Looking back, I got to where I am today through meaningful collaborations and, in the early days, by leveraging Instagram to showcase my work and connect with others. It wasn’t an easy path. There were times when the constant pressure to meet expectations deeply affected my mental health. Over time, I learned to slow down, redefine success on my terms, and focus on what mattered.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I don’t want people to remember me for my work or accomplishments. More than that, I want to be known for my journey—how I’ve grown, adapted, and stayed true to myself. My story is about resilience, self-discovery, and the beauty of creating with intention, and I hope it inspires others to embrace their unique paths.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to visit Seattle for a week, I’d plan a mix of great food, relaxing spots, and time in nature. We’d start the mornings with coffee and brunch at places like Analog, Oxbow, URL, or Mainstay. For lunch, we’d grab banh mi at Hello Em, spring rolls from Yeh Yeh’s, or something comforting from Taste of India. In the afternoon, we’d stop by Seawolf or Macrina for some of the best, baked goods.

Dinner would be a highlight, with options like Mediterranean at Ciudad, Malaysian at Kedai Mekan, Thai at Kin Len, or Japanese at Kamonegi. Late-night snacks would include burgers from Dick’s, tacos from El Rinconsito, or pizza from Hot Mama’s.

We’d keep activities simple—exploring the Seattle Library, Seattle Art Museum, and Volunteer Park Conservatory, a drive through Pike Place Market, and a stop at Olympic Park. For shopping, Ballard and Fremont have some great spots. For nature, we’d visit the Washington Arboretum, Bellevue Botanical Gardens, and Snoqualmie, and maybe even try the driving range in Snohomish. It’d be a low-key but memorable week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I had to highlight the people who’ve had a significant impact on my journey, it would be my clients and collaborators. They’ve played a pivotal role in shaping my path, offering support, and helping me discover opportunities I might not have seen on my own. Through these relationships, I’ve been inspired to grow, push boundaries, and continuously evolve. Whether it’s through challenges, breakthroughs, or those small moments of inspiration, these connections have been a central part of my personal and professional development. I truly believe no achievement is ever made alone, and I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such talented, inspiring individuals who continue to motivate me to keep moving forward.

Website: https://www.esleevisuals.com

Instagram: @eslee