Meet Jamie Kang | Photographer and Retoucher

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

Hi Jamie, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was to never give up and to continue believing in myself even in the hardest of times.

There are always obstacles to every journey. When I started my transition from working for other people to starting my own business, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. I had countless nights/weeks where I was not getting paid to build my portfolio. Other days I worried I would not be able to pay my bills on time as freelancing roles were not always consistent. There was a lot of stress and I tried my best to survive with what I had. I remember always pushing and striving to be the best even if I wasn’t benefiting from a role or job. In the end, I reaped the rewards of that decision – phenomenal work ethic, ability to work well under stress, confidence in my artistic abilities, and a successful business.

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 am currently a Professional Photographer and Retoucher.

After graduating from one of the top design schools – Art Center College of Design, I was immediately scouted from Mattel, inc. to work as one of their Jr. digital artists. This is where my retouching journey begins. I was excited to be working at a well known company my first job out of college, but nervous. I felt confident, energized, and most importantly extremely eager to learn.

A few years go by and I then am given an opportunity to help a close friend out by replacing her at a creative agency run by a well known fashion and celebrity photographer. This would then throw me into a whole new world of editorials, high fashion, campaigns, celebrities, etc. My role grew to not just being a retoucher but also an assistant, producer, retouching for high end magazines like Vogue, and being in the presence of fame.

This new world excited me and through that eagerness I learned and absorbed as much as I could. I learned to retouch in ways I did not even know was possible. I asked as many questions as I could and did not allow professional critiques bring me down. I remember going through old work and comparing my edits to my Creative Director/Mentor’s edits. I remember wanting to constantly practice and catch things if I missed them previously. This new job was much more demanding. I was one person doing the job of many; my responsibilities grew tenfold. Some days I worked 7 days a week. Working 10-12 hour days were not the best or easiest, but at the end of the day, I was filled with gratitude that I was doing something I love.

During COVID, I used the time I had to invest in myself. I no longer had any work and had no ways of supporting myself. I made a decision that I did not want to feel this way any longer; I did not want to “survive” anymore but thrive instead. I felt a strong conviction that I was worth it and I went all in. I joined facebook groups that connected me to like-minded people. I began to produce shoots for myself and my portfolio and saw my goals and dreams coming to fruition.

I believe that things happen for a reason and when they happen they are meant to be.

All the hard work and investments in myself paid off. Not too long after I decided to work for myself, I started to receive many blessings in life. I found a purpose in my skills, grew immensely in my work, and manifested my dreams into reality.

Shortly after I started my own business, I received a life changing job offer. I remember being extremely busy, working on multiple projects as I was eager that I was gaining new clients. I was also sleeping very few hours and my self care routine was non existent. In the thick of things, I received a job offer from the one and only, Kim Kardashian and her brand SKKN by Kim to be their Studio Retoucher and Photographer. My dream role!

I look back now and am so beyond grateful that I never gave up and persevered even in the hardest of times. I am so proud of who I became and am so excited to see what this new role has in store for me. I am Always looking to grow and learn in every aspect of my life.

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 was visiting me in Los Angeles, I would first take them home to be comfortable. I love sharing my space with the ones I love and am more of a homebody now. The first day of traveling should always be spent relaxing. I would allow them to rest and catch up with a glass of wine and movie.

I would then use the rest of the visit to take my friend to the beach, grab a Chocolate Lovers smoothie from Kreation, get some sushi from Sugarfish, and browse Melrose Trading Post. I also am very health conscious and have a restrictive diet. I would love to show my friend some amazing vegan dessert spots I discovered with my partner. Our favorite ones so far are the vegan donuts from SK Donuts & Croissant and build your own cinnamon rolls from Cinnaholics.

For a night out, I would take my friend to Girl & the Goat. Their Pork Belly Salad is phenomenal!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to James – my partner, soulmate, and love of my life. Thank you for always believing in me and my worth. Thank you for loving me as I am, and for always supporting my dreams and goals in life. I am beyond lucky.

Shoutout to my loving family who has supported me through every phase of my life. I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without my family. I love you guys so much!

Website: www.jamiekangphoto.com

Instagram: jamiekangphoto