Meet Jennifer Chong | Photographer and Director

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

Hi Jennifer, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve always been obsessed about what I do for a living so it’s hard to say there has ever been a true balance. I would say the biggest shift in my work life balance has been becoming a mom. Having a child has truly changed how I approach work and what I’m willing to do nowadays. Though I’d say it’s a good change in understanding what jobs are worth my time and effort and making sure they are projects I’m excited or passionate about.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a photographer who focuses on food, still life, lifestyle and travel. I started my career as a designer and art director and I believe those experiences have helped me develop my unique eye for photography. I am passionate about light and being able to capture a moment that tells a story or transports you to a time and place.

When I took the leap from a full-time salary position to freelance it was really scary and nerve-racking. Every month was a game of how will I make money? Will anyone hire me? Am I good enough? I think being a creative entrepreneur will always have its challenges.

As a small business, you play a lot of different roles that aren’t “creative” – manager, bookkeeper, accountant, marketing, etc. and sometimes it’s hard to balance them all while keeping the creativity going.

I left my salary job 10 years ago, things have definitely gotten easier, but sometimes those feelings always creep back. It’s been an exciting road and I’m excited to see what the next 10 years will bring!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the best things about LA is all the different foods the city has to offer. There are so many places I’d want to take friends – you’ll never be hungry when we hang out. Here are a few spots I love dumplings at Ding Tai Fung, Korean BBQ and cold noodles at Mo Rak Gan, ox tail pho at Pho 79, fried chicken at Howlin Rays, oyster mushroom kabob at Bavel, pizza at triple beam, ahh the list goes on and on. Really there is no shortage of food here in LA and I’d try to keep everyone’s appetite up by getting in some hikes in between!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh goodness there are so many people who have been apart of my journey and helped lead me to where I am today. Here a few people who come to mind. Ren Fuller is someone whom I talk about all things business and photography with daily – she has been a great friend and confidant. Not to mention we also started a podcast together called Photo Dump where we talk all things photo! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/photo-dump/id1630455430 I am endlessly grateful to her for always being there to help and listen! David K Peng and Kim Tran who always make sure I have a good laugh after a long day of shooting. All of the incredible stylist I work with who help me bring all of my photos to life – find all my specific teams on instagram! And my husband Yohan for always supporting me and keeping our family running when I’m off creating.

Website: https://www.jchongstudio.com/

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

Image Credits
Portrait by Joanne Pio