Meet June Kochi | Photographer

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

Hi June, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I think for me it’s about knowing the difference between just being exhausted and actually being done. You know it’s time to keep pushing if, even on the worst days when you are sick chasing clients, you still pick up the camera and feel that spark. If you still love the actual making of the thing, you can figure out the rest. But it’s probably time to give up when the business part starts killing your love for the art. Walking away from a business model isn’t a failure and sometimes it’s the only way to save your passion for photography.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My photography is really about capturing real, unpolished moments, the stuff that actually feels alive. What sets me apart, and what I’m most proud of, is just how much I care about making people feel comfortable enough to show their true selves.
Getting here definitely wasn’t easy. It took a lot of slow months, self-doubt, and learning how to run a business on the fly. I overcame it by just refusing to stop, leaning on my support system, and remembering why I picked up a camera in the first place.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your perspective is your superpower. If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my brand, it’s that it’s built on genuine connection. I’m not just there to take a pretty picture; I’m there to capture your story exactly as it is.

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.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d want to skip the usual tourist traps and show them the version of LA that feels grounded, beautiful, and incredibly delicious.
We would absolutely hit up % Arabica Los Angeles The Grove because LA has a fantastic specialty coffee scene, and that’s the perfect place to grab a drink and start the day. For food, we’re definitely driving out to Papi Tacos & Churros in Norwalk. Their chicken burrito is so worth the drive. Another unmissable spot is HiHo Cheeseburger on Wilshire; it’s right by the marina, so we could grab a burger and then head over to the water to catch the golden hour light and take some photos.
We’d also spend a day escaping into nature up in Topanga. I’d take them for a hike at the Topanga Lookout Trailhead to get some of the most stunning views of the mountains, and then we’d wind down right after at Cafe on 27, which feels like eating in a hidden treehouse. To me, the most exciting part of LA isn’t the flashy spots, it’s the balance between incredible food, great coffee, and hidden pockets of nature where you can just breathe and watch the sun go down.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to dedicate this to my two sisters and my mom. Building a photography business can feel incredibly lonely and uncertain at times, but they’ve been my absolute anchors. Especially my younger sister. Having someone who completely believes in your dream, even when you’re doubting yourself, is everything.
I also owe so much to one of my very good friends who is always there guiding me. Nobody builds a creative life entirely on their own, and I’m just deeply grateful for the people who keep me grounded and let me be myself.

Website: https://junexpressions.com

Instagram: junexpressions

Image Credits
junexpressions