Meet Norbert Tsi | Documentary and Wedding Photographer

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

Hi Norbert, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I started my career as a documentary photographer working with small magazines and publications, doing everything I could just to get a foot in the door. I worked tirelessly just to be in the room and learn from those around me. I talked to anyone and everyone to find more photojournalism opportunities, and over time, I built up my skills and connections through sheer persistence, eventually having my work published in bigger and bigger outlets such as The Guardian and LA Times.

Starting out as a photojournalist with no connections was incredibly tough. I had to show up to every event I could get access to, sometimes traveling out of state or even out of the country, spending all my money just to be present. The competition was overwhelming in such a crowded industry, and I was constantly fighting to prove I belonged.

There were sacrifices; missing time with loved ones, financial struggles, and the uncertainty of when the next paycheck would come. But through it all, I was driven by a fascination with humanity itself—the subtle gestures, fleeting glances, raw emotion. I realized I wasn’t just chasing work; I was chasing the beauty of moments that disappear in an instant. That drive shaped everything I do.

Those experiences taught me resilience, sharpened my eye, and ultimately led me to discover my passion for wedding photography. Weddings are like condensed portraits of life, joy, vulnerability, connection, all unfolding in real time. Being able to witness and preserve those ephemeral moments felt deeply meaningful.

Over the years, we’ve grown our business, Paper Birch Collective, and expanded our team. One of my proudest achievements is fostering a team with such incredible chemistry. We’ve built an environment where we can teach and learn from one another, constantly pushing each other to grow.

Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s the people around you who shape your path. Success isn’t just about the work—it’s about the relationships, the collaboration, and the trust you build along the way.

Today, I’m grateful for how far we’ve come with Paper Birch Collective. Every wedding we capture is a living story, told through the lens of love and human connection. It’s a privilege to preserve those beautiful, fleeting moments. I’m excited to keep evolving, dreaming, and creating with this incredible team by my side.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There were many, many months when I wasn’t sure if I could make this work. Photography started as a leap of faith—one that came with no guarantees, plenty of setbacks, and more than a few moments of wondering if I’d made the wrong call. Money was tight. I was borrowing to make rent and saying yes to everything, just trying to survive.

It wasn’t glamorous. It was slow, messy, and full of trial by fire. But in the struggle, I gained something invaluable: I learned how to trust my instincts, how to protect my time, and how to stand behind the value of what I do even when that felt uncomfortable.

The creative side of the work eventually came naturally to me after years of practice, but the business side, the boundaries, the long hours, took even logner to figure out. I didn’t just have to build a portfolio; I had to build a life around it. And part of that meant reckoning with how often I let work take priority over everything else. Birthdays, weekends, personal time—it all blurred together.

When the business began to grow, my focus shifted. It wasn’t just about taking photos anymore, it was about building something sustainable, something bigger than myself. With my co-founder Alvis Pham, we launched Paper Birch Collective, and the vision became clearer: create an environment where artists could thrive, where clients felt genuinely cared for, and where storytelling was at the heart of everything.

That vision didn’t fall into place overnight. It took missteps, hard conversations, and a lot of listening. But over time, we built a team that feels more like a creative family, one where people lift each other up and bring out the best in one another.

What’s surprised me most about this whole journey is how the doubts never fully disappear but they don’t control me anymore. I’ve made peace with uncertainty. I’ve learned that the most meaningful work often grows from the most uncomfortable places.

Today, I’m lucky to call this my full-time career. I get to document moments that matter and work alongside people I admire. And while the business continues to evolve, the heart of it stays the same: a deep respect for storytelling, a love for human connection, and the quiet confidence that every challenge has shaped me for the better.

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?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d take them down to Orange County to soak in the clear air, stunning coastal views, and world-class food. We’d start a day in Laguna Beach and grab breakfast at one of the cafés overlooking the ocean, then stroll along the shore or check out some of the local art galleries. From there, we’d head to the Back Bay Loop for a peaceful hike and a chance to reconnect with nature.

In the evenings, I like to keep things simple but memorable. One of my favorite low-key traditions is ending the night on top of a parking garage with a view of the Disneyland fireworks. Or, if we’re craving something more indulgent, we’d hop over to LA for some late-night comfort food. The energy of the city, the food scene, and the unexpected moments you find just driving around is always worth it.

Each day would be a mix of chill, recharge, and explore. The goal? Good conversations, beautiful sights, unforgettable meals, and even better photographs shared with someone I love spending time with.

Bonus points if we day trip out to Joshua Tree!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the people I’ve photographed for being a part of our collective history, the folks who have given me advice and tips throughout the years, and my team for never taking the easy way out and continuously striving to improve.

Website: https://www.paperbirchcollective.com/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paper-birch-collective-santa-ana?osq=Photographers&override_cta=Get+pricing

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpFJE299zUtit9paScg5e2g

Image Credits
Image Credits: Norbert Tsi Paper Birch Collective