Meet Vivian Lee | Photographer the owner of VIVI STUDIO

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

Hi Vivian, what do you attribute your success to?
Perseverance and sincerity. When I first started my business, I was working full-time during the week, shooting on weekends, and editing late at night. It wasn’t easy, but I never gave up. What truly made a difference was treating every client with genuine care. I see each child I photograph as if they were my own, and that love shines through my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My photography is rooted in sincerity and love. I truly believe you have to care deeply about your clients—because photos don’t lie. The families who come to me want to capture beautiful, fleeting moments, and while the time we spend together is often short, I do everything I can to connect with them quickly and understand their unique story.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to make people feel at ease and how to read their personalities fast. That connection shows in the warmth of my photos—something my clients often tell me they feel.
I started with nothing, even selling my children’s piano to buy my first camera. I juggled work, motherhood, and photography, often editing photos late into the night. It wasn’t easy, but I never gave up. Because I believed in the power of capturing love, and in building something meaningful not just for me, but for my children too.

My brand is more than just photography—it’s about honesty, empathy, and preserving memories with heart.

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.
I live in Orange County, and it’s truly an amazing place—beautiful beaches, mountains, and charming historic spots, many of which I’ve discovered through photography.

If my best friend visited, I’d take them hiking at Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach, then spend the rest of the day by the ocean. The California coast has a unique beauty that’s even more breathtaking than Hawaii in some ways.

We’d also visit Disneyland—because who can skip the magic? And of course, we’d grab a giant turkey leg while we’re there. Universal Studios is another must. The behind-the-scenes tour of movie sets and effects is such a fun and unforgettable experience.

For a special evening, I’d take them to the rooftop restaurant at the InterContinental Hotel in LA. Watching the city lights from up there is pure magic.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of the people around me.
First and foremost, my children. They’ve been my biggest inspiration and the reason I never gave up, even when things were hard. I also owe so much to my family and my amazing friends, who stepped in to help care for my kids when I was working around the clock as a single mom trying to build my dream.
And lastly, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the person who quietly stood by me through it all—offering steady support, love, and encouragement even when I didn’t ask for it. My journey may be my own, but it’s been carried by many hearts.

Website: https://www.thevivistudio.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thevivistudio

Image Credits
VIVI STUDIO