We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Momo Li. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Momo below.

Momo, appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

When I was in elementary school, my father gifted me my first camera. It was a pivotal moment, as it introduced me to the world of capturing images and expressing myself through photography. My mother also played a key role in nurturing my artistic side. She once saw my drawings on scrap paper and, calling me a genius, decided to enroll me in six years of art classes. This foundation in art has greatly influenced my creative approach as a photographer. Additionally, I began learning drums in middle school, and this passion has remained strong despite academic pressures over the years. These early experiences shaped my creative journey, instilling in me a love for the arts and the resilience to keep pursuing what I love.

My parents came from traditional backgrounds, yet they didn’t push me to study things I wasn’t naturally inclined towards. Instead, they encouraged me to explore and find what truly inspired me. However, they always emphasized one core principle: persistence. They believed that no matter what I chose, I had to commit and see it through. This value of dedication has become foundational in my journey as an artist, helping me stay focused and resilient even when things get challenging.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a photographer based in New York. My journey into photography began when my husband gifted me a camera as a push gift after the birth of our first child. What started as capturing my child’s growth gradually became a deep exploration of life itself. To me, photography is not just about recording events; it’s about touching the soul, reflecting, and making moments eternal.

I love telling stories with a documentary approach, while also immersing myself in the beauty and emotion of editorial style. My work often shows a blend of these two worlds, creating a unique collision of reality and artistry. This year, I began photographing weddings—a new and inspiring journey. There is something profoundly romantic and precious about capturing a couple’s most significant day, being trusted as a stranger to tell their story.

In 2025, I’ll embark on global destination photography, connecting with people around the world to create stories in various locations. I look forward to witnessing and capturing light and love in new places, as a part of these intimate, extraordinary moments in people’s lives.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I believe my resilience comes from a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and capturing genuine emotions. Growing up, I was greatly inspired by my grandmother, who was a full-time photographer with 50 years of experience. Watching her dedication taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and always finding beauty in every situation. Her influence, along with my own journey, has given me the strength to keep going even during challenging times.

In my grandmother’s era, technological limitations meant that she not only took the photographs but also developed the film and even hand-colored the photos. This process added a unique charm and depth to her work, making each piece truly captivating. Her dedication to each step of the craft has deeply inspired me to bring a similar attention to detail and artistry to my photography.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on a deeper, often unspoken level. Through photography, I get to capture and share moments that resonate emotionally and authentically, preserving memories that others can revisit and feel profoundly. I’m honored to be entrusted with documenting some of life’s most intimate experiences, whether it’s a wedding, the arrival of a new baby, or a quiet family moment. Creating images that bring people joy, nostalgia, or even a new perspective is incredibly fulfilling for me. It reminds me of the power of art to touch lives and make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://momoshotphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momo_shot_photography/

Image Credits

Momo Li