We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Norbert Tsi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Norbert, appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Building my business wasn’t easy, it was a long, uphill climb filled with uncertainty, challenges, and sacrifices. In the beginning, I was just trying to stay afloat. There were moments when I had to borrow money to pay rent, unsure when or where my next paycheck would come from. That uncertainty was terrifying, but I kept pushing forward, holding onto the belief that hard work would eventually pay off.

There were tough obstacles along the way that tested my patience and resilience, but they also taught me how to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and stand firm in the value of my craft.

Maintaining relationships was another challenge. The late nights, endless editing sessions, and weekend shoots made it hard to prioritize personal connections. I had to learn how to balance my work with the people who matter most in my life—a lesson that’s still ongoing.

As the business grew, fostering a good environment for my team became a top priority. I wanted to create a space where creativity could flourish, where people felt supported and inspired. But building that kind of culture wasn’t easy. It took time, effort, and a lot of trial and error to get it right.

The hardest part of all was the uncertainty. There were so many moments when I didn’t know if things would work out. Would clients come? Would I make enough to cover my expenses? Would all the effort be worth it in the end? Those doubts were constant companions, but I learned to live with them and keep moving forward anyway.

Looking back now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Starting Norbert Tsi Photography and later creating Paper Birch Collective with Alvis Pham was worth every struggle. Today, I’m grateful for the incredible team we’ve built, the couples whose stories we’ve captured, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

If there’s one thing I’ve come to realize, it’s that the journey is just as important as the destination. I’m fortunate enough to be able to make a living working full-time as a photographer. Not many people have that privilege so I’m very blessed to be able to do that.
Every challenge shaped me, every setback taught me, and every success reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

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 in the room. 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 those experiences taught me resilience, sharpened my skills, and ultimately led me to discover my passion for wedding photography.

Looking back, those challenges were the foundation for everything I’ve built today, from launching my business to creating Paper Birch Collective.

I fell in love with the atmosphere of weddings, the energy, and the happiness that fills someone’s big day. Capturing those moments felt so fulfilling. That’s when I decided to start my own business, Norbert Tsi Photography, focusing on weddings and creating meaningful work that I could pour my heart into.

Eventually, I met Alvis Pham, and we quickly realized how much our work overlapped. It just made sense to join forces, and together we created Paper Birch Collective, offering industry leading wedding services for everything image related including wedding photography, videography, and photobooth.

Over the years, we’ve grown our business 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 each other, supporting each other every step of the way.

Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s the people around you that matter the most. Success isn’t just about the work; it’s about the relationships, the collaboration, and the journey you share with others.

Today, I’m grateful for how far we’ve come with Paper Birch Collective. Every wedding we capture is a chance to tell a unique story, and I’m excited to keep growing, evolving, and pushing creative boundaries with an amazing team by my side.

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

There’s nothing quite like the moment someone tells me how much my work means to them. Hearing that my photos brought them joy, that they felt seen, or that I captured a moment they’ll cherish forever—it’s indescribable.

Back when I was documenting protests, I would sometimes run into people that I had photographed before and they would strike up a conversation with me about a photo that I had taken of them. They would tell me about how they had been protesting for weeks and were starting to become disillusioned with how little progress their movement was making. They then saw themselves in a few images I had captured of the event and that revived their fire.
They ultimately won that case.

When a couple tells me my photos made them laugh, cry, or relive the best day of their lives, it fills my heart in ways I can’t put into words. Those are the moments when all the struggles, the long nights, and the doubts fade away. It’s a reminder that this work isn’t just about me—it’s about them, their memories, and the happiness I can help bring into their lives.

This isn’t just a job to me. It’s a way to connect with people, to tell their stories, and to leave something meaningful behind. And when someone says my work made a difference to them, it’s the greatest reward I could ever ask for.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

One of the harsh realities of being an artist is that society often doesn’t truly value what we create until we’re gone. It’s a painful truth, but it’s also a call to action—a reminder that as artists and creatives, our mission isn’t to chase fleeting recognition. It’s to create work that brings value to the living, both here and now, and tomorrow and beyond.

I’ve come to realize that our purpose goes far beyond fame or accolades. It’s about capturing moments, telling stories, and creating something meaningful that connects people, evokes emotion, and leaves an impact. When I photograph a wedding, for example, I’m not just taking pictures—I’m preserving memories that will be cherished for generations.

As artists, we have a unique ability to leave a mark on the world, but it’s not about waiting for others to validate our worth. It’s about pouring our passion into work that resonates, inspires, and adds beauty to people’s lives. We’re not creating for legacy alone, we’re creating to enrich the present and make life better for those around us.

That’s why I’m so committed to my craft. Every photo, every story, every project is an opportunity to make something lasting and meaningful. If my work can bring joy, comfort, or connection to even one person, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paperbirchcollective.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paperbirchcollective/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paperbirchcollective
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paper-birch-collective-santa-ana

Image Credits

Norbert Tsi, Paper Birch Collective