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

Chunlei, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

Get ready for a heartwarming story that will make you believe in the power of serendipity! Imagine this: my very first photography booking didn’t come through a friend or a referral, but it all started with a simple post on Nextdoor. Isn’t that amazing? Let me set the scene for you: I had been working hard, building up my portfolio, and dreaming of reaching my ideal clients. Then, out of the blue, Nextdoor popped up on my radar with a community message. And that’s when inspiration struck! I had a lightbulb moment – why not share my work with the lovely folks in my neighborhood? It was like a spark ignited inside me. I quickly created a post, pouring my heart into showcasing my passion for photography. And guess what? It didn’t take long for the magic to happen! A friendly and oh-so-wonderful mom came across my post and reached out to me. I couldn’t contain my excitement! Who would’ve thought everything would happen so smoothly and quickly? That amazing family became my first-ever clients, and I will forever treasure the beautiful memories we captured together. I am beyond grateful for that incredible mom who gave me the chance to document their precious moments. And you know what? This heartwarming experience didn’t end there. Those magical photos caught the attention of others, and soon enough, more clients were knocking on my door, eager to have their own stories told through my lens. It’s incredible how one simple post led to an abundance of joyous opportunities!

Chunlei, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a mom and family photographer based in the Bay Area, California, I’m passionate about capturing priceless family moments. After my daughter was born, I became a family history keeper behind the camera. However, I regretted not majoring in art, which led me to take a professional photography course in college. This helped me refine my skills and enabled me to turn professional. During a job review, my tutor suggested that I become a professional photographer, praising the innocence and beauty of the child in my work. I realized the potential of creating lasting memories that families could cherish for generations, which fueled my desire to bring these moments to life through my photography. In addition to my passion, I noticed a need for expert, family-focused photography services in the Greater Bay Area. Though there were many family photographers in the region, I believed that with my distinctive vision, I could cater to clients seeking a novel experience. I aimed to offer personalized services that genuinely reflected the unique stories of each family I worked with.
To ensure my success, I devoted myself to honing my skills, staying up-to-date on industry trends, and developing an authentic style that captured the essence of my clients’ stories. By blending my creativity and technical expertise, I was able to differentiate myself from the competition, providing high-quality photography services that resonated with my clients.
To further enhance my skills and gain insights into running a successful photography business, I decided to join Iris Hu’s workshop. Iris Hu is a highly successful family photographer who has not only mastered the art of capturing family moments but also excels in the business side of photography. Participating in her workshop was a valuable experience that allowed me to learn advanced techniques, gain business strategies, and network with other industry professionals.
Over time, my dedication and hard work paid off, and I was honored to receive the Lifestyle Photography Award for my outstanding work. This further cemented my confidence in the success of my creative services business and underscored the value that I bring to my clients.

In conclusion, my journey as a family photographer and the path to establishing my creative services business has been filled with passion, dedication, and continuous learning. It is the culmination of my love for art, my commitment to capturing cherished family moments, and my drive to provide exceptional service to clients in the Bay Area and beyond.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

How to do better marketing, and how to effectively manage social media to expand your brand awareness.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Actually, the moment I decided to become a photographer and start my own studio was a crucial turning point in my career. I went from being a stay-at-home mother, constantly busy with household chores, to embarking on my own entrepreneurial journey. At first, I was hesitant and unsure. I didn’t know if I could balance my family and work responsibilities. I didn’t know if my new venture would take off. Despite my doubts, I decided to take a chance because of the support from my family and my confidence in my own abilities. I didn’t want to give up before even starting, and I was willing to try even if I failed. Now, looking back, that decision to become a photographer and start my own studio was a pivotal moment in my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lei.photography
• Instagram: suansuanyou_clicks

Image Credits
My personal photo is credited to Mary Tan.