We recently connected with Sunny Jee Kim and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sunny Jee, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

One of the biggest ways my photography diverges from the industry standard is by blending my love for cinematic storytelling into my commercial photography and video work. While commercial photography often focuses on clean, product-centric imagery, I draw inspiration from the creative portrait and editorial space to craft visuals that are not only eye-catching but also deeply story-driven. My goal is to create images that do more than just showcase a product—they connect with people on an human level.

A key part of this approach is truly listening to my clients. As a brand photographer, understanding a business’s mission and the story behind their brand is essential. My job is not just to capture high-quality images but to translate that narrative into visuals that don’t just sell, but resonates. I create imagery that evokes a feeling and leaves a lasting impression.

Recently, I worked with a brand that needed updated imagery while also wanting to elevate their overall tone. After diving into their vision and brand identity, I identified ways to align their product more closely with their story. I wasn’t afraid to bring my creative perspective into the shoot, and the final images struck a balance between fun and sophistication, resulting in visuals that authentically represented the brand they aspire to be.

At the heart of photography is storytelling, and bringing your personal creative vision into your work is what makes it stand out. Anyone can take a photo, but it’s the ability to infuse emotion, narrative, and artistry that makes an image truly memorable. By staying true to my storytelling approach, I create work that doesn’t just capture a subject—it captures a feeling, a brand’s essence, and the deeper meaning behind every image.

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’m a commercial photographer, videographer, and content creator passionate about crafting compelling visuals that tell a story. Beyond the lens, I’m dedicated to inspiring and empowering creative women by sharing insights on artistry, building confidence in your craft, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

My journey into photography began with self-portraits, where I was quickly confronted with how vulnerable it can feel to step in front of the camera and truly be seen. How often is it that we get our photo taken and we think, “that doesn’t look like me,” or “that’s what I look like?”

That specific experience shaped the way I approach both editorial portraiture and commercial shoots. I always lead with the intention to leave judgment at the door and prioritize capturing individuals or brands in a way that reflects how they truly see themselves. Whether I’m capturing a brand’s identity or an individual’s essence, my focus is always on creating imagery that feels real, intentional, and emotionally resonant.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Oh, boy! One of the biggest pivots I’ve had to make in my career is something that I am still trying to get down—transitioning from portrait photography to product and commercial photography. For a long time, I built my identity as a photographer around capturing people. I love the emotions, creativity, and the intimate moments that unfold while snapping portraits. I love the connection and creativity that comes with portrait work, but as I grew in my craft and explored new opportunities, I started to feel a shift.

I realized that while I loved working with people, I wanted to create something bigger. I saw how brands were craving visuals that felt more human, more intentional, and more story-driven, and I knew this was something that I could bring to the commercial space. But it wasn’t an easy decision. It meant stepping away from something familiar, redefining my portfolio, and essentially starting over in a new space. Scary.

At first, it was overwhelming. I had to learn new lighting techniques, rethink composition, and adjust my creative process to suit brand narratives rather than personal stories. But over time, I find that I can still bring my love for storytelling into product photography. I wasn’t just shooting objects—I was capturing a brand’s essence, emotions, and identity in a way that connects with their audience.

This pivot was and still is one of the hardest but best decisions I’ve made in my photography business. It allowed me to challenge myself, grow in ways I never expected, and build a business that aligns with both my artistic vision and long-term goals. It also taught me that change isn’t about abandoning what you love; it’s about evolving your passion in a way that makes sense for your future.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I feel that being a full-time creative is not for the weak. When you start a creative business, you are stepping into the role of an entrepreneur. You don’t realize how much of your time is spent outside of creating—marketing yourself, admin work, cold pitching, constantly refining your services, and putting yourself in spaces where you might feel like you don’t belong. I think many people can relate that, especially in the beginning, it’s not uncommon to have a hard time finding work. And on top of that, when your creativity becomes your job, it can be unexpectedly draining to always be creating without hitting burnout or that imposter syndrome.

What makes it all worth it is the connections this journey has brought me. My closest friends are also photographers or fellow creatives, people I never would have met if not for my photography. I’ve loved meeting my clients and admiring their creative journey and the opportunities it has brought them. These connections and relationships are truly something that I’ll never take for granted. The creative path can be challenging, but finding a community that understands, supports, and inspires you is incredibly rewarding and something that you can’t find anywhere else. It is one of the many privileges that comes with being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sunnyjeephoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storyofsunnyjee/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@storyofsunnyjee

Image Credits

Self Portrait Photography by Sunny Jee Kim
@storyofsunnyjee