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

Ted, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Last year, I had the opportunity to work with Parks California, and document the historic opening of Stone Lagoon Visitor Center at Humboldt Lagoons State Park. This became the first tribally operated visitor center, and it was an amazing experience to witness this groundbreaking achievement in partnership between CA State Parks and the Yurok Tribe.

And the day before, I had the privilege of visiting and photographing several areas of Yurok ancestral territory, together with Tribal leaders, State Park Directors and other key players. We visited Sue-meg State Park; and further north, paddled along the Klamath River in red wood canoes, and hiked out to tribal ceremonial grounds. Learning about cultural practices and the significance of the land to the Yurok Tribe was moving, and hearing about the collaborative partnerships formed was inspiring.

My passion for photography originally stemmed from my love for travel, and approaching this project with that same mindset was a joy. A highlight for me at the event was setting up a portrait station for the tribe’s elders. Getting to connect this way, and share in some fun and laughter, is something I’ll always remember.

Ted, 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?

I’m an LA native from the San Gabriel Valley, and have worked as a photographer for over a decade now, based in the Hollywood Hills. After my first career working at ad agencies in LA and NYC, I began a five-year period of traveling, while juggling gig jobs in NYC in-between trips (everything from videography, exec-recruiting, to dog-walking and more). These adventures sparked my passion for photography, and introduced me to work life as a freelancer. I eventually returned to LA to develop as a photographer, and soon began working on entertainment and fashion portraits and editorials, and a wide range of commercial projects.

As a passionate traveler, I approach projects with the same openness and interest, excited to connect and share stories. The core of my business is collaborating with artists, brands, designers, and agencies – listening and understanding their unique needs – and bringing strategic thinking to the table.

I’m constantly seeking new adventures, and love whenever I can draw upon my experiences in my shoots. Lately, I’ve been exploring more underwater photography and aerial imagery with drones, the latter which I have started using in my fashion video work.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The majority of my clients have come through my social network, either from previous collaborations and their referrals or through individuals who discovered my work on social media. And so having a solid reputation matters a lot for growing my clientele.

I’m focused on approaching each project with integrity and reliability. And strive to create an enjoyable working experience, and aspire to mutual growth with my clients.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The journey and challenges of being a creative are incredibly rewarding. It was not a career I initially considered after college, as it seemed beyond the realm of possibility. However, the path of commitment and discovery to be able to do what I do, and how I have developed personally through the process has brought a great sense of fulfillment.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tedsun.net
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tedsun77
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tedsun
• Other: www.instagram.com/tedstravelmarker

Image Credits
Photos by Ted Sun