Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yeeun Joo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yeeun, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned to do the things I need in the workplace through a combination of education during college and hands-on experience from diverse internships and projects. While I was in college, I was very confident about my technical skills because I thought I knew everything from my classes. I learned from professional, working professors, and I believed I could perform well even if I started working right away.

I got my first internship opportunity during the first semester of my senior year, and that experience completely changed my perspective and really grounded me. Through that internship, I realized that technical skills are not the top priority when it comes to doing my work well. I learned that communication with team members and collaboration are what truly improve the overall quality of the work.

My boss and coworkers became my mentors, and I was able to learn from them and incorporate those lessons into my own skill set. Now I understand that every job is teamwork, and every time I work, there is always something new I can learn.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I currently work as a curatorial assistant at a gallery, and I also work as a freelance photographer, primarily photographing couples and weddings. I first started taking photos for friends who asked me to be their pre-wedding photographer. During those early shoots, I wanted to offer something special, so I decided to photograph using both digital and analog formats, specifically Polaroid.

That approach naturally led to photographing more people. Most of my clients are couples, and one thing I always keep in mind is capturing a moment from their love story. I want the photographs to feel sincere to them and to hold a moment from their intimate, meaningful experiences.

As part of the process, I interview each person and turn the project into a short digital magazine that combines the photographs with their stories. It feels like creating a fairytale-like photobook — something that lasts not only for them, but for me as well.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Most of the people who find me come either through friends of friends or through Instagram. On Instagram, I try to present a professional look while maintaining a consistent photographic language that feels true to me. This isn’t only about social media — it reflects my ongoing effort, across all of my work, to develop a personal perspective and visual voice.

I also use Instagram to share the projects I’m involved in and to actively engage with other accounts. For example, when a gallery I’m exhibiting with posts about a show, I share it on my Instagram Stories to help promote the project and build connections. It’s part of how I grow my network in an organic way.

Even when I work with friends, I try to clearly separate friendship from professionalism. That means being well-prepared and doing my best to deliver results they can be fully satisfied with. When that happens, those friends naturally recommend me to others, and over time my network grows — along with my client base.

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

The most rewarding moments for me are when the people I work with truly enjoy the process and are 100 percent satisfied with the final result. I don’t make photographs only for myself — my work has always been for others. So when someone connects with a photograph that carries my way of seeing, it brings me genuine joy.

Another deeply meaningful moment is when the work I create resonates with others on an emotional level. My personal projects include not only photography but also installation work, through which I reflect on my childhood and my experiences of living far from home. When I share work that comes from those difficult periods and see others feel moved by it, it gives me a profound sense of comfort and reassurance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yeeun-joo.com
• Instagram: @billiejean_isnotmylove
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeeun-joo-6a8393299?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app