Meet Jia Yao

We recently connected with Jia Yao and have shared our conversation below.

Jia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

This question is something I’ve pondered for years. When people truly love what they do, they can lose themselves in it. We don’t ask ourselves why we do it; we just know it feels right. That’s exactly how it is for me. I never planned to become a wedding photographer, but one thing is certain: when I finish capturing a wedding and the newlyweds give me that final hug, I feel like the happiest person in the world.

When I was in elementary school, I dreamed of becoming a field scientist. I was fascinated by the breathtaking scenes I saw on National Geographic. But as time went on, my poor grades in school, especially in science, dimmed that dream. My teachers were often disappointed, and my confidence in STEM subjects faded away. On the other hand, I loved art class. I could lose myself in drawing imaginative designs on a canvas. It felt liberating, unlike the suffocating rigidity of math problems with just one “correct” answer. I started to wonder, “Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a career in the arts?”

But traditional ideas held me back. I was constantly told that pursuing art meant a life of poverty. “How will you support yourself if you can’t make money?” they’d ask. So, even though I knew I wasn’t suited for science, I followed my parents’ advice and majored in biology in college. They were so proud, and I wanted to make them happy.

Then, in my sophomore year, everything changed. My dad gave me his old Canon camera, and that’s when my photography dream began. Photography felt like second nature to me. I became so passionate about it that I started skipping classes just to shoot photos. Those quiet moments, walking alone on Long Island beaches with my camera, felt almost magical.

Of course, reality hit hard. Photography isn’t cheap. Back then, my dorm rent was $600 a month, but a single lens cost $900. To save money, I lived in a basement for six months just to afford my first Canon lens. By my junior year, I was working two jobs, and that’s how I finally bought my first professional camera.

So, you might ask, how did I find my purpose? To me, life’s purpose isn’t necessarily about what job you have; it’s about how much happiness your work brings you. When you feel that deep joy, you also feel love and connection. And maybe that’s the true beauty of life—finding love in what you do and sharing that love with others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

For my business, I am a wedding photographer, this is how I am able to support myself to survive in the big city.

For non-profits, I am currently a tree ambassador for One Tree Planted. I am also a Disaster Relief team members for the Red Cross.

Being able to use my tips I got from my business to support many non-profits make me feel more than just a business owner, I feel like a decent human being who knows how to love and care for this world. Definitely a great feeling.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Photography – This one’s a no-brainer since I’m a wedding photographer. It’s not just a skill—it’s my passion and how I tell stories.

Dancing – This one surprised me! I never thought dancing would become such a fun part of my life. Not only has it helped me make amazing friends, but it’s also been a blast for my couples at weddings. Who knew a little groove could create so much joy?

Emailing – Yep, emailing. It might not sound exciting, but over the past 11 years, I’ve realized just how powerful it is. My entire business is built on clear, thoughtful communication. Knowing how to email well and truly help your clients can be a total game-changer.

For anyone just starting out, I think it’s so important to figure out your strengths and really invest in mastering them. Sometimes, a skill like dancing might seem unrelated to your goals, but it can open doors to new connections and better relationships. The payoff might take time, but it’s worth it. So, whatever your strength is—own it, grow it, and use it to build meaningful connections!

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Life often brings moments when we feel unsure or overwhelmed, but not everyone knows the power of taking a step back. When the pandemic hit, I went through a period of hopelessness and depression. However, when I started looking at the situation from a more positive perspective, I realized it was an opportunity—a much-needed pause to slow down and reconnect with myself.

During that time, I found solace in hiking through the mountains. I’ll admit, I can be a bit of a workaholic, completely absorbed in tasks and forgetting to care for myself. But the pandemic taught me a valuable lesson: when you feel lost or unsure, it’s okay to pause and listen to what your heart truly wants.

You might discover something new about yourself. It may not make you any money but it is all okay. When you can hear your inner voice, it has a healing power that can restore your energy and give you the strength to move forward with even greater determination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frameyourlove.com
• Instagram: frameyourlovephotography
• Facebook: frameyourlove
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiayao/

Image Credits

Jia Yao