June Kochi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
June, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely. I would hire myself as I bring a unique combination of passion, blend of artistic vision and strategic business approach. I am deeply committed to the craft of photography, constantly improving my technique to deliver exceptional, timeless images
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m June, a Los Angeles based photographer dedicated to capturing the world with authenticity and heart. My journey into photography actually started a bit later in life, but from the moment I picked up a camera, it just clicked and it felt like finding a part of myself I didn’t know was missing.
I photograph special events, portraits, and the simple yet beautiful moments of daily life. But my focus is always the same: finding the genuine emotion and the unique story in every single frame. While I love Los Angeles, my passion for storytelling doesn’t stop at the city limits. Speaking multiple languages has been an amazing tool, allowing me to truly connect with people from all over the world. It helps me understand their stories on a deeper level, which in turn lets me create photos that feel truly them.
What makes this journey special for me right now is the ability to turn a moment of connection into a timeless piece of art, no matter where in the world that moment happens. It’s about finding the universal in the unique, and I get to do that every time I pick up my camera.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was a pretty quiet kid, and I think I believed that meant I didn’t have a strong voice or an important story to tell. Photography completely flipped that for me about seven years ago. I discovered that my voice wasn’t meant to be just heard; it was meant to be seen. I no longer believe that you have to be the loudest in the room to make an impact. My work allows me to communicate powerfully and connect with people on a deep level, all without saying a word. It taught me that my quiet observation was a superpower all along.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My defining wound is the memory of a home I can’t return to, a reality shaped by war and the struggle of being an immigrant. The healing has been a lifelong process of building a new home within myself. Instead of focusing on what was lost, I focus on the huge sacrifice my father made and the incredible opportunities he fought to give us. That perspective is everything. It’s why I don’t take a single day or a single client’s story for granted. My work is a tribute to that second chance. It’s my way of honoring his struggle by building a beautiful, creative life from the foundation he risked everything to provide.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is a deep, non-negotiable respect for human dignity. Having come from a place where that was often stripped away, I understand its profound importance on a deep level. In my work, this translates to how I treat every single person in front of my camera. I don’t just see a subject. I see a person with a story worthy of being honored. I create a space where they feel safe, heard, honored and respected. This value is the foundation of everything I do.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m absorbed in nature with my camera, but with no client and no agenda. After a childhood marked by the chaos of war, these quiet moments alone in nature is when I feel most deeply connected. It’s my personal practice of healing. There’s no pressure to produce anything for anyone else. It’s just me capturing the beauty of the natural world. It’s how I refill my own cup, so I can pour that same sense of calm and appreciation into my work with people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://junexpressions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junexpressions/
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