Meet VALENTINA LI

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

VALENTINA, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout is something many creatives experience, especially when your passion is also your profession. For me, the key to avoiding it is staying in motion—mentally, emotionally, and creatively. I’m constantly looking for ways to challenge myself and explore new ideas. If I feel that burnout is starting to creep in, I pivot quickly. That might mean experimenting with a completely new style of photography, trying a concept I’ve never done before, or simply viewing my work through a different lens.

Travel plays a huge role in how I reset and recharge. Exploring new countries and immersing myself in different cultures gives me a fresh wave of inspiration. Every place I visit opens up new perspectives—not just visually, but emotionally and creatively. It reminds me of how much beauty and diversity there is in the world, and it sparks ideas I never would’ve thought of at home.

Outside of photography, I also like to dive into something totally unrelated—like reading books from different genres, learning a new language, or studying a subject that has nothing to do with my career. I think there’s power in stepping away from your field to let your creativity rest and rebuild. I often brainstorm alone, asking myself questions and allowing my mind to wander. Staying curious and open to change is the best way I’ve found to avoid burnout and keep my creative energy flowing.

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?

I’m a portrait photographer based in Houston, Texas—but my story spans continents. I was born in the vibrant and culturally rich country of Uzbekistan, where I first picked up a camera professionally in 2011. Back then, I was capturing weddings and events, documenting love stories and celebrations with all the heart (and hustle) of someone completely in love with their craft.

In 2014, life took me to Russia, where I took an unexpected break from photography. I like to say it was my “creative hibernation” phase. But in 2020, I moved to the United States, and by 2022, I officially reignited my career—this time starting from scratch in a brand-new country, new language, and new market. That leap was challenging, but it taught me resilience and gave me the opportunity to truly shape the kind of artist and businesswoman I wanted to become.

Today, I’m proud to call myself a professional, published, and award-winning portrait photographer. My passion? Photographing women. I’m deeply inspired by the power, vulnerability, and beauty that every woman carries—sometimes she just needs the right person (and lighting!) to help her see it. My goal with every session is to empower my clients, help them feel confident, and capture their most authentic selves. Whether it’s personal branding, creative portraits, or lifestyle sessions, I approach each shoot with intention, emotion, and just the right amount of artistic drama.

I also work with small business owners to create compelling, scroll-stopping content for their social media. Think of me as your brand’s visual hype-woman—photos, reels, and creative direction all rolled into one.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my studio work, launching a posing guide for women who feel awkward in front of the camera (don’t worry, I’ve got you!), and expanding into creative campaigns that mix fine art with personal storytelling. I’m also diving into new styles and dreaming up some travel shoots across the U.S. and abroad—because nothing fuels creativity quite like a passport stamp.

If you’re looking for portraits that feel powerful, fun, emotional, and totally you—come say hi. I promise, even if you think you’re “not photogenic,” you’ll walk away feeling like a work of art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience, Creative Curiosity, Connection

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always on the lookout for inspiring collaborations—because magic happens when creative minds come together. I genuinely love people, and I believe that everyone has a unique story, perspective, and spark. That’s why I’m open to connecting with creatives from any field—not just within photography. Whether you’re a writer, interior designer, entrepreneur, or someone with a big idea and a bold vision, I’d love to help bring it to life through powerful visuals and fresh content.

I don’t just show up with a camera—I help build the whole story from the ground up. Need content for your personal brand or launch? Let’s brainstorm. Want to co-create something totally outside the box? I’m in.

I’m also always excited to meet fellow photographers who want to connect, grow, and maybe even travel to a conference (or a dreamy creative getaway!) together. If you’re passionate, open-minded, and love creating with heart, let’s talk—because the best ideas are rarely born alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.viajestudios.com
• Instagram: @vsphoto.tx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativityVK
• Youtube: @viajestudios

Image Credits

Valentina Li.