We recently connected with Tiffany Chi and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I am the youngest daughter to two Taiwanese parents who immigrated to America before I was born. Growing up as an Asian American had its challenges. People had assumptions about who I was, where I came from, my intelligence, my capabilities, and the type of person I was before they even knew me. I often felt as though my face betrayed me because it spoke before I ever opened my mouth. For the longest time, I carried a great deal of shame towards my ethnicity because it made me “different” than my peers and carried associations, stereotypes, and judgments that I could not control.
Now that I’m a mother and I have two beautiful children who have my eyes, the texture and color of my hair, and my skin, I have learned to love myself the way that I am, because if I can’t love myself, how can I show them how to love themselves?
It has been so important for me to teach my children, especially my daughter, that she is beautiful and that “different” is beautiful. It is important for me that they both understand that they have a voice, and that their voice matters even if they are the only ones in the room.
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?
My name is Tiffany Chi and I am the owner and lead photographer of Tiffany Chi Photography. I specialize in natural light Fine Art Portraiture for Maternity, Labor & Delivery Birth, Newborn, Fresh 48, Baby and Family Photography.
My approach is quite different than your average photographer, as it is personalized, relational, & authentic. I strive to highlight natural connection between you and your loved ones. My photographic style is influenced by my Fine Art education and many years of painting and observing light, people, and relationships. My images are soft, natural, light and airy, with a tinge of ethereal romance. I love to create images that you can feel and revisit years from now. I believe in a custom photography experience that is intentional and meaningful, rather than rushed and generic.
I offer Sessions either outdoor on location, in home, and/or in my natural light Studio located in Brea, California. I happily photograph throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, the Southern California region and am also available for travel.
I am thrilled to be offering new products such as custom designed Signature Heirloom Albums and Framed Fine Art Prints to honor and preserve your beautiful once-in-a-lifetime memories. I believe that our images should be printed and proudly displayed instead of hidden away and forgotten on a dusty hard drive or social media post.
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?
1. Authenticity Be your authentic self — whatever that looks like. I learned later in life that I am actually neurodivergent as a highly sensitive person (HSP). I have always known that I was introverted in nature, but apart from introversion, I have always felt different because of how sensitive I was to physical, emotional, and social stimuli. I carried a lot of shame because I felt broken or unfixable, but now I know that I cannot change my biology and that being highly sensitive can also be a strength and a gift to others.
2. Define your own Success
In the age of social media, minute by minute comparison, and information overload, it’s so easy to feel as though you should be farther along in your journey than you actually are. It’s easy to feel like you’re faking it until you make it, but you never actually “make it.” Success is elusive and there’s always more to achieve, master, and chase. If we do not define the parameters to our success, then we allow others to do so, and that will leave us feeling empty and disappointed.
3. Honor your Journey
We are all given unique journeys. They are comprised of the choices we make, the people we love, the passions we pursue … We all have stories to tell. It’s so important to honor our journeys by taking the time to appreciate how far we’ve come — from the little milestones to the big ones. They all matter.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who is seeking to have an experience that is worthy of the once-in-a-lifetime milestone that welcoming a child into your life is.
Someone who wants to have their story heard, told, and honored as precious artwork.
I want to work with families who are looking for more than just a family photo for the annual holiday card or a quick “mini session”, but who are looking for an intentional personalized experience that allows them to slow down, feel beautiful, be with their loved ones, and create some sweet memories.
Most of all, my ideal client is someone who trusts me and believes in my capabilities as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tiffanychiphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanychiphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tiffanychiphotography
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tiffany-chi-photography-fullerton-3
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tiffanychiphotography
Image Credits
Tiffany Chi Photography | Orange County Maternity Newborn Photographer
