Tiffany Chi’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Tiffany Chi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Tiffany, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business as a maternity, newborn, and family photographer is that it’s “easy work” or “hobby work” that does not require skill.

In reality, running a photography studio is both an art and a business. Every session involves so much more than just showing up with a camera and pressing a button — it begins with thoughtful planning and styling, continues with photographing with skill and care, and extends into hours of editing and designing custom artwork.

Each client and family I work with is completely unique, which means I adapt to different personalities, needs, and comfort levels in front of the camera. A large part of my role is helping people feel at ease, guiding them with gentle direction, and composing images that are both natural and flattering. This level of personalization requires patience, intuition, and experience. Beyond the creative work, there’s also the challenge of managing a small business: balancing inconsistent income, staying competitive in a saturated industry, and ensuring that every client feels cared for from start to finish.

I truly love what I do, and I feel honored to capture such meaningful moments for families. But it’s important to recognize that professional photography is not only about taking beautiful pictures — it’s about the years of training, the expertise, and the dedication it takes to provide a high-quality, stress-free experience and heirloom artwork that families can treasure for years long after.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tiffany Chi, and I’m a natural light maternity, birth, newborn, baby and family photographer based in Orange County, California. I specialize in capturing images with a natural, soft, and timeless aesthetic. I also focus on creating heirloom artwork that families can enjoy, display, and pass down for generations.

What makes my brand unique is the combination of artistry and experience that goes into every Session. I hold a degree in Fine Arts from UCLA, where I studied painting and photography, which deeply informs my aesthetic and the way I see light, color, and composition. I also trained as a French pastry chef in Paris, where I learned the discipline of detail, patience, and craftsmanship — qualities that now influence my photography.

It was becoming a mother myself and experiencing how quickly those early days pass that gave me the passion to dedicate my work to helping other families preserve their most meaningful milestones.

I offer a full-service experience, guiding my clients through wardrobe styling, session planning, and even custom framing and album design. I believe photographs deserve to live beyond a screen, which is why I specialize in turning fleeting moments into tangible artwork that can be enjoyed every day.

Right now, I’m honored to have recently had my work selected by international photography competitions. At the heart of it all, though, my mission is simple: to create an experience that feels effortless and meaningful, and to deliver artwork that allows families to see the beauty in their story.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Becoming a mother has been the relationship that most shaped how I see myself. Motherhood gave me a new perspective on time, love, and the fleeting nature of each stage of life. It not only transformed me personally, but also inspired the way I approach my work — with more empathy, patience, and a deeper appreciation for preserving meaningful moments.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self: you are loveable, and you are loved. You don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of love — it’s already yours. That truth has taken me years to embrace, but it has shaped both my personal journey and the way I connect with the families I photograph.

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 are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest lies the photography industry tells itself is that this work is ‘easy’ or that anyone with a nice camera can do it. The truth is, professional photography is so much more than pressing a button. It’s about artistry, training, and the ability to connect with people in a way that makes them feel comfortable and seen.

Another misconception is that digitals are ‘enough.’ In reality, most families never get around to printing their photos, and their memories end up lost on a hard drive. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating heirloom artwork — albums, framed portraits, and fine art prints. We experience artwork so differently when it is printed rather than on a screen.

Lastly, I think the industry sometimes believes that being competitive means undervaluing your own work. I believe the opposite is true: when you honor the value of your craft and give each family your very best, you attract clients who also value what you do.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I captured life’s most meaningful moments with care and artistry, and that I helped families hold onto the love, joy, and connection that truly matter. I want to be remembered not just for the images I created, but for the way I made people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.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: Inquire: https://tiffanychiphotography.com/contact
  General Contact & Collaborations: [email protected]

Image Credits
Orange County Maternity and Newborn Photographer | Tiffany Chi Photography