Today we’d like to introduce you to Yao Li.
Hi Yao , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve loved photography since high school—I even took a film photography elective – but I never imagined it would one day become my career. Back then, it felt more like a beloved hobby than a professional path. I followed a very traditional route instead: I went to college, majored in English and Linguistics, continued on to graduate school, and later taught English at a university in my home country.
When my husband came to the U.S. to pursue his Ph.D., I joined him and decided to reorient my career. Wanting something stable and practical, I studied accounting and passed the CPA exams. Even then, I didn’t feel a strong passion for any particular field – I was simply doing what seemed sensible and secure.
But throughout all those years, I never stopped taking photos. And everything changed after I became a mother. When my daughter was born, I bought a good camera to document her everyday life. That simple intention opened a door I didn’t expect—I fell completely in love with capturing moments, light, and emotion. With my second baby, balancing two full-time jobs became difficult for our family, so after many conversations, I decided to leave my corporate job and stay home with the kids.
As life settled into a new rhythm, I found pockets of time to reconnect with photography. I began photographing friends, then friends of friends, and soon people were encouraging me to charge for my work. That little spark slowly grew into what is now my photography business.
In the beginning, I photographed everything – just exploring and learning. Over time, I realized what truly fills my heart is working with families and children. That’s when I understood the deeper purpose of photography for me: it’s not only a creative outlet, but a way to preserve love, tenderness, and memories that families will cherish for years.
And that’s how I found my path – unexpectedly, gradually, and with so much joy along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly. Like most creative journeys, mine came with its own challenges.
Learning photography itself has always been enjoyable for me. With the amount of information available today, it feels like an endless ocean of knowledge – videos, courses, workshops, online communities. I wanted to learn everything, and that became one of my biggest struggles. As a business owner, you really only need to choose a niche and go deep, but as someone who genuinely loves photography, I have a hard time narrowing my focus. Every time I see a beautiful image or discover a new genre, I want to explore it. Balancing photography as both a passion and a business—and managing my time so I don’t overwhelm myself – has been an ongoing challenge.
Another struggle is simply the cost. Photography is an extremely expensive craft: cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, props, studio setups – the list goes on and on. My favorite genre, posed newborn photography, requires especially significant investment. In fact, during my first few years photographing newborns, I didn’t make any profit at all. The income I earned from other sessions often went straight back into purchasing what I needed for newborn shoots. There were many moments where it felt like I was working without earning.
I’m deeply grateful for my husband’s support during those early years. Because his income could help sustain our family, he encouraged me to focus on what I truly love without worrying too much about financial pressure. That support allowed me to grow at my own pace, learn without fear, and slowly build a sustainable business doing what makes my heart happy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in newborn, baby, and family portraits, with a particular passion for posed newborn photography. This genre requires years of hands-on practice, an understanding of infant safety and comfort, and a thoughtful eye for selecting aesthetically pleasing props, fabrics, and outfits. I take great pride in designing cohesive sets and color palettes that feel timeless and beautiful – images that families will treasure for years.
I’m also known for my seasonal and themed mini sessions. Because I genuinely love exploring new creative ideas, designing these sets brings me so much joy. Throughout the year, I create a variety of sessions such as Santa Minis, Christmas Minis, Lunar New Year sessions, Easter Minis, VW bus sessions, and a wide range of in-studio personality portraits perfect for birthdays or milestones. These themed sessions not only let me refresh my creativity but also give families fun, memorable experiences year after year.
What makes my work special is the combination of artistry, consistency, and care. I bring together my love for design, my attention to detail, and my belief that photos should tell a warm, heartfelt story. Whether I’m photographing a tiny newborn or an energetic toddler, my goal is always the same: to create images filled with emotion, beauty, and lasting meaning.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the qualities that have contributed most to my success are passion and creativity. I truly enjoy exploring new ideas, experimenting with fresh concepts, and constantly growing as an artist. My clients often tell me, “You’re so creative – this is so fun!” and that means so much, because I put a lot of heart into designing sets, choosing colors, and envisioning sessions that feel unique and meaningful.
That passion keeps me inspired, and that creativity allows me to bring each family’s story to life in a way that feels both personal and beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julyangelphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julyangelphotography
