Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Tong.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I first became interested in photography my freshman year of college, after I was gifted my first camera. I was looking for a way to inject some creativity and artistry into my life, since I was a STEM major in college. It started out as a hobby that rapidly snowballed into an obsession, and I spent the next few months hungrily learning and improving. Before long, people were approaching me for formal photo sessions, and I turned it into a business. Running a small business at 19 years old was definitely daunting, but it has been such an amazing journey that has opened me up to incredible opportunities and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people.
In the past few years, I’ve established myself as a lifestyle portrait photographer, and have branched out to explore some fashion work in my free time. I have never stopped seeking ways to grow and am proud to have been a finalist in a global photography contest and be published several times in the past 2 years. I have also begun working as a mentor and teacher to other photographers, which has been incredibly rewarding. Since graduating college at UT Austin, I’ve decided to pursue medical school in Dallas, and I’ll be bringing my passion for photography with me!
Please tell us about your art.
Photography is all about capturing memories to preserve them, and that is what I love most about what I do. As a photographer, I get to help people document important moments and milestones, and I love knowing that years or decades from now, my images will live on in the photo albums or framed photos in their home.
My work has always been defined by a desire to create authentic, natural images that don’t just capture people, but also who they are.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I think success as an artist has very little to do with awards and publications and much more to do with continued growth over time. At the end of the day, if I am proud of my work and am still seeking to learn more or improve, I see myself as successful. This drive to avoid stagnation and keep pushing to new heights is a huge part of what helps artists become successful.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I share my work primarily on Instagram (@joycetongphoto) and I always love making new connections through social media. Leave me a comment or feel free to DM me, my (figurative) door is always open!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.joycetongphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joycetongphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joycetongphotography/
Image Credit:
Joyce Tong (all images belong to me)
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