When we moved to Spokane in 2008, I was trying to build a photography business from scratch. I had photographed families and military clients in Okinawa, Japan, but I had never photographed a wedding before.
I started reaching out to photographers and asking if I could shadow them and learn. After that, I slowly began marketing myself as a wedding photographer.
It was terrifying. Wedding photography is a huge responsibility. There are no do overs. I had serious doubts about whether anyone would hire me.
Then Megan found me.
Meeting My First Spokane Client
We met at a coffee shop where I showed her my portfolio. Shortly after that meeting, she hired me for her wedding. She became my very first client in Spokane. I still remember how proud I felt. My first wedding. My first Spokane client, in America!
My first real chance to prove to myself that maybe I could do this.
My First Wedding Photography Experience
Her wedding day was over 100 degrees in July. I was sweating from the heat, but mostly from nerves.
Megan could not have been more gracious, kind, and trusting. She was stunning, elegant, and willing to do anything for a beautiful photo. We clicked immediately.
Over the years, we bonded through so many parts of life. We both understood what it was like being half Asian in the Pacific Northwest. We both experienced deep losses, including losing brothers far too young.
The Clients Who Kept Me Going
Three years later, the military moved us again. By then, my photography business in Spokane was growing, but we had to leave it all behind. For the next decade, we moved, started over, had children, and lived the military life.
Every time I came back to Spokane to visit, Megan hired me again.
Even during one of the hardest seasons of my life, when I lost my brother, my mother, and a baby within three months, Megan and a handful of loyal clients continued asking me to photograph them.
At the time, I wanted to sell all my camera gear. I felt like every bit of creativity had left me. Photography was the last thing I wanted to do. But people like Megan would not let me quit.
A Thank You to My Loyal Clients
Looking back, I am so grateful for the clients who became friends. The people who saw something in me even when I could not see it in myself. The people who kept hiring me, referring me, cheering me on behind the scenes, and reminding me that what I created mattered.
Some of those clients have been with me for over two decades. They have trusted me to photograph weddings, babies, families, graduations, businesses, and all the seasons in between. That kind of loyalty means more than I can ever put into words.
Megan was one of those people. She was my very first client in Spokane, and all these years later, we are still working together. That means more to me than she will probably ever know.
Looking for a Photographer?
Today, I am booking senior portraits, family photography, and branded portrait sessions in Spokane and beyond.
If you are looking for a photographer who values connection, storytelling, and long term relationships, I would love to work with you.
Ready to Book a Session?
I am currently booking senior portraits, family sessions, branding photography, and creative portrait sessions in Spokane and beyond.
If you are ready to book, have questions, or want to start planning your session, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me by email at: hellosuwanee@gmail.com or through my contact page.
You can also follow along on Instagram and Facebook for recent sessions, behind the scenes, model calls, mini sessions, and future announcements.
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