Jennifer Chong
Jennifer Chong
Photographer / Content Creator / Designer
Los Angeles, CA
hi@jchongstudio.com
jchongstudio.com
instagram @jchongstudio
What do you do?
“I’m a photographer with a passion for food, travel and design. ”
What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my career in graphic design and worked with large brands like Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola, and Nintendo for ten years before shifting my focus to photography. I’ve always grown up with the camera but didn’t realize all the job possibilities there were for me. I started to share my photography work on my blog which led to new job opportunities.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m wrapping up on a commercial packaging design and photography project. Once that is out of the way I’m going to start conceptualizing for a creative personal test shoot with a food stylist. (PS, any food/prop stylist out there who want to test please reach out!)
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Photography is where my passion is, I’d love to be able to travel and document foods from all different parts of the world more!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Drive me around Los Angeles, I love living in Long Beach but it sure does take time to get places. I always think about how much I could be doing instead of sitting in traffic.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d love to meet successful food and travel photographers, to have a mentor in the field. To learn from their experiences and gain knowledge. Chatting with other like minded people is always fun and inspiring. I especially love the work of Gentl and Hyers and Anna Williams.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR RIGHT NOW?
I’d love to help business elevate their brand presence with photography – Small business, restaurants, chefs, caterers, food start ups! Additionally I’d love to photography more cookbooks and editorial features on food and travel.
HOW ARE YOU FINDING THESE OPPORTUNITIES CURRENTLY?
Most of my clients are finding me through word of mouth and client referrals. It’s been on my list to put together a promo piece and work on additional outreach instead of just relying on word of mouth.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT. EVEN IF IT DOESN’T ACTUALLY EXIST!
My ideal client understands work and trust me to execute their vision. I appreciate honest communication and collaborations.
WHAT IS YOUR PREFERRED STYLE OF WORKING (REMOTE, IN-HOUSE, ON-SITE, ETC)?
It depends on what I am working on but with food photography it is either at the clients space (restaurant/bakery) or in studio.
DESCRIBE A CLIENT/JOB/PARTNER YOU WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE. WHAT ARE YOUR DEAL BREAKERS?
I hope that the client has reviewed my portfolio and sees my aesthetic. I wouldn’t be the right fit for the client if they were looking for a specific style that isn’t mine.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
The scope of my work really ranges, so I quote everything case-by case. I’m always happy to work with a specific budget for the right project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH YOU?
Send me an email hi@jchongstudio.com! Tell me about yourself/brand, what they are looking for and if they have a budget that’s a great start. From there we can establish if we are the right fit for each other and discuss further.
This member profile was originally published on December 2014, Updated April 2018.