About
Born in January 1972, I once dreamed of becoming a singer in Korea. Instead, the photographers I met along the way introduced me to the work that would stay with me: seeing people through a camera.
My photographs grew through film, darkroom printing, teaching, and years of working with people. In Korean photography communities, many came to know me by my nickname, Nanna.
Today, in Atlanta, I am beginning a new chapter — creating wedding, engagement, portrait, and family photographs with careful direction and an accessible price in mind.
1991
First camera
2005
Moved to the U.S.
Atlanta
Now based
The people, cameras, and experiences that shaped my work.
1991
While pursuing a singing career at Seorabeol Records, then a leading Korean record company, I became friends with photographers who made singers' album covers. On their recommendation, I bought a Minolta X-700 and began taking photographs.
1997
I met photographer Oh Jong-eun, who was then teaching at Seoul Arts Center. At his studio, I helped teach photography and make prints. Monthly outings and group critiques sharpened my eye. My cameras included the Nikon FM2, 801s, and 601s.
2000–2003
As digital cameras became widespread around 2000, I wanted newcomers to learn more than how to use their equipment. I taught monthly classes for new members of an Olympus 3020 community for nine months. Invitations followed from other photography communities and corporate clubs, alongside corporate publicity assignments. In 2003, I joined a Nikon Korea study group exploring the differences between film and digital photography.
2004–2005
My cosplay and racing-model portraits brought recognition in Korean photography communities, including SLR Club. I was also credited as Nanna for helping fellow photographers with photography books. In 2004, Hyunyoung Company commissioned portraits of new talent and entertainers represented by the agency; that work led to participation in some drama poster photo shoots at MBC, one of Korea's leading broadcasters, in 2005.
2005–2010
I moved to the United States in December 2005. As president of an Atlanta Korean photography club in 2009 and 2010, I organized the club's first photography exhibition, helping lay the foundation for exhibitions that continued annually.
Atlanta
At local portrait sessions, I found a way to direct models despite my limited English: I demonstrated poses myself, then adjusted details such as a lowered shoulder or a slight tilt of the chin. Photographers who watched the sessions and saw the results began inviting me to more shoots and gatherings. Photography remained a hobby in the United States, with occasional event sessions through friends and referrals rather than a business.
Today
Photographing my daughter's outdoor engagement session gave me renewed confidence. Even when words are not fluent, a photograph can speak clearly. That experience inspired me to begin offering thoughtful, high-quality photography at accessible prices.
A portrait is shaped by more than the camera. The angle of a shoulder, the position of a chin, and the way someone feels in front of the lens all matter. I demonstrate poses and guide each adjustment with patience, so you can feel comfortable even when we do not share a fluent language.
My English may be simple. My commitment to your photographs is not.
Book a session