Ten years ago today, on Thanksgiving 2015, I published a blog post titled "May You be Surrounded by the Warmth of Family." It featured an image I captured at Eikan-do Zenrin-Ji temple in Kyoto - warm light glowing through a doorway as autumn colors painted the historic grounds.
Cool-Light-under-Autumn-Colors-Eikan-do-Zenrin-Ji-Temple-Kyoto-Japan-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography
I never imagined that this photograph would find its way back into my life in such an unexpected, full-circle way.
This week, as I sat down to write another Thanksgiving message, I discovered that this very image, the one that remains one of my Assistante’s favorites, was recently featured in an article celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) visual creators.
Under the section titled “Audience Connection Through Authentic Representation,” my work was placed alongside the extraordinary photographer Jingna Zhang, whose fashion and fine art photography has graced major international publications.
Being featured in this context serves an affirmation of something I've always believed: that our truest work comes from honoring who we are. When we create from that authentic place, we contribute something genuine to the larger conversation.
This Thanksgiving, my heart is full of gratitude for the relationships that have made this journey not just possible, but deeply meaningful. Today, I'm grateful to say that I have been blessed, not just by biological family, but by the family of clients, supporters, and fellow creatives who have made this journey beautiful. You've surrounded me with warmth in ways that image could only symbolize. I am grateful for every person who has stepped in front of my camera, trusted me with their stories, and allowed me to create images that honor who they truly are.
May you, too, be surrounded by warmth and may you have the courage to create and/or express from the truest part of yourself.
And as my creative journey unfolds, I carry these full-circle moments with me. They remind me that beauty doesn’t appear all at once; it gathers, it deepens, and sometimes it returns to us in ways we never expect.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Thank you for allowing me to create with heart.
And thank you for the joy, purpose, and connection that you have brought.
Wishing you a warm, meaningful, and beautifully ordinary Thanksgiving.
🧡
Jean
P.S. If you wonder why I’m a nobody, drop a line below in the Comment box and I shall follow with a story.
🌟The Radiant Women Transformer 🌟
Jean Huang Photography
+1 (626) 314-7004 (text/call)
jean@JeanHuangPhotography.com
Apply to Participate in the Radiance Rediscovered Portrait Experience
Featured on Voyage LA: https://tinyurl.com/JeanVoyageLA
