Meet Jayden Sun | Photographer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jayden Sun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jayden, what role has risk played in your life or career?
The biggest risk I’ve taken in my life was back in 2022, when I decided to leave my corporate job and pursue photography full-time. For most of my life—through high school and college—I followed the traditional path my parents had envisioned: go to college, get a degree, land a stable, good-paying job, and that would equal happiness.

But working in the corporate world during COVID for three years really took a toll on my mental health. Combined with some personal reasons, I realized it was time to take a step back and try something on my own. I told myself: if I make it, great; if I fail, then at least it’s a lesson learned.

So in late 2022 into early 2023, I slowly transitioned out of my tech job and started building my photography career. Honestly, it felt like a miracle that things worked out. With the support of camera brands, and especially the Dallas creative community, I’ve been able to do this full time.

It was definitely a risk, but it changed my life in the best way. Now, I work for myself. Life is unpredictable—if I’m not busy, I’m not making money, and if I am, I’m thriving. I never quite know what’s coming next week, but that’s exactly what makes this journey so exciting.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is authenticity and consistency. Ever since I made my career switch in 2022, photography has been a part of my daily life. I carry my camera with me everywhere, almost like a badge of honor. Life is short, and for me, photography is how I capture and preserve every beautiful moment—framed in the way I see and want to remember it.

Professionally, I’m really proud of how far things have come in such a short time. In 2024, after finishing grad school and officially leaving my job, I went full-time into photography. I started with studio work, family portraits, and corporate headshots. This year, my focus has shifted more toward business-to-business projects, while also building strong relationships with brands. I’ve been fortunate to partner with major companies in the photography industry—like Godox, Neewer, Adobe, Aperty, and Narrative. These are brands I admired and personally used from the very start of my journey, so to now have them reach out for sponsorships and collaborations feels surreal. It’s been a strong affirmation that I’m on the right path, and it’s made me even more passionate about what I do.

But it hasn’t been easy. No one in my family came from a creative background—my parents are both engineers, and I studied business management before working in tech. So I had no roadmap to follow. Yes, I was lucky to meet supportive people and brands early on, but a lot of it has been about trusting myself, putting in the work, and staying grounded in my vision. Mental health has also been key. I don’t see other creatives as competitors; instead, I focus on my own craft, take opportunities seriously, and keep improving every day with the help of trusted peers who give me honest feedback.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that being a creative is a marathon, not a sprint. Photography—and any art form—takes time. Consistency matters more than rushing. I’ve learned to avoid burnout, take care of myself, and keep creating every day. As long as I’m alive, I want to keep telling stories and capturing moments through my lens.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend came to visit Dallas for a week, I’d want them to really experience the different sides of the city.

For the first couple of days, I’d take them to explore downtown and the surrounding areas—places like the AT&T Discovery District, Reunion Tower, and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Those spots are not only iconic but also great for photos, especially when the weather is nice.

On the second or third day, I’d bring them to Deep Ellum. It has that rustic, southern vibe, full of murals, music, and some really unique restaurants. After that, we’d head to Uptown—the Financial District side—for something a little more upscale. If they’re into steak, I’d take them to a good steakhouse or even Brazilian BBQ.

But honestly, if they’re my friend, I’m definitely taking them to Koreatown and Chinatown in Plano and Carrollton. Dallas has an amazing Asian food scene, and you can’t go wrong with KBBQ. There are so many great spots—what makes the difference is the quality of the meat, how authentic the menu is, and all the little side dishes. For hot pot, I’d take them to places like Haidilao or Liu Yishou. I love ending the night with a good hot pot meal—it’s one of my favorite things to do.

Toward the end of the week, we’d take it easy and enjoy nature around the city. I’d probably bring them to White Rock Lake or one of the nature preserves on the outskirts of Dallas to relax and wind down.

So for me, it’s a mix of showing them the city highlights, the culture, the food scene, and finally a bit of nature. That’s the Dallas I’ve come to love as an adult, and that’s what I’d want them to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person and organization that truly changed my life is someone from Fujifilm. Back in 2022, during the time I was transitioning into photography, I was traveling in New York when Fujifilm was hosting a big convention. Somehow, I got invited, even though I didn’t know anyone there.

While I was walking around, this man from Fujifilm approached me. He started a simple conversation—asking about my experience, what I thought of the cameras, and just listening to my feedback. After a few casual chats, he grabbed my phone, put in his own contact, and told me, “Whatever you need in your photo journey, I’ve got you.”

That same night, I ended up at Fujifilm’s private event, where I gained so much insight—not only into the industry, but also into my own potential. More than anything, what he gave me was hope and confidence. At that point, I didn’t know how to turn photography into a business, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I had what it took. But sometimes all you need is someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “You can do it.” That moment of affirmation meant everything, and it’s one of the reasons I’m doing what I do today.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to JEM Studio Dallas, especially Alina, who I met in 2023. She gave me the opportunity to use their studio space, which allowed me to fully explore my creativity and turn it into a real business. Without her support, I couldn’t have taken my work to the next level.

So my shoutouts go to Fujifilm—and to JEM Studio Dallas. Both played a huge role in where I am today.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayd.sun/?hl=en