Meet Hyelim Cho Stockard | International Wedding Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hyelim Cho Stockard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hyelim, what do you want people to remember about you?
I simply want people to remember me as someone who was kind, loving, and passionate. The people that were the most kind, generous, forgiving, and loving are the ones that have left a huge impact in my life. Whatever I end up doing in the future, whether it’s continuing my journey as a photographer or venturing on to another career, I hope people can remember me as someone who was always kind to others. I have a fear of being forgotten. I’ve always had an irrational fear of not leaving a mark in this world. Sure, I want people to remember me for my work, my photos, and my business that I’ve poured my heart and soul to, but I mostly want my clients, my friends, my family to remember me for showing kindness and love to everyone around me. I hope and pray that I’m on the right path!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a specific approach when photographing my couples. I like to first understand their love story, because at the end of the day, wedding photography is capturing one of the many chapters of my couples’ story. Because of their unique story and their unique love, my photos never look the same. The people in front of my camera have their own individual story and that’s what I’m capturing. My biggest inspiration is romantic movies. The cinematography, the visuals, the aesthetics in these movies are so beautifully created that I want my photos to look like movie stills. Getting to where I’m confident about my work was not easy. As a creative, it’s so hard not to compare yourself with other creatives. Especially as a photographer, you’re not only selling your services as a photographer, but you’re also selling yourself as a whole person; your personality, your approach in your art, etc. As inspiring as it is to watch photographers who have been in the business for a lot longer than I have, it was hard to not to compare myself to them. I always like to remember this quote that my boxing coach once kept repeating to us on day: “Don’t compare your chapter 10 to someone else’s chapter 10”. My story isn’t the same as any other photographer’s story. They’re on a whole different journey than I am. I’ve learned to treasure my mistakes, setbacks, and growth.

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?
I live in Birmingham, AL (for now 😉 ) and the food culture here is like no other. The first place I’d take my friends is to the best Mexican restaurant in town: Taco Morro Loco. I’ve had Mexican food all over the country and NO ONE beats Taco Morro Loco: they got the best tacos, period. Another option for food would be Blueprint on 3rd. This place is a bit more expensive but SO worth it! It’s my husband and my favorite restaurant in the city. Then I’d take my friends to downtown Birmingham for some bar hopping. First, to House of Hidden Objects. They’re so popular and can have a line going around the corner so the earlier in the afternoon we can go, the better. Then, right across the street to Collins bar, then to an amazing tequila bar, Adiõs. I’m such a lightweight, I probably won’t be able to make it to another bar for the night (I’d barely get through those three!). I also love a night in with my friends. My husband has a whole cabinet of different whiskeys, bourbon, tequila, etc (he loves trying out new drinks), so bringing my friends to our house, making some fun cocktails, and playing some card games is also probably what I’d do with my friends!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The biggest person I owe my whole business to is my husband, Noah. He has supported all my crazy, wild, (at times) nonsense ideas since day one. He is the one who bought me my first camera no questions asked. I was previously on the path of going to Physician Assistant school until I had a quarter-life crisis! I’ve always been an artistic person. I never even liked science! When I shared my doubts about my future in the medical field and thoughts about possibly pursuing a career in wedding photography, Noah, without a hesitation, supported my wild switch-up. I would not have this business without him. He’s helped me carry my heavy bags, flowers, boxes and boxes of props for styled shoots since I’ve started my business. He’s my biggest supporter and is simply my favorite person in the whole world.

Website: https://hyelimphotography.wixsite.com/hyelimphotography

Instagram: @hyelimphoto_

Facebook: Hyelim Photography

Other: Tiktok: @hyelimchostockard

Image Credits
Hyelim Photography