Today we’d like to introduce you to Hyuna Shin.
Hi Hyuna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Korea, and my passion for photography started early. I was always drawn to visual storytelling—the way a single image could express identity, mood, and beauty in a powerful, lasting way. That curiosity led me to the U.S., where I pursued formal education in photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California. It was a deeply formative experience that helped me build both the technical foundation and creative voice I still carry with me today.
After graduation, I moved to New York City and began working professionally as a fashion, beauty, and commercial photographer. Over the next 15 years, I built a career I’m truly proud of—shooting campaigns, editorials for world known magazines, collaborating with modeling agencies, and eventually serving as a director at Kiss, a global beauty brand multimedia team. That chapter shaped not only my style but also my sense of creative leadership.
Last year, I relocated to downtown Atlanta, and more recently settled in Duluth, where I’ve opened CYAN Photo Studio. It’s a space where I can bring my New York-honed visual identity into more personal work—from body profile photography, to professional portraits for models, actors, and entrepreneurs, and even studio pet photography, which has become a beautiful extension of how I approach individuality and character.
This journey has taken many turns, but at the heart of it all, I’m still chasing that same goal: to create images that feel elevated, honest, and deeply human.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most creative journeys, mine hasn’t always been smooth—but every challenge has shaped me in meaningful ways. Moving to the U.S. from Korea to pursue photography was a huge leap of faith. I had to navigate a new culture and language, all while immersing myself in an intensive photography program. It taught me a lot about discipline and focus early on.
Working in New York as a freelance fashion and beauty photographer was equally rewarding and demanding. The industry there moves fast, and you constantly have to stay relevant, inspired, and adaptable. On top of that, I had to manage the business side of my career, which is a challenge many creatives know well.
Later, as a team director at Kiss, a global beauty company, the pressure was intense. Leading creative direction for campaigns and managing a full team came with high expectations and nonstop deadlines. It was a role that demanded both creative leadership and strategic thinking—often under tight timeframes. It pushed me to grow not just as a photographer, but as a communicator and decision-maker. Balancing the artistic vision with the fast-paced demands of corporate beauty branding was a daily challenge, but it also strengthened my ability to execute under pressure.
Relocating to Atlanta after over a decade in New York was another major shift. Starting over in a new market meant rebuilding my network from the ground up. But opening CYAN Photo Studio has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. It’s allowed me to bring together everything I’ve learned—about beauty, identity, and storytelling—and offer it to a new community in a more personal, intentional way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a photographer and art director with a background rooted in fashion, beauty, and commercial work. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve worked professionally in New York, building a career that blends high-end aesthetics with emotional depth. My work has always been about capturing identity—whether through editorial beauty shoots, creative campaigns, or portraiture.
At CYAN Photo Studio, I now specialize in three main areas: body profile photography, professional and personal portraits, and studio pet photography. Body profile photography is particularly close to my heart—it’s about celebrating strength, transformation, and self-expression in a way that feels elevated and empowering. I bring the same fashion-forward sensibility to professional headshots and branding portraits for creatives, models, and entrepreneurs. And with pet photography, I approach each session with the same care for lighting, composition, and personality. Even animals have their own kind of presence, and I love capturing that in a polished, studio setting.
What sets me apart is my eye for refined, editorial-style photography, even in everyday portraits. I don’t just take pictures—I direct the whole experience with intention, from posing and lighting to the mood we create together. Clients often tell me they’ve never seen themselves that way before, and that’s something I’m really proud of.
Ultimately, I think my work stands out because it reflects who I am: a Korean female photographer with a strong, international visual voice—someone who understands both the art and the psychology behind a great image. CYAN Photo Studio is an extension of that voice, offering a space where individuality and aesthetics meet.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always open to working with individuals, brands, creatives, and small businesses who value thoughtful, high-quality photography. Whether you’re looking to book a body profile session, need professional branding portraits, commercial works or want studio-quality pet photography, you can reach me directly through my website or social media.
You can visit www.cyanphotostudio.com to learn more about my work at CYAN PHOTO STUDIO or www.hyunashin.com for my fashion, beauty and commercial works, view recent projects, and get in touch to book a session. I also love collaborating with local stylists, makeup artists, fitness coaches, and wellness professionals who are aligned with the type of elevated, identity-driven photography I specialize in.
If you’re in the Atlanta or Duluth area, the best way to support me is simply by sharing my work, recommending me to your community, or reaching out to say hello. As a newcomer to the Atlanta creative scene, I’m always excited to build meaningful connections with people who value artistry, professionalism, and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cyanphotostudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyanphotoduluth
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyunashinfoto
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyanPhotoStudio
- Other: https://www.hyunashin.com
Image Credits
Portrait of myself : Photography by Masami Adachi
Bodyprofile : Carmen Liu & Rosalyn Renay
Pet friends : Nile, Charles, Dolly & Rambo
