About Me

Hello! I’m Rene Qian.

I’m a wife to my best friend since high school and a mom to two feisty little girls. I was born in China, but grew up in the desert of Arizona, where I still reside with my little family. I am a lover of tea, a huge nerd for video and board games, and I get giddy with joy whenever it rains.

My last name? It’s actually pronounced ‘ch’ien’. Turns out, letters and sounds in the Chinese language sometimes have a hard time translating directly overly to English. Fortunately, you’re here to check out something that does translate beautifully into all languages: images that capture honest connection, genuine emotion, laughter and love.

My love affair with photography began years ago, when after traveling, I became frustrated that my little phone camera couldn't adequately capture the moments and experiences that I wanted to remember. With an actual camera in hand, I started seeing all of the beauty and details in things that previously seemed mundane. The way light dances on things, the way people laugh when no one is paying attention, the tiniest growths in nature that generally go entirely unnoticed. 

Since then, motherhood has opened my eyes to the incredible way children experience the world. These days, you’ll find me mostly chasing down my toddler, desperately trying to freeze time and capture my daughters’ ever-changing and fleeting childhoods. While I can't stop the years from turning, my photographs allow me to immortalize moments and memories that I reflect on and cherish. These are some of my most precious possessions, and I would love to provide you with these same gifts.

I love to teach!

I love sharing my passion, knowledge and expertise with those who want to learn more about photography. Whether you are just picking up your first camera, or wanting to do it professionally, I offer mentor-ships to help get you started or to improve your craft!

Stay a bit & take a look around