Who is Yi Li?

She’s the little one with the purple flower in her hair! Yi Li (pronounced EE lee) is my daughter’s Chinese middle name. I’m her mama, and the photographer behind Yi Li Photography, Carrie Yuan.

As a lefty, art has always been a part of my life – music, dance, drawing, and painting. Photography is another vehicle for my creativity. After battling infertility for years, you can imagine how completely ecstatic my husband and I were to finally welcome our daughter into the world.  She inspires my photography every day.

While the chance to create images of her as a newborn snuggling with my husband has passed, I’m privileged to document these fleeting moments for my clients. What are your family stories? I want to find them and preserve them for you. I’m interested in capturing the genuine connections of you and your family, especially the interactions & expressions that tell the story of your family – mom laughing out loud which exudes the sheer joy of motherhood, or the small smile on dad’s face as he lovingly holds his new baby boy. I love to photograph you in your home where you feel most comfortable. This usually results in authentic expressions from everyone. I also enjoy photographing outdoors when we are blessed with beautiful weather.

Some random facts about me: I’m not a morning person.  I love red vines, ice cream in any flavor, & Dr. Pepper (not together).  I love to knit baby sweaters.  I’ve been known to get all giddy with excitement when visiting a good zoo or aquarium.  I was a band geek in high school (oboe!).  I’m kind of quiet when I meet new people.  I love being a mother.  I would love to be your photographer.

I photograph families, kiddos & babies in the Seattle area, and am available for a limited number of sessions each month. Let’s chat!