Today we’d like to introduce you to Yume Nay Win.
Hi Yume, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I wanted to be a director before I even knew what that truly meant.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“I wanna be with a camera!”
*cue laughter*
Since I was five years old, I was drawn to stories — not just watching them, but creating them. I wanted to make films that made people feel something. While others imagined practical futures, I imagined cameras, travel, and a life built around storytelling.
Growing up, I was often told it wasn’t realistic. That one day I would grow out of it. That creative dreams eventually give way to something safer.
But I didn’t.
I went to film school eventually. Then, photography entered my life.
What I discovered was that weddings hold everything I had always been searching for as a storyteller — love in its most genuine form, unscripted emotion, fleeting moments that can never be recreated. Each wedding feels like a living film unfolding in real time, and my camera became the way I direct, observe, and preserve stories exactly as they are felt.
Yume X Photography was built from persistence — and, in many ways, defiance. A refusal to let go of the creative life I always believed in, even when it seemed impossible.
Today, my work blends cinematic storytelling with documentary honesty. Inspired by film, nostalgia, and romantic imagery, I photograph couples who value emotion over perfection and presence over performance. My goal is simple: to create photographs that feel timeless — images that allow you to step back into the love, atmosphere, and emotion of your day years from now.
Because this was never just about photography.
It was always about telling stories — and proving that the dream was real all along.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. Pursuing this dream meant leaving everything behind for me.
Myanmar, my home town, isn’t exactly a safe place to live in. Leaving meant safety and the possibility of building a future. My parents are the best tho – super supportive.
When I turned 17, I took a one way plane to NYC determined to attend film school. Starting over and building everything from the start was exciting, scary and deeply challenging. I actually met my husband in NYC and we’ve been traveling together ever since!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a wedding & couples photographer based in Charleston focused on storytelling through cinematography and documentary. I specialize in romantic, nostalgic and vintage inspired weddings.
My background in film heavily influences how I photograph. I approach each wedding the way a director approaches a story — paying attention to light, movement, pacing, and the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed. Instead of overly posed images, I focus on creating photographs that feel lived-in and emotional, images that allow couples to remember not just how their day looked, but how it felt.
I’m proud of making it happen really. I’m proud I never stopped. What sets me apart from others? Well, there are no two humans alike. We’re all different and special and that’s the beauty of it all.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Haha that’s a tricky one. I mean Netflix? Hulu? Disney? The movie theater? A relaxing day people watching? Inspiration is literally everywhere for me. One reason I loved looking out the window of my LA apartment is that there’s always something happening!! I like to imagine a story for everyone – it’s just fun.
Pricing:
- Elopements – Starting at $650
- 1 hour couples session – $350
- Full day Wedding – $3800
- Weddings – Starting at $1400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Yumexphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumexphotography
