Ethan Chiem
Photo by Emily Un

“Ethan is a Seattle raised photographer currently based in Brooklyn, whose work occupies the intersection of expressive and precise. Utilizing muted colors, intimate compositions, and selective lighting techniques to depict reverie, beauty, and a soft strength in his subjects”



One of my earliest memories is taking a photo of my mother and her friends with our family digital camera. I remember their excitement as they viewed the images I had taken. This is the earliest moment I can trace back to when photography imprinted itself on me. I learned that a camera has the ability to make people feel seen. With the right touch, I could use it as a vehicle to communicate with the world feelings and ideas that I could never translate with speech.

Since then I've shot editorial work for magazines (Seattle Times, Seattle Magazine), run e-commerce and campaign production for fashion brands, and captured headshots for artists and creatives that show their best side.

Although I enjoy other forms of photography, fashion photography is dearest to me. Clothing allows the human form to transcend into something beyond itself. It offers a remedy to the double-edged sword of the camera’s attachment to reality. Across all my projects, I seek to create images that embrace this juxtaposition—images that are both unrestricted and simultaneously true to life.

In my time as a photographer I’ve learned that thriving in the industry means holding yourself and your work to a high standard. The images must evoke pride as equally within the client as it does within me.

Based in Brooklyn with a fully equipped studio. If you need pictures, let’s get in touch.