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About Hanbit Kwon

I'm a Philadelphia-based photographer trusted by leading institutions and community organizations to document the civic character and culture of Philadelphia.

As a Korean American, my approach to photography is shaped by Buddhism and a spiritually nuanced view of the human condition. Before picking up a camera professionally, I worked as a first responder in New York City's diverse neighborhoods — experience that has given me an intimate, ground level awareness, and sensitivity.  I've also navigated my own share of adverse family dynamics, which gave me an early, hard-won fluency in reading suffering beneath the surface and seeing it as it is. That personal experience of what human beings carry shows through my photography.

Trusted By

• Media: WHYY / Billy Penn

• Universities & Healthcare: Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson University

• Community & Civic Organizations: Food & Water Watch, Bread & Roses Community Fund, Gender Justice Fund, WCRP, Studio 34 Yoga & Healing Arts, Helen Gym for City Council

My photography has also been published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, illustrating commentary and reporting on key regional issues including community philanthropy and wealth redistribution and tenant rights and eviction prevention. Other local publications include Philadelphia Magazine, and the Philadelphia Citizen.  

Although the bulk of my interest is on institutional and media subjects,  I take on a limited number of weddings each summer, providing a photojournalistic, editorial experience far beyond the familiar, formulaic, and predictable wedding photos widely available by general vendors.  For those who are interested in something special for their wedding, the photography packages start at $9,000 with availability limited exclusively to Philadelphia.