Welcome — my name is Tong Lee.

I’m a Minneapolis-based photographer and filmmaker, drawn to the quiet moments that most people don’t realize they’ll miss until they’re gone.

To me, photography has never been about having the best camera or the cleanest setup. It’s about holding onto time. A simple image — a birthday cake, a family gathering, a look between two people — can bring you back to exactly where you were, what you felt, and who was there. Years later, it becomes more than a photo. It becomes a memory you can return to.

I didn’t grow up surrounded by people who could teach me how to create. A lot of what I know came from learning things the hard way — through curiosity, trial and error, and showing up even when I wasn’t sure I belonged. That journey taught me that you don’t need expensive gear to create something meaningful. You just need intention, patience, and the willingness to keep going.

My journey into film began in 2013 when I reached out to a director through Craigslist. I didn’t know what I was doing — I just knew I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. That step led to years of working alongside independent filmmakers, artists, and mentors, and collaboration became one of the most important parts of my growth.

In 2021, I had the opportunity to travel to Montana to work on an independent film that later premiered at Tribeca in 2024. Experiences like that taught me how powerful storytelling can be when it’s done with care.

Today, my work focuses on lifestyle, documentary, portrait, and product photography — with an emphasis on the in-between moments. The behind-the-scenes. The expressions people don’t pose for. The details that feel small in the moment, but become priceless later. Even in commercial work, I’m drawn to creating images that feel alive — something that doesn’t just show a product, but gives it presence.

I’ve been told by others that I carry rich stories, that I’m more skilled than I give myself credit for, and that I should be proud of the work I’ve been part of. I’m still learning how to accept that. For a long time, I didn’t know the difference between being proud and bragging — so I stayed humble, stayed quiet, and kept working.

But I’ve come to realize that sharing your story isn’t bragging. It’s letting others know what’s possible.

I know what it feels like to start with doubt and keep going anyway — and I hope my work reminds people that growth is possible.

If you love what you do, you’re already living the dream. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s yours.

Thank you for being here. If my work resonates with you, I’d love to connect.

If you'd like to collaborate or have a project in mind, feel free to reach out.