the Story About orient Flow

There's something deeply fulfilling about photographing children. As a parent, you might feel the same. But this isn’t just about photography—or parenting. Let me explain.

Twelve years ago, I returned to San Francisco after two years of wandering through South America, Europe, and Asia. I had lived the dream: leaving behind a six-figure salary to travel the world. On paper, it was perfect. But even as I explored stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, a lingering question followed me: “What’s next?”

I had no job, no home, no family. I was free, yet profoundly alone.

Photography became my refuge. Every time I looked through my viewfinder, the weight of uncertainty disappeared. In those moments, I felt grounded—fully present, fully alive. With each frame, I found my joy.

This realization sparked a decision: I would become a photographer. I didn’t know Photoshop at the time, but I thought, “Children have perfect skin—they need no retouching!” And just like that, I embarked on a new chapter as a children’s photographer.

I immersed myself in this pursuit, attending professional photography conventions, investing in gear, and opening a studio. Within months, I had photographed hundreds of children. I called this journey the “Portrait of Happiness.”

Each click of the shutter taught me something new—not just about photography or children, but about happiness itself. Children have a magical way of being completely present, finding joy in the simplest things. Their carefree smiles were a revelation: happiness isn’t complicated. What if we could unlearn our adult anxieties and see the world through their eyes? Wouldn’t we all be happier?

Fast forward to today: I’m a wife, a mother, and a storyteller. The question of “what’s next” no longer troubles me. My purpose has found its shape.

That’s the story behind Orient Flow—a name I chose nearly 15 years ago to represent the journey of finding direction by embracing life’s flow. In February 2021, I redesigned this website to reflect my mission: to inspire others to document their journeys and discover their own happiness through photography.

- by Belinda on Feb 28, 2021

PS: This led me to create Document Happiness—a course that weaves together everything I’ve learned about photography and joy. It’s not just about taking better photos; it’s about embracing the present moment, finding beauty in the everyday, and preserving the stories that matter most.

Through photography, I’ve found my way. And now, I hope to help you do the same.