Create with Pa Chia
Join Pa Chia in 2026
Still Photo from Chue Zang Yang. Photo taken during the Missing Voices of the Vietnam War Era: Stories from Southeast Asian Women photoshoot hosted by Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL).
Hello,
My name is Pa Chia Xiong, a portrait photographer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. This past year, photography helped me find my footing again. I grew at my own pace, welcomed new people into my studio, and created a space where I could show up fully as myself. The camera that has supported my work since 2017 has served me well, but it’s reaching its limit.
It’s time for the next chapter.
This campaign is my way of launching a new creative upgrade for 2026. I’m raising funds to invest in a Nikon Z9, new prime lens, and a few essential studio upgrades that will shape the next level of my portrait and design work. These tools will help me work more efficiently, create with intention, and continue serving my community with elevated imagery and storytelling.
My project goal is to reach $10,000 by December 31, 2025. To thank everyone who joins as a backer, I’ve created a set of Pledge Levels that connect directly to my work: portrait sessions, event coverage, media offerings, graphic art prints from pachiaaa.com, and the option to be listed as a Backer in future creative works produced with this new equipment.
I chose the name Create with Pa Chia because I genuinely want you to be part of what comes next. Your pledge brings this project to life. Your support helps me begin 2026 with a reliable camera, a refreshed studio, and the tools I need to keep creating portraits, visuals, and stories that uplift women, culture, and community.
Thank you for being here and believing in what I’m building.
Kindly,
Pa Chia Xiong
The Create with Pa Chia Campaign is independently organized by Pa Chia Xiong Photography. It is not a nonprofit fundraiser, and contributions are not tax-deductible. All funds support business growth, including new photography equipment, studio development, and creative production. By contributing, you’re supporting an independent artist and helping me continue capturing portraits, stories, and projects that celebrate women, culture, and community.
Other Ways to Support
You’re welcome to make your pledge directly on this page or through the payment options below with no additional fees. Once I receive your contribution, I’ll reach out by email to confirm your details, share your backer reward, and personally thank you for supporting this project. I truly appreciate you being part of this next chapter with me.
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/pachiaaa
Zelle: pachiaaa@gmail.com
Please include your contact information with your pledge
(Full Name, Email, Phone Number, and an optional message).
Join as a Backer
Your contribution unlocks creative perks!
Click below for more details.
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$25 - Creative Supporter
Your name or business will be tagged in all social media posts related to this campaign.
Begins February 1, 2026 - May 1, 2026
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$50 - Free 8 x 10 Hmong House Design Print
Hmong House Design Print by Pachiaa
Print Shipped in February 2026Creative Supporter Included.
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$150 - Community Portrait Day Pass
A Mini Community Portrait Session scheduled for 2026. (Date TBA)
10-15 Minutes Per Person
1 Retouched PhotoCreative Supporter Included.
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$250 - 1:1 30-Min. Headshot Session
By Appointment Only
30 Minutes
3 Retouched PhotosCreative Supporter Included.
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$600 - Future Credit ($200)
Use this credit toward any photos, studio session, or event booking up to $200. Credit is non-cash and non-refundable.
Creative Supporter Included.
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$1,250 - 4 Hours Event Photography
For short events, branding, social media, event studio portraits, corporate events, small weddings, celebrations, and concerts
4 Hours
250 - 500 Soft Edited ImagesCreative Supporter Included.
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$1,750 - Portraits with Pa Kou Beauty
For soft glamour portraits, maternity, creative projects, and boudoir. Includes Make up & Hairstyling by Pa Kou Beauty
By Appointment Only
4 Hours
10 Retouched Digital Photos + Physical PrintsCreative Supporter Included.
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$2,500 - 8 Hours Large Event Photography
For long events, event studio portraits, corporate events, wedding, celebrations, and concerts
8 Hours
Up to 600+ Soft Edited ImagesCreative Supporter Included.
My Story
My Return to Photography
In late 2024, I returned to portrait photography after years of treating it like a side hobby. I was struggling to see myself, my direction, and my career path. So I chose to quiet the noise and refocus on me. I stepped back into photography slowly, with many hesitations, and little by little, I began rebuilding my confidence as an artist.
Finding My Foundation Again
In 2025, something shifted. I began offering new portrait sessions, creating small packages, and capturing events in ways that felt natural to me — portraits, connection, and the moments in between. I welcomed many new faces into my studio, something I didn’t picture myself doing again.
Over time, my studio became a grounded space for creative and personal growth, helping me rebuild my foundation and move toward the direction I’ve been wanting.
Why I Need to Upgrade My Camera
As I took action, I realized my Nikon D810 DSLR could no longer meet the standards I’m reaching for. I bought it in 2017 and have pushed it past its lifespan. It’s slow, less accurate, and unreliable for the portraits and large-scale events I photograph. My biggest concern is that it may stop during a meaningful moment.
Newer mirrorless cameras offer the speed, autofocus, and tools I need now. For larger projects, I’ve had to rent newer systems because I can’t risk missing anything for my clients. Through renting, I saw the difference — and I’m ready for equipment that supports my growth.
And yes… my Nikon doesn’t autofocus in video. It records the sound of the lens trying to focus, which makes small productions nearly impossible. I want to create short, intentional videos that pair with my photographic storytelling.
Create with Pa Chia Campaign
This is why I am launching my Create with Pa Chia Campaign.
I’m inviting supporters and backers to join me in upgrading to a new mirrorless system, so I can keep capturing portraits, stories, and community moments with the quality and intention they deserve. This upgrade is more than new gear — it is an investment in the next chapter of my artistry and the experiences I want to bring to life.
Your pledge helps bring this project to life. It supports a more efficient studio, reliable equipment, and the creative projects I’m building for 2026 and beyond. Each contribution connects directly to the work I create — portraits, event coverage, media work, art prints, and storytelling centered on women, culture, and community.
Thank you for walking with me into this next chapter.
A Future I Want to Create
As I plan for next year, here are a few things I hope to capture with the new equipment over the next two to three years:
Tethering for Studio Sessions
Use live viewing during portrait sessions to guide posing, refine details instantly, and eliminate guesswork for clients.Timeless Portraits of Hmong Women
Expand my body of work centered on Hmong women and prepare for a future exhibit gallery within the Twin Cities.Photobook Release
Develop and publish a photobook featuring a yet-to-be-announced theme that reflects my artistic growth and storytelling.Small Documentary Productions
Create short video documentaries capturing family members and their stories to preserve culture, memory, and connection.
With the creativity and knowledge I’ve built over the years, my goal is to do good and give back through my work. This campaign is one way for me to continue creating with purpose, serving my community, and offering art and photography that uplift others.
