About Me – George Swar

Photographer | Traveler | Storyteller

My name is George Swar, a professional photographer based in Orange County, California. I’ve been photographing professionally since 2001, and photography has been much more than a career to me. It’s a lifelong passion for capturing people, cultures, emotions, and moments that tell a story.

My journey began in 1984 at a small portrait studio in Myanmar (formerly Burma), where my father sent me for my first summer job. Little did I know that this experience would spark a passion that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

After moving to the United States in 1989, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. John Atkinson, a Laguna Beach photographer specializing in natural landscapes. Working alongside him deepened my appreciation for light, composition, and the beauty of the world around us.

Although I studied film and photography in college, life took me in a different direction. I spent 12 years working in mechanical design and drafting. It was a good career, but my heart was always behind the camera. In 2006, I finally followed my passion, opened my own photography studio, and became a full-time professional photographer. I’m also a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Traveling the World, Understanding Cultures

One of my greatest passions, besides photography, is traveling. I’ve traveled to more than 30 countries, experiencing different cultures, traditions, religions, and ways of life. Every journey has taught me something valuable about people and the importance of preserving meaningful moments.

I bring those experiences and cultural understanding into my wedding photography. Whether I’m photographing a traditional American wedding, a Vietnamese tea ceremony, an Indian wedding, a Buddhist ceremony, or a multicultural celebration, I appreciate the significance of the traditions and emotions that make each wedding unique.

I don’t just want to photograph how your wedding looks. I want to understand what your wedding means to you and your family.

From Soldier to Photographer

Another chapter of my life was serving three years in the U.S. Army. At the time, I dreamed of becoming a war correspondent and photojournalist, inspired by legendary photographer Steve McCurry. Fortunately, my military service ended during peacetime, and I never experienced war firsthand.

However, that desire to document real life, human emotions, and meaningful stories never left me. Today, instead of documenting conflicts, I have the privilege of photographing love, happiness, families, and celebrations.

Giving Back Through Photography

Over the years, I’ve returned to my homeland of Myanmar 23 times, not only to reconnect with my roots but also to give something back to the people there.

During these trips, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph local people and give them printed portraits to keep. For many of us, having a photograph of ourselves or our loved ones is something we take for granted. But in communities where resources are limited, even a simple printed photograph can become a priceless possession.

I’ve carried this same passion to Cuba, a communist country where many people face shortages of everyday resources, and to Peru, where I’ve also photographed people and given them printed portraits as personal gifts.

These experiences have taught me that photography is more than creating beautiful images. It’s about human connection, dignity, kindness, and preserving memories.

I may not have enough money to change someone’s life, but I can offer something meaningful through my camera. Sometimes, a simple photograph can bring a smile, create happiness, and become a memory that lasts for generations.

A photograph may seem like a small gift, but to someone who has very little, it can mean the world.

That’s one of the reasons I continue to travel, explore different cultures, and share my love of photography wherever I go.

More Than Just Wedding Pictures

After more than two decades in professional photography, I’ve learned that the most meaningful photographs aren’t always the perfectly posed ones. Sometimes, it’s a parent’s tear, a grandmother’s smile, a spontaneous laugh, or a quiet moment between two people in love.

My approach to wedding photography combines creativity, storytelling, technical experience, and a genuine appreciation for different cultures and traditions.

When you hire me, you’re not just hiring someone with a camera. You’re hiring a photographer who has spent a lifetime observing people, exploring the world, and learning how to tell meaningful stories through images.

Every couple has a story. Every culture has a tradition. Every moment deserves to be remembered.

I’d be honored to capture yours.

George Swar
G.SWAR Photography & Video
Serving Orange County, Los Angeles & Southern California since 2006

www.gswar.com | (714) 831-5000

. https://georgeswar.com/projects/

2 Photographers / 3 Videographer Team – Left to Right

George (Photographer), April (Assistant Photographer), Henry (Photographer+ Videographer) Eduardo (Photographer+ Videographer) Felipe (Photographer+ Videographer)