Lily was born in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, and grew up in suburban Los Angeles. She received her education in Economics, English Literature, and Urban Planning in Southern California. Only later in life did she stumble onto photography after a trip to the Balkans, and thereafter, dedicated several years in formal study and work in the craft.

Lily is a professional humanitarian aid worker, a career that has allowed her to integrate photography while living in different parts of the world. This opens doors for capturing life and beauty where tourists don’t frequent. The varied experience has also shaped her unique perspective shown in her images. In 2008 and 2009 Lily returned to her native country after 30 years of absence. There she compiled enough images to publish 3 editorial coffee table books, captured the historical 2009 Ketsana Typhoon on camera, and completed her masterpiece, the Shadows n Reflections series.