Patrick Chai was born in Taipei, Taiwan and grew up in Plano, Texas. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from The University of Texas at Austin, dual vocational degrees in photography and cosmetology, and a graduate degree in education from Harvard University.

Unfulfilled as an engineer, he began exploring his creative side and soon discovered his passion for photography. Based in Los Angeles, he now shoots for nationwide modeling agencies, owns a portrait and wedding business, and loves traveling with his camera.