Today we’d like to introduce you to Thong Nguyen.
Hi Thong, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey by coming to the U.S. to study interior design and photography at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). During my academic years, as I immersed myself in both fields, I discovered a deep passion for photography, a medium that perfectly aligned with my love for traveling and capturing moments. Motivated by this newfound passion, I started exploring photography more seriously, initially focusing on street photography. This genre allowed me to capture everyday life and the vibrant spontaneity of public spaces, honing my eye for detail and my ability to capture compelling narratives.
As I grew more confident and skilled in my craft, I transitioned into wedding photography. This shift allowed me to blend my storytelling skills with a more structured form of photography, capturing the emotional and significant moments of people’s lives. It also likely provided me with opportunities to connect with a wide range of individuals and stories, enriching my experience and portfolio.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the first hurdles I encountered was the financial aspect of starting a photography business. Borrowing money from a friend to kickstart my career is a significant step and shows both my determination and the risks involved. This initial investment was crucial but likely added pressure to find success in a competitive field.
Finding clients, especially for wedding photography, is a common struggle for many photographers. Wedding photography is a highly personal and high-stakes type of photography, requiring trust and rapport with clients. Building a client base without a portfolio or a reputation would have been challenging, requiring not just skill in photography but also in marketing and customer relations.
Despite these early struggles, my perseverance paid off as I gradually built a stable clientele. This achievement itself is a testament to my dedication and the quality of my work. Over time, gaining enough recognition to be hired as a lead shooter by various studios marks a significant milestone. This role not only acknowledges my expertise and skills but also enhances my visibility and credibility in the industry.
Each of these steps, while fraught with difficulty, contributed to my growth as a photographer and as a businessperson. The journey from financial uncertainty and client acquisition challenges to being a recognized lead shooter illustrates my resilience and adaptability.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I Do As a wedding photographer, I capture the intimate and significant moments of one of the most important days in people’s lives. My role goes beyond just taking photos; I document emotions, atmosphere, and the detailed narrative of the wedding day.
Specialization in Creative Lighting and Aesthetics
My specialization in creative lighting and aesthetic design is a critical element of my photography style. This approach allows my to manipulate light to enhance the mood and beauty of each scene. Whether it’s using natural light to its fullest potential or crafting artificial setups that create dramatic effects, my expertise in lighting is key to producing unique and memorable images.
What I am Most Proud Of: Creative Portfolio
My pride in my creative portfolio reflects my artistic vision and technical skills. A portfolio that highlights creativity not only showcases my best work but also serves as a testament to my ability to see and capture beauty in unconventional ways. This collection of work is crucial for attracting clients who are looking for a photographer who can deliver visually stunning and emotionally resonant images.
What Sets me Apart: Artistic Elements Through Lighting
What truly sets me apart is my ability to use creative lighting to add an artistic element to my photos. This skill transforms standard wedding photography into something more akin to fine art. My innovative use of lighting techniques distinguishes my photos from more traditional wedding images and offers my clients something unique and personal.
My work is not just about capturing events; it’s about creating a piece of art that happens to tell a story. This artistic approach likely appeals to couples who want their wedding photos to stand out and to capture their day in a way that feels both personal and elevated.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Making Money Doing What I Love: This is a fundamental aspect of my definition of success. It’s about turning my passion for photography into a viable career that not only sustains me financially but also brings me joy and satisfaction. Being able to earn a living from my passion is a dream many aspire to, and achieving this means I am successful in aligning my career with my interests and talents.
Choosing My Own Time to Work and Rest: Having control over my schedule is a significant measure of success. It reflects the autonomy to manage my work-life balance according to my needs and desires. This flexibility is especially valuable in creative fields like photography, where the freedom to choose when I work can also influence how creative and productive I am
Ability to Travel and Earn Simultaneously: The opportunity to travel while making money is another crucial element of my success. It combines my love for photography with my passion for travel, allowing me to explore new places and capture new stories while financially benefiting from these experiences. This not only enriches my personal life but also enhances my professional portfolio.
Pricing:
- $1500 for 6 hours
- $2200 for 8 hours
- $2500 for 10 hours
- $2800 for 12 hours
Contact Info:
- Website: www.7thstory.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7thstory.wedding/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/7thstory.DFW/
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/sAtjPM7XFWWpyzTGyHr27A
