Today we’d like to introduce you to Thy Ngo.
Thy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
This is my second feature in VoyageDallas Magazine since May 2018. I knew I enjoyed taking photos and videos, but I was unsure about what subject matter I enjoyed capturing the most during the last interview. In a short amount of time since then, I feel like I have finally found my true passion and that is Travel & Adventure Filmmaking and Photography.
I picked up my first camera and began this incredible journey in January 2017. I have been able to capture so many moments: from precious family gatherings to adventuring throughout different countries. I’ve taken on multiple projects including product promotion, branding, engagements, and weddings. Working on a wide range of projects has helped me develop my skills in photography and filmmaking as well as my overall vision. These include shooting with other creatives, learning new techniques, learning how to adapt to different lighting and environment situations, applying new concepts, and making extra income to enhance my equipment. All of this experience has most importantly opened many doors for opportunities.
Being a weekend photographer/filmmaker along my flexible work schedule has been favorable to my travel addiction. I work full-time as an analyst in corporate healthcare, so most of my gigs are done in the evenings and weekends. It’s been really difficult to balance my workload with taking on so many big projects, but I have been fortunate to have a flexible work schedule that offers work from home and more-than-average PTO days.
People often ask me how I am able to travel so much. I just hustle hard and look for ways to cut costs during my travel adventures. I have even slept in the back of my car or in a tent to save while out and about. I will look for red-eye flights and make the most time at each destination and come back to work right when I land without expending any PTO.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with landscape photographer, Tiffany Nguyen (@tiffpenguin). I flew to central Oregon, one of my most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest, where we spent four days together shooting some of the most amazing sunrises and iconic locations. We learned about composition, planning the shot, social media, and branding.
Since then, I feel that my heart has finally opened to what I am most passionate about – capturing photos of these types of beautiful places and documenting the cherished moments with those around me. I love adventuring hard and living the next day to tell my story.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Travel & Adventure Filmmaking and Photography: I love traveling, because I love putting myself in unfamiliar situations, being in unfamiliar places, with unfamiliar faces. It makes exploring a very special experience for me because I am constantly learning about my surroundings. People always say it’s so hard to keep up with me, but I think it’s my relentless, competitive drive to challenge myself.
My travel films and photos exemplify the stories behind each destination, what it took to get each shot, how it made me feel, and what I’ve reflected upon each adventure. To put in simpler terms, each photo and film is a recollection of my emotions. Reaching the summit of the active Mount Batur volcano, swimming alongside humpback whales, traveling solo through Big Sur, snorkeling the Silfra fissure, physically being in the presence of some of the bluest lakes and waterfalls – I’ve taken on each adventure as a new learning experience that I will forever hold in my heart.
My biggest inspiration comes from what Mother Earth has offered us in its most natural setting.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I can’t speak for all artists, but for me, I think my biggest challenge is believing in my work. I often get discouraged because I over-criticize and over-analyze my work. I often wonder: will my social network like this photo? Would they rather see these color tones over the another? Does this song work with my footage?
I’ve come to realize that none of those things really matter. I set a certain tone, mood, and stylize my films and photos in a way that tells my story—with my emotions, and not anyone else’s.
Being true to your work and style, shooting with intention and being intentional in your edits: these are all so important in being a creator. It may change from time to time, but as long you pride yourself in making it your own, believe in it, own it, and love it…that’s golden.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
The best way to see and support my work is by visiting my Instagram gallery. Please give me a
follow for some of the best adventures. I am always open to new adventure partners, so send me a
message!
www.vimeo.com/thyngoproductions
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thy-ngo.com
- Email: thyngoproductions@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thyngo
- Other: www.vimeo.com/thyngoproductions
Image Credit:
Personal Photo taken by Christopher Le
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
