Today we’d like to introduce you to Trudy Tran.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a small town in Mississippi, but always dreamt of something bigger. Throughout high school, I discovered my love for the arts while working at my local radio station. After taking a leap of faith and moving to Texas with only a car full of my things, it wasn’t long before I found a new creative outlet in photography.
In relation to my love of audio, one of my first jobs in Texas was as an assistant photographer. With no formal training and others taking a chance on me, I picked up a camera, and from that moment, everything changed. In the chaos of life, I leaned on my camera as both a source of healing and a way to give back. Through photography, I’ve been able to capture people’s most meaningful stories and also use art as a form of service by partnering with nonprofits and creating projects that shine a light on important social issues.
Along the way, I realized creativity could be more than expression. It could be a tool for change. That realization led me to broaden my path toward healthcare and rehabilitation, another space where I could make a hands-on difference. Today, I’m pursuing higher education at UT Dallas, blending the sciences with the creativity that first shaped me. My journey reminds me that resilience and passion can transform challenges into opportunities, and that by staying true to both art and service, I can build a life centered on helping others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to pivot, pivot, and pivot. There were many pivotal moments that felt like every step I took was a shot in the dark. Throughout middle and high school, I struggled with depression and the feeling of not belonging. I often found myself in environments where I didn’t see people who looked like me, and I was constantly moving, trying to find a place that felt like home.
When I moved to Texas on my own at 19, I faced one of the hardest experiences of my life. Just a few months after moving, I was involved in a tragic accident that led to hospitalization, grief, and isolation. But through that darkness, I learned how to persevere. Even in my lowest moments, there was a small voice inside me reminding me to keep going. That voice led me to photography. It became my form of expression and healing. I began collaborating with close friends and other creatives to create photo projects centered on survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. I also started offering free photography services to nonprofit organizations, using my art to give back and raise awareness about issues that matter deeply to me.
At 21, I tried starting a small nonprofit, The White Ladder Foundation, centered around art and community healing. My goal was to use photography and other creative mediums to give people a space to express themselves, while raising funds to support local organizations. I even began planning an art show to bring that vision to life. But at the time, I didn’t have the business knowledge or support system I needed, and I eventually had to cancel the project. It was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.
I remember feeling embarrassed and defeated, but over time I’ve learned to see that chapter as proof that I was willing to take that leap, even when I didn’t have everything figured out. That experience taught me that failure isn’t final; it’s often the first step toward real growth. I know that chapter isn’t closed, and one day I hope to revisit that dream with the tools, experience, and community to make it thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I focus on capturing people in their most natural, genuine moments. I love being able to tell stories through my lens, whether it’s a portrait, a celebration, or a community project. What I’m most proud of is how my work has made people feel seen and confident in themselves. I think what sets me apart is the heart I put into every shoot. What I’m most proud of is being able to use my art for something bigger than myself, and also seeing how far I’ve came. It’s not just about taking a photo, it’s about building trust and creating something that feels honest, warm, and real.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve learned to turn that lifelong search for belonging into strength. I’m continuing to grow through both learning and creativity through art, emotion, and awareness. I’m at a point in my life where I truly believe that anything is possible. In the near future, I hope to plan an art show that combines my passions for creativity and advocacy- something that sparks conversation and connection. My biggest goal is to remain versatile, to keep growing, and to stay true to myself while creating meaningful work that makes an impact. My journey has taught me that belonging isn’t something you find, it’s something you build, and that success doesn’t belong to a certain kind of person. As someone who once believed that people like me couldn’t succeed, I’ve learned that success isn’t something you can define by titles or milestones, but rather a feeling of purpose, peace, and knowing you’ve grown and helped others along the way. In everything I accomplish, I hope to provide a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.truphotographs.com
- Instagram: tru.portraits
