Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tri Nguyen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tri, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

It’s kind of a funny story. It happened 5 years ago. Initially, I was inspired by various YouTubers I watched and wanted to become a YouTuber myself. I purchased a GoPro and a DJI Osmo Pocket, then upgraded to an inexpensive camera with kit lenses, and gradually learned how to make videos. I started watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to use the camera manually.

I took my camera to the park near my home and tried to apply what I had just learned from the tutorials, experimenting with different settings to take random pictures. During this process, I unexpectedly fell in love with photography. Over time, I found myself more passionate about photography than making videos or becoming a YouTuber.

To speed up my learning process, I believe it would have been beneficial to keep shooting regularly, gaining experience, and learning from my mistakes. Taking photography courses and learning from other photographers would have also been crucial in accelerating my progress.

In my opinion, the most essential skills in photography are understanding the basics, such as camera settings, lighting, and composition. Additionally, creativity plays a crucial role in bringing a unique perspective to each shot.

Fortunately, I haven’t faced any significant obstacles in my learning journey. I have a strong passion for learning and never believe that I know everything or that I’m good enough. I remind myself daily with a personal motto: “Tomorrow, I strive to be better than I was yesterday, and next year, better than I was this year.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, my name is Tri Nguyen. I’m the Founder and Lead Photographer of TN Passion Studio. I’m a photographer based in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I fell in love with photography when I bought my first camera on April 6th, 2019 at the age of 24. Over time, I have developed a passion for the creative process and skills specific to the nature of photography. I take pride in my eye for detail and enjoy partnering with my clients to create images that are both artistic and meaningful. I believe that every photograph tells a story and preserves that can enrich our own lives, and those who come after us.
It is a privilege to capture these special moments and I am truly honored to be part of the journey. I aim to reflect your loved one’s sense of joy and beauty through my lens.
Whether I am shooting a family portrait, engagement, or wedding, I will work with you to select a location that enhances the magic of the moment. I am excited to share my love of photography with you and will do my very best to bring your vision to life.

” Not everything can last forever, but a photo certainly can”

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

At the beginning of my photography journey, I was just a hobbyist with no clear direction for my future in the industry. That changed when I met someone who profoundly influenced my path. I want to give a special shout-out to my mentor, Raymond Nhut Nguyen, the founder of Passion Studio in Sacramento, CA. Without him, I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today.

In 2020, I became interested in the wedding photography industry. I reached out to several local wedding photographers I found through Google and social media, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive any responses. This lack of feedback left me feeling discouraged and almost made me give up on the idea of photographing weddings, as I didn’t know where or how to start.

However, in 2021, I came across my mentor’s Facebook page through a friend. I was impressed by his work and decided to reach out. Fortunately, he responded positively and agreed to help me learn and grow as a wedding photographer, provided I was willing to learn.

I took my first wedding photography workshop with him at the beginning of 2022, and that’s when my journey truly began. It has been an amazing experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything Raymond has done for me. My advice to anyone in a similar situation is to find the right mentor and continue pursuing what you love. Success in your field will help refine the direction of your photography business and guide you toward achieving your goals.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative are emotional fulfillment, personal growth, and creative freedom.

Firstly, the emotional fulfillment that comes from the creative process is profound. There is a deep joy in bringing an idea to life and seeing it resonate with others. The ability to express my emotions, thoughts, and perspectives through my work, and to impact those who experience it, is incredibly gratifying. Knowing that my creations can evoke feelings, tell stories, and connect with people on a deep level makes the artistic journey truly fulfilling.

Secondly, the personal growth that results from the creative process is significant. Engaging in creativity allows me to continuously learn and evolve, both professionally and personally. Each project presents new challenges and opportunities to push my boundaries, refine my skills, and expand my perspective. This ongoing journey of learning and improvement not only enhances my technical abilities but also encourages self-discovery and emotional growth, fueling my passion for my craft.

Lastly, the creative freedom to express myself and explore new ideas is immensely rewarding. This freedom allows me to experiment with different concepts, techniques, and styles, leading to unexpected and exciting discoveries. The ability to shape my own vision and push the boundaries of conventional thinking is empowering and fulfilling. It is incredibly satisfying to have the space to innovate and create work that is uniquely my own, reflecting my personal experiences and imagination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tnpassionstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tn.passionstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077060450724

Image Credits

tnpassionstudio