We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Quavondo Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Quavondo, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful in photography, it takes a combination of passion, dedication, creativity, technical skills, and an unyielding desire to learn and grow. It’s about having a genuine love for capturing moments and telling stories through your images. It requires dedicating time and effort to consistently improve your craft, experimenting with different styles and subjects, and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Successful photographers have a keen eye for composition, lighting, and unique perspectives, and they continuously seek inspiration and knowledge to enhance their creative vision. They understand the technical aspects of photography, master their equipment, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements. Building a strong portfolio, establishing a personal brand, networking with fellow photographers, and being adaptable to change are also crucial for success. Ultimately, it’s about finding joy in the journey, cherishing the experiences, and using photography as a means to express yourself and connect with others. Stay true to yourself and your vision by not copying others.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Before embarking on my journey as a photographer, I had the privilege of working as a designer for an ad agency, and I can confidently say that it played a pivotal role in shaping the photographer I am today. Collaborating closely with talented art directors allowed me to develop a keen sense of visual storytelling, understanding how to effectively convey messages through the power of images. The skills I honed in composition and layout as a designer seamlessly translate into my ability to create captivating photographs that engage viewers. Moreover, the meticulous attention to detail that I cultivated during my design work carries over to my photography, ensuring that each image I capture is of the highest quality. The knowledge I gained in branding and marketing strategies through my agency experience has been invaluable, as it allows me to align my photography with specific objectives and target audiences, creating images that resonate and leave a lasting impact. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of working in an agency environment has enhanced my ability to work effectively with clients in the realm of photography, building strong relationships and ensuring that their vision is brought to life. The fast-paced nature of the agency world has also fostered my adaptability and honed my time management skills, equipping me with the ability to capture compelling images even in challenging conditions and meet tight deadlines. Overall, my experience as a designer in an ad agency has provided me with a solid foundation, nurturing my creativity, sharpening my technical skills, and instilling in me the passion and dedication that drives me as a photographer.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Like many people, my life has been filled with unexpected turns and pivots. At various points, I found myself on the verge of becoming a police officer in Virginia, pursuing a career in psychology through graduate school, and working in different roles such as a web designer, a Fed Ex warehouse dock worker, a Costco bagger, and a graphic designer before finally discovering my passion for photography. It’s clear that my twenties were marked by numerous shifts and changes. Life has a way of presenting us with opportunities and opening doors, but it’s up to us to trust our intuition and follow what truly feels right. In my case, I made the bold decision to quit my job as a designer when I fell head over heels in love with photography. I took the scenic route in discovering my true calling in life. So, if you find yourself in a rut or unsure about your own path, remember that there is always hope. Embrace the journey, stay open to new experiences, and trust that you will eventually find your way. Sometimes, it takes a few detours to uncover your true passion and purpose.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2013, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles, despite not knowing a single soul in the city. I believed my portfolio was strong enough to secure work, but I quickly realized that LA was not the fashion photography hub I had envisioned. The focus here was more on celebrities and entertainment, which made it incredibly challenging to find opportunities. As a result, I found myself in a difficult situation, relying on credit cards to get by and struggling to afford even one meal a day. It became clear to me that I couldn’t sit around waiting for work to come to me—I had to take action.
That’s when I made a strategic move and joined ClichéMag as the Creative Director. Drawing upon my graphic design skills, I embarked on a complete brand overhaul, breathing new life into the publication. Simultaneously, I offered my services as a photographer and began rebuilding my portfolio to cater to the entertainment industry. This experience allowed me to expand my network, gain exposure, and showcase my talent in a niche that aligned with LA’s focus. Although my journey with ClichéMag came to an end in 2018, I returned in 2020 as the Editor-in-Chief, where I now have the privilege of shooting the majority of our cover stories.
Life doesn’t always hand you open doors; sometimes, you have to find a way to climb through the window. My time in LA taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and being proactive in pursuing my dreams. It wasn’t an easy road, and there were times when I questioned my choices, but by seizing the opportunities that presented themselves and leveraging my skills, I was able to carve out a path for myself in the competitive world of photography.
So, if you ever find yourself facing closed doors or uncertain circumstances, remember that you have the power to create your own opportunities. Embrace the challenges, think outside the box, and be willing to take risks. Sometimes, the most unexpected paths can lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.quavondo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quavondo/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quavondo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/quavondo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hartofjax
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/headshots-by-q-los-angeles?start=20
- Other: https://www.headshotsbyq.com/