We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anh Bao Tran-le. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anh Bao below.
Anh Bao, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Photographing the ordinary moments of life, particularly in your own city, can unveil a rich tapestry of stories often overlooked in the rush of daily life. My “After Dark” series was born out of this realization, focusing on Chattanooga’s iconic landmarks like the Walnut Street Bridge, The Tennessee Aquarium, The Hunter Museum, and hidden gems like my favorite bakeries and old-school diners—but with a twist: capturing them after the sun sets. These scenes, often bustling during the day, take on a serene quality at night.
I noticed that most photos of these landmarks are shot in direct sunlight, but I wondered: What if we explored the quiet transformations that occur after dark? The city takes on a different personality, with soft streetlights, glowing reflections, and shadows revealing new dimensions. The vibrant daytime energy fades, giving way to a tranquil glow, and this shift in atmosphere presents an opportunity to reimagine familiar places.
With the rise of social media, we’re often led to believe that beauty and wonder exist only in faraway places, prompting us to travel in search of “instaworthy” moments. However, this series challenges that notion, encouraging us to slow down and appreciate the subtle beauty right outside our doors. Sometimes, the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary is as simple as changing the lighting.
By adopting the mindset of being a tourist in your own city, viewers are invited to experience and capture the quiet, everyday moments that make their surroundings unique. These moments—often unnoticed by locals—hold just as much beauty as those found in far-off destinations.
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?
My path to becoming a photographer has been anything but linear, beginning with my first photography class in high school. My teacher, who was very old-school, insisted that all his students learn the fundamentals using film cameras. Our first project involved building and using a pinhole camera to capture images around campus, followed by lessons on developing film in the darkroom. I fell in love with the medium instantly, and to this day, I still shoot personal projects on film. There’s something magical about documenting the world, creating memories, and capturing emotions through photography that resonated deeply with me.
In college, I started a portrait photography side hustle, initially shooting senior portraits at the end of the school year. This naturally progressed into engagement sessions and weddings with the same clients. Through word of mouth and referrals, what began as a side hustle eventually grew into a full-fledged career! It’s been incredibly rewarding to play a part in significant life milestones—from graduations to engagements, weddings, and, eventually, family portraits as clients begin their own families.
In addition to my portrait work, I’ve had the privilege of showcasing my landscape, wildlife, and street photography in various art galleries, festivals, and solo exhibitions. This aspect of my photographic journey allows me to share my view of the world, from the beauty of ordinary moments to breathtaking mountain vistas and wildlife encounters during my travels.
One of the most fulfilling experiences as a photographer is seeing my work displayed in people’s homes and businesses. It’s especially meaningful when my mountain landscapes are hung alongside family portraits I’ve taken for the same clients. That intersection between portrait work and fine art creates truly special moments.
Fast forward to today, I’m based in Chattanooga, TN, where I showcase my work in multiple galleries and offer portrait sessions across the Southeast. I’m fortunate to pursue a career that allows me to blend my creative passion with the joys of travel and capturing the world around me.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The best way to support local artists is by buying directly from them whenever possible, but I totally understand that this isn’t always feasible. Luckily, there are a few free ways to support your local art scene!
Sharing and following an artist’s work is a fantastic way to show support! Personally, I love engaging with people about my work and connecting with followers online about my ongoing projects. One of my current projects, for example, is my “After Dark” series, where I capture cool, retro neon-lit locations around Chattanooga. I’ve started expanding this series to cities worldwide and always appreciate when people recommend new locations in their communities for me to explore!
Another great way to support artists is by tagging them in your posts and stories when you see work you enjoy. Sharing an artist’s work with your network can significantly boost engagement, and organic referrals from friends carry more weight than any ad ever could!
Finally, having public spaces and free opportunities for artists to showcase their work goes a long way in creating a thriving community. I want to give a shoutout to my local community, especially the Red Bank Public Art Citizens’ Advisory Board, for fostering such a vibrant art scene. It’s wonderful to see projects like wrapped electrical boxes and murals around town. Creating art can sometimes feel isolating, but knowing there are other artists in your community helps make the experience more collective and community-focused.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a portrait photographer is the opportunity to meet new people and create lasting memories together. Each photo session is a shared experience, where I get to connect with individuals and families as they navigate some of life’s most meaningful milestones. Whether it’s an engagement, a wedding, a family portrait, or a personal celebration, I have the privilege of hearing their stories, learning what matters most to them, and translating that into images that capture not just moments, but emotions.
Photography, to me, is about building relationships. The camera is simply a tool that allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, helping them preserve memories they will cherish for years to come. And often, the memories made during the session—the laughter, the conversations, the shared excitement—become just as special as the photos themselves.
In the end, photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images; it’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting impact. That’s what makes it so rewarding. Every time I pick up my camera, I’m reminded that I’m not just documenting life—I’m helping to preserve a piece of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anhbao.com
- Instagram: @wandering.anhbao and @anhbao.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092301361015
Image Credits
Anh Bao Tran-Le