We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marilyn Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marilyn, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think success as a photographer really comes down to a mix of persistence, passion, and a genuine love for the craft. It’s not just about having the best gear or knowing the right people—it’s about constantly pushing yourself to improve, staying inspired, and being willing to put in the work.

Success isn’t a straight line, and I think it’s more about loving the journey, staying open to learning, and not being afraid of challenges. Each shoot has its ups and downs, but it’s that process that helps you grow and keeps you coming back for more.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Marilyn, and I specialize in portrait, event, and conceptual photography. I got into photography because I’ve always been drawn to the art of capturing human connection and emotion. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-blown passion, and now, I get to work with amazing people, helping them feel seen and confident in front of the camera.

My specialty is portrait photography—whether it’s for personal branding, family sessions, or creative projects. I’m all about making my clients feel comfortable and bringing out their natural personalities, so the photos really reflect who they are. I also do event photography and conceptual shoots, where I get to play with storytelling and creative themes to create images that stand out.

One of the things that sets me apart is my ability to connect with people and create a relaxed atmosphere during shoots. I know that not everyone feels at ease in front of the camera, so I make it my mission to create an experience that feels more like hanging out than a formal photo session. That’s how we get those authentic, natural shots that my clients love.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with the people I photograph. Whether it’s a professional headshot or a creative portrait session, my goal is to make sure that the final images capture more than just a good pose—they should tell a story or convey something real about the person.

If there’s one thing I’d want potential clients to know, it’s that I’m here to bring their vision to life in a way that feels true to who they are. It’s more than just taking pictures—it’s about creating an experience that makes you feel empowered and seen.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of trial and error, but it’s also been super rewarding. When I first started, I didn’t have a specific strategy. I was mostly just sharing my work and hoping it would resonate with people. Over time, I realized that social media, especially platforms like Instagram, is all about connection and consistency.

What really helped me grow was being authentic—showing not just my work, but also sharing a bit of my process, my personality, and the behind-the-scenes moments of shoots. I think people appreciate seeing the human side of a photographer, not just the polished final image. I also started engaging with my audience more—responding to comments, connecting with other creatives, and collaborating with people I admire. That back-and-forth builds a sense of community, and it’s honestly one of the most rewarding parts of social media for me.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

In my first few years of photography, I didn’t really have a network of other photographers to turn to. Most of my learning came from watching YouTube tutorials and following popular photographers on Instagram and Tumblr. While that helped, I missed out on the value of having real connections with people who understood the craft.

Looking back, I wish I’d known about online photography communities and forums earlier—places like Reddit’s photography groups or niche Facebook groups. Being part of these communities allows you to connect with other photographers, exchange feedback, and learn from people who are further along in their journey. It’s not just about honing your technical skills; it’s about finding a supportive network that understands the highs and lows of pursuing a creative path. Those connections are invaluable and can really help push you forward, both creatively and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marilynnguyen.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marilynnnguyen