We were lucky to catch up with Vy Nguyen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Vy, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My start in film and photography formed out of my interest in traditional art, but I’ve always just loved art as a whole. When I first moved to the United States, I couldn’t speak English very well which left me spending quite a bit of time alone. Naturally, I was met with a lot of boredom and had to get rid of it somehow, so I made art! I did anything from drawing to painting. Then, I became interested in video-making and storytelling when I discovered YouTube at the age of 9. My interest in storytelling led to wanting to write novels. Then, it was writing to graphic designing, back to video-making when I learned that I could tell my own story and being able to do so by combining everything I loved. That’s what film is for me, and why I do it.

Speeding up the process is a silly way of phrasing it but something I wish I had stressed at the start of my learning journey is the importance of learning the basics. I was someone who jumped at anything they wanted to do (and I still am) but by doing so, I never allowed myself to be intentional with my work. An obstacle I faced was thinking that I knew it all, but I didn’t. I felt this more at the start of my high school years, but there’s always something to learn. Thinking that way has limit myself going outside the box.

I currently study film at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and having to go through that process of learning the core of productions, I find myself further loving film and wanting to experiment.

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.

I am a filmmaker at heart, but I am most recognized for my photography work. I do anything from art and fashion editorial to senior photos. I also photograph concerts, events, and work with brands. I do BTS photography on film sets and just about anything that allows me to have a bit of creative say, I am your girl!

I only started shooting professionally just about a year ago in May 2022 when a few of my friends asked me to shoot their EP cover. Being so early into my business, I see each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow, whether that is growing my skills or my network of creatives and clients. I take on projects I feel passionate about so I encourage clients to come with a detailed pitch, because pay is not something on the forefront of my mind. Being a student, I also work a part-time job and we’re all going to work for the rest of our lives, so I want to do things I enjoy while I can.

I’ve had an amazing start, and I want to help other creatives be able to do the same.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’ve been lucky to have the support of my family to pursue the arts. Coming from an Asian immigrant household, that is known to be rare. While my parents and I haven’t always been able to connect well emotionally, I’ve always wanted to be able to one day give back to them for providing a roof over my head. I’ve never had to stress about finances, and that is truly a privilege that I can’t thank them enough for. Not to mention, the sacrifices my grandparents in Vietnam have made for me to be here. I want to create something for them to be proud of and see while they’re still here.

I don’t know where life will take me, but I see myself going beyond film. One of the issues I deeply care about is homelessness, and I want to make changes politically. Charities and those kinds of work are important to me and if I can reach there through film, then I’m going to do it.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I started posting my work on Instagram in June 2020. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t say any of them are great. However, it takes believing in yourself, believing that what you do is amazing, and continuing to do so even when results aren’t showing– really taking that time to hone your craft when no one’s watching. There have been a few questions that I repeatedly ask myself throughout these past few years. 1) Why do what I do? 2) Would I still do it if I received absolutely no financial gains or notoriety? 3) If I could do anything, would I still be doing this? Do I feel happy?

If you answer “yes” to the last two questions, then who cares what other people think? I say this, because I see “growing” on social media as a bonus to believing in yourself. My work did not take off until last year, two years after I started posting. I’m sure there are plenty of practical ways to grow on social media, but I think it’s important to identify that baseline first.
With being in the industry, if you’re great at what you do, people will notice. That’s why I really put an emphasis on honing your craft. I believe at the end of the day if you put your heart into something, it will pay off! So, continue to do your best in your circumstances!

I live in Kansas City, so I will be speaking on the basis of local work. A few things: Research local production companies. Join film and networking groups. Try to gain as much set experience as you can, even free ones. You’re going to meet people who will want to help you and can provide you with opportunities. Most importantly, be kind, respectful, and stay grounded. No one will want to work with someone who’s unkind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vyhnguyen.wixsite.com/suburbancinema
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suburbancinema/
• Other: Photography prints: https://vy.darkroom.com

Image Credits
Models: Caitlyn Rogers Sarah Hall Ngan Nguyen Christina Cauton Halla Badaiwi Taylor Spurck Everett Major Quin Nofziger Xavier Davis