Today we’d like to introduce you to Minh Do.
Minh, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career as a photographer started when it was a hobby during college. I first started to capture moments during tennis games, and eventually, it lead to taking photos of small events during that time. I never brought my own camera due to not having any funds for it. So I asked my friends if I could borrow it for any of the events that happened during the year. Usually, people would not lend out their cameras due to the risk of them breaking, but luckily, my friends were kind enough to trust me with them.
It was still a hobby for me until 2018 when I started to take it more seriously. All of the experience of going to events and friends asking me to take photos of them has helped me a lot, though there was one problem. I did not take the time to study photography or understand the elements of photography, because I enjoyed the moment, but never took the steps to master photography. I thought it was only getting the subject in frame, and having to make it look good. But in reality, there were so many things missing.
And so for three years, I struggled to capture people’s attention to my work because it was very mediocre. Sadly, this was also a time when I would get upset that it wasn’t being acknowledged and so I ended up dropping photography for a while. Since I dropped out of college, I had to sit down and study everything, from editing, styling, rule of thirds, etc. And I also had inspirations like Jessica Kobeissi, Brandon Woelfel, and Peter Mckinnon.
Slowly, I started to get a bit of recognition until 2022, when everything changed. Even though I shoot mainly lifestyle portraits, I picked up cosplay photography during that year and even reached out to models to do a collaboration.
Needless to say, 2022 was my best year for photography and I am grateful for all of the experiences throughout the years. I am still a freelancer but I also interning for a marketing company so I am still taking this time to hone my skills and improve on them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely was rocky, from the start it was fun and had a lot of great moments, but mid-way, I started to realize that it was not good enough.
It was rough because people did not want to say how bad it was, and did not want to confront with me about it. I beat myself up a lot and always doubt my skills. Even today, there were moments where I felt that I was not enough even though many people have said that it was amazing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional freelance photographer in Houston, and mainly do lifestyle portraits and cosplay photography.
Honestly, there isn’t one particular one that I am proud of because there are so many to choose from. I would rather spread the love to each one because, without the clients, none of this would have happened. During the photoshoots, I make sure the clients are on the same page with what idea I have in terms of poses and angles, and to also make sure that it is a comfortable environment for both of us.
I usually have creative ideas planned out before the shoot, but during that time, a lot of new ideas come up last minute and I get excited to explain to them what it is. Usually, those photos are liked the most and the clients appreciate the dedication and time to be patient with them and having to work together to be on the same page.
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is known in many forms, but I feel like you can be successful once many people have expressed your work in a positive light, and spread the word via social media to let everyone know.
Many of my friends were thankful and really liked my editing style to the point that I end up taking photos of them many times. Once you are able to build your regulars, you will be able to get more work out, and make sure to stay consistent!
Pricing:
- $150 for one hour of shooting, one choice of outfit and location, and 20 edited photos.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shots_by_minh/
