Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anh Bao Tran-le. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anh Bao, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by constantly exploring new subjects and discovering fresh places to photograph. I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries of my work—whether it’s venturing into different styles, trying new techniques, or capturing familiar locations in a new light. My After Dark series, for example, was born from the desire to challenge myself by photographing iconic Chattanooga landmarks at night, transforming how I—and hopefully others—see the city and hopefully sparking a desire for others to also be a tourist in their own cities!
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with film photography. There’s something special about the tactile, deliberate process of shooting with film that forces me to slow down and truly consider each shot (and let’s not forget the added costs that come with film!). The unpredictability and imperfections often result in unique, unexpected outcomes that can’t be replicated digitally, which I find incredibly inspiring. It challenges me to approach photography differently, whether it’s by selecting the right film stock, working with natural light, or waiting patiently for the perfect moment.
Combining film with my digital work provides fresh perspectives and keeps things exciting. Exploring both mediums allows me to continually grow creatively while pushing the boundaries of my art!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Anh Bao Tran-Le, a photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and the owner of Anh Bao Tran-Le Photography. My work spans portraits, weddings, and travel photography, but at its core, it’s about connecting with people and capturing the stories that matter to them. Whether it’s the quiet intimacy of a wedding day or the unique energy of a particular location, my goal is to create images that feel authentic and elicits deep connections.
What excites me most about my portrait photography is the opportunity to build relationships with my clients and share in their most meaningful moments. Each session is a collaboration, and I love hearing people’s stories—what brought them to that moment and how they want to see themselves or their loved ones captured. Those connections are what fuel my work, making each project more than just a photo shoot; it’s an experience rooted in trust, creativity, and genuine emotion.
As I mentioned above, one of the most exciting projects I’ve been working on is my After Dark series, which highlights iconic Chattanooga landmarks like the Walnut Street Bridge and my favorite restaurants, but with a twist—they’re all shot at night. This series is about showing people a different side of their city, encouraging them to see familiar places in a new light, literally and figuratively. The project has evolved into a way of pushing my creative boundaries while exploring new techniques, and it’s been a hit with local art galleries and festivals.
On the business side, I’m always looking to grow and evolve. Recently, I’ve started offering more personalized portrait experiences where clients can co-create their sessions based on their stories or visions. I’ve also expanded my offerings to include film photography, giving clients the option of incorporating the timeless, nostalgic feel of film into their sessions.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on continuing to build meaningful connections through my work and expanding into new creative projects. If you’re in Chattanooga or anywhere nearby and are looking to collaborate, create, or simply tell your story through photography, I’d love to hear from you!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my photography journey, three qualities stand out as being the most impactful: patience, an eye for storytelling, and the ability to connect with people. These have shaped not only my work but also how I approach each project.
Patience: Photography is often about waiting for the right moment—whether it’s the perfect lighting in nature or that genuine expression in a portrait. It taught me to slow down and be present, embracing the process rather than rushing to capture a shot. For those early in their journey, my advice is to practice patience and observe your surroundings deeply. Take time to experiment with different settings and compositions, even if it means missing a few shots along the way.
Storytelling: Great photography isn’t just about technical perfection; it’s about telling a story. Understanding how to convey emotions, mood, and context through a single frame can elevate your work. To develop this skill, focus on the intention behind each shot. Ask yourself, What am I trying to communicate? What is the story here? Study visual storytelling from films, books, or even other photographers’ work to expand your perspective.
Building Connections: Especially in portrait photography, establishing trust and rapport with clients is crucial. The more comfortable they are, the more natural and authentic the images will be. I’ve found that listening to people’s stories and truly engaging with them creates that comfort. If you’re new to photography, focus on the human side of things. Whether you’re photographing a person or a place, aim to connect—emotionally, creatively, or even through casual conversation—before clicking the shutter.
Above all, photography is a lifelong learning process. Continue exploring, staying curious, and always remain open to growth.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m always excited to collaborate with people who share a passion for creating stunning portraits and meaningful visual stories! I’m particularly interested in working with individuals who have a creative vision or concept they want to bring to life, whether you’re a model, makeup artist, stylist, or even someone who simply wants to capture a personal moment in a unique way. Collaborations with people who are open to experimentation and storytelling, from studio work to outdoor settings, are especially exciting for me.
If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, the best way to connect is through my website’s contact form (www.anhbao.com/contact) or by reaching out to me on Instagram (@anhbao.photography). Let’s chat about your ideas and how we can bring them to life through photography!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.anhbao.com
- Instagram: @wandering.anhbao and @anhbao.photography
Image Credits
Anh Bao Tran-Le Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
