We recently connected with Dylan Pham and have shared our conversation below.
Dylan , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
When working with a camera, I view it as a tool, much like a paintbrush. Paintbrushes come in various shapes and sizes, and there are endless combinations one can use with different blenders, rollers, or tape to create the ideal painting. Similarly, photography offers that same sense of limitless creativity for me. Every shoot I conduct is unique, with variations in lighting, settings, and the number of clients in the photo. These subtle differences ensure that each session provides me and my clients with one-of-a-kind experiences. At the end of the day, it’s the smiles and satisfaction on my clients’ faces that fuel my passion as a freelance photographer.
A significant part of my creativity stems from my clients’ enthusiasm and willingness to experiment with new ideas. This is the beauty of working in an artistic environment—each client brings a fresh perspective and new possibilities. Many of my clients are new to professional photography, which opens up limitless opportunities for creative shots and compositions. To keep my ideas flowing, I often turn to Pinterest for inspiration. I highly recommend this platform for anyone looking to expand their portfolio and brand.
I believe in what I call “evidence-based photography.” It’s a concept I coined, which means that if a particular shot or composition worked well in the past, it can be replicated to achieve similar success. This method allows me to consistently produce high-quality photos that meet my clients’ expectations.
During my shoots, I apply a scientific approach. Not every angle or pose will be perfect for every client, so I tailor my work to each individual by showing them the photos in real-time and getting their feedback. This collaborative process ensures that the final images reflect their preferences and personalities. I’m always experimenting with new poses and ideas, whether they come to me spontaneously or are planned in advance. For larger group photos, I often suggest non-traditional poses to add a sense of fun and spontaneity to the scene.
In conclusion, my creativity is nurtured by the dynamic and ever-changing nature of photography, the enthusiasm of my clients, and a commitment to continually experimenting and learning. By combining inspiration, evidence-based techniques, and a personalized approach, I strive to create memorable and impactful photographs for every client I work with.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve had a love for the camera since I was young. My family traveled a lot, and my uncle always had his gigantic DSLR with him. I was always curious and wanted to learn more about it. It was a Nikon D750, and I remember trying to take photos with it when my fingers could barely wrap around the grip. Later on, I joined the photography club in 7th grade, which had just me and four other students. It was a fun club, even though I shot in auto mode most of the time. The best part was connecting with the yearbook teacher, which led to me joining the yearbook staff in my second year of middle school. Since then, my passion for photography has only grown. I took on many historian positions throughout high school and college, capturing countless memories along the way.
What makes my work special is the personal connection I get to build with clients I’ve never met before. In such a short amount of time, I get to share and capture incredibly special moments with them. Being able to document milestones is an amazing feeling, and sharing those emotions through my lens is an honor. The smiles and thank-you letters I receive are priceless, and working in this field is truly rewarding.
In the future, I hope to get more involved in wedding photography and eventually run a successful business. Photography brings me so much joy, and capturing weddings would be the pinnacle of milestones for me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Ambition: Without ambition or intrinsic motivation, I don’t think dphamphotography would be as successful as it is today. I remember waking up at 5:30 am some days to complete sessions for my clients. It takes a unique passion and mindset to wake up and achieve your goals. If you want something, you have to put in the work that others won’t.
Openness: When starting a new business, being open to criticism and assistance is key. I knew I didn’t know everything, and I still have much to learn. I recommend that everyone adopt a growth mindset, as it allows you to accept advice from others in the field. In other words, be a sponge early on in your career; this will set you up for success. Having a positive and practical mindset toward collaboration and problem-solving will be especially beneficial as a growing creator.
Empathy: Especially in a career centered around capturing emotion, being able to converse with individuals empathetically is crucial to developing a successful photography business. Many clients aren’t used to taking photos or it’s their first time receiving professional photos. Some may feel anxious or nervous in front of the camera. Being able to communicate effectively and lend clients an empathetic ear is key to ensuring the experience is positive and comfortable.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of improvement over the past 12 months has been my marketing. Last grad season, I conducted 15 shoots, and this season I grew that 3.3x, totaling over 50 shoots in the last four months. This growth was tremendous as I was able to capture events ranging from wedding ceremonies to graduation photos. Additionally, through constant communication with other photographers, I implemented an off-camera flash system to improve my subjects’ lighting. I’d like to thank Danielbrookmedia and Vincentdangphotography for their excellent guidance and support.
What truly attributed to my success was my willingness to ask for help. The knowledge is out there; you just have to find the right mentors and friends to help build each other up. This collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn have been key to my growth and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dphamphotographyy.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dphamphotography/
Image Credits
dphamphotography
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