Meet photographer from Viet Nam, Dy Duyen.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a photographer from Vietnam. I was born in Da Nang and now I’m living in Sai Gon. I mostly work on portrait and lifestyle photography. I have been taking pictures for 10 years but I rarely think about myself as a professional photographer or something similar. I’m just a girl who is really fond of capturing moments, telling stories and getting to know people through images.

I’m just a girl who is really fond of capturing moments, telling stories and getting to know people through images.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I think it’s an open and welcoming city. You can meet many kinds of people on the streets. It’s the kind of city that makes you want to work and be more creative when you live here. As a creator, I find the city very lively, inspiring and full of opportunities.

As a creator, I find the city very lively, inspiring and full of opportunities.

How did you start your career in art?

While learning graphic design in college, I bought a camera just for my studies. At that time, I didn’t even know how to use a camera but I fell in love with photography the first time I saw and felt the world through it. It’s just simply magical. I started taking pictures of my friends ever since. After graduating, thanks to the growth of social media (especially Instagram), and with a bit of luck, people started noticing my work and contacting me to take pictures for them. I guess that was how I started my career.

I fell in love with photography the first time I saw and felt the world through it. It’s just simply magical.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes, my friends were very supportive. My parents weren’t sure about the idea of becoming a female photographer but they supported me anyway.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I don’t think much about the future but I will continue taking pictures as long as I can. Photography is like a lifelong friend to me. In the near future, I’m going to publish a photobook of portraits this year.

I don’t think much about the future but I will continue taking pictures as long as I can. Photography is like a lifelong friend to me.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Right now it would be Rala Choi, I’m really interested in the way he uses color in his pictures.

How would you describe the women around you?

They’re kind, creative, ambitious and independent.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Internet wasn’t a big thing when I was young so I didn’t know about any local female creatives. But now my answer would be Maika Elan. She’s a really talented photographer.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Since my style is portrait photography, I feel like it’s the same for both genders. If you have been working hard and long enough, you will get your own customers.

If I could go back in time to meet my young version I would tell her: Don’t think much. Just enjoy taking pictures.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

I’m not sure about giving advice to other people since everyone has a different life and experiences. But if I could go back in time to meet my young version I would tell her: Don’t think much. Just enjoy taking pictures.

Photos courtesy of Dy Duyen.