Check Out Jonathan Vu’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Vu.

Hi Jonathan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
About seven years ago, I went on a trip to Chicago with some friends of mine. It was my first year in college, and I was currently studying biology to eventually get a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. That was my path. At the time, I knew nothing about photography, nor did I intend to learn, but one of my friends brought with him a pair of two beautiful, high-tech looking cameras that I have never seen before, the Sony a7ii. It was a work of art! The way it was designed, the way it captured photos, it was like a fashion statement like a Chanel bag or a Rolex watch. I asked if I can borrow one of them while we were walking downtown and that’s when I fell in love with photography. Every picture I took felt like magic! The snap of the shutter, the sharpness from the images… Looking back at it now, the pictures were probably something you would never put up on a wall, but I loved the experience nonetheless. It was unforgettable.

Before I even got home from the trip, I knew I had to do one thing. I had to buy one of those cameras. So I went to work and about a year later, I bought myself the very same Sony a7ii with the 28-70 kit lens. It was beautiful, I brought it everywhere with me. Wherever I went, it was with me. I still had no idea how to take a proper picture, yet it didn’t seem to bother me. To come up with the money to afford this camera, I was working part-time at a cafe. During work, I would ask some coworkers if they would like to model for me for fun! Those were really some of the most memorable times in my life. We would find some park nearby or drive to LA, just somewhere that seemed cool and I would practice taking pictures there. We had so much fun and I really cherish all those moments we had together.

For me, it was just a hobby. But I knew I wanted to do bigger things. The problem was, I had no idea how. I didn’t take any photography classes, I had no major connections, and worst of all, I didn’t think I was good enough. It took some time, but my friends told me to believe in myself because opportunities don’t just come to you, you have to create those opportunities for yourself! I made my move and asked some Instagram Models if they would like to collaborate with me. After every shoot, I got more confident. After every one of these opportunities, I knew that I wanted to do this for a long time.

I’m very thankful to be where I’m at today. Many good friends of mine, I would have never met and bonded with if not for photography. I love photography and I love meeting new people and this was the perfect combination of the two. 90% of trips taken in the past 6 years I would not have taken if not for photography. Most of the fondest memories I have so far, I would not have experienced if not for photography. Life really takes you through interesting twists and turns, doesn’t it? One day, you’re studying to become a physical therapist and the next, you’re out on the top of Taft Point in Yosemite National Park, saying “this is living now.”

They say in photography, you go through different phases in your career. I started off with doing portraits for a couple of years. I bought a film camera a couple of years back, and I recently developed a passion for traveling and landscapes. It’s the most peaceful feeling in the world. I still haven’t taken a photography class.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say the journey was smooth in the slightest. But what kind of rollercoaster would be fun if all it was was just that? A smooth road. Growing up in an east Asian household, pursuing your dreams is not necessarily allowed. I won’t go into details, and by no means were my parents toxic, but graduating with a degree and landing a safe, high-paying job is highly emphasized and encouraged. Eventually, parents came to the understand that there are more ways to have a career than the normal, safe route. Life is about taking risks, and if you don’t take those risks, you’re going to live a life filled with regret. And that was not something I was willing to do. I’m very fortunate to have my family support my decisions and I would not be in the position that I am without them.

I think the biggest halt though was the covid-19 pandemic. That really changed things up a bit. I was highly motivated. I had big plans coming up, and everything just stopped. Unfortunately, because of the long break from creativity, I do admit, I lost a big part of that motivation for fear of health and safety for my friends and family. I’m happy to say that my passion for the art has not diminished in the slightest and that it’s as strong as ever!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
To be honest, I’m not completely focused on one particular niche. I decided to no choose photography as a main source of income, but to leave it as a side hustle/hobby. They say that you should choose to do what you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. I don’t fully agree with it, but maybe it was because I was too burnt out from photography for a good period of time. There were some aspects of my line of work that were too much for me and I decided to no longer have photography become my career. I am now a realtor and shoot photography for my own enjoyment or for small gigs because that’s always fun. I feel like doing small gigs reminds me of the times when I first started out with photography and how much I loved the excitement of creating art because you want to, not because you have to.

Going back to the part where I was, I’m not completely focused on one particular niche, I love taking all kinds of photography. People most know me as the guy who takes portraits to now the guy who takes landscapes. I also take pictures at concerts & shows, and I shoot on 35mm film as well. Recently I’ve been learning to shoot some videos because I have always been fascinated with cinematography and movie production. I want to take some classes for that because there is a whole science behind cinematography and being a great storyteller. My goal is to screenwrite and produce my very own short film in the near future!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Always keep creating. Find a way to create something. And don’t lose sight on what’s important.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thejonnyadventures.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonnyadventures/
• Other: https://jonathanvuphotography.pixieset.com/eventimages/