Conversations with Kevin Nguyen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Nguyen

Hi Kevin , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Photography… where to begin…

I don’t think if you had asked me when I was younger if this was the path and career line I’d see myself in. It kind of happened naturally and kind of as a fluke. To start off, I kind of had a few rough years, into my undergrad education. Being young, and having the pressures of being a first generation born kid from immigrant parents, there was a lot of pressure to pursue a traditional academic degree. Partway, through this degree I’d decided that being a teacher was no longer a course I wanted to pursue, and so came a bunch of retail jobs, which led to management positions and a whole slurry of jobs that kind of felt unfulfilling.

During these times of working through jobs to maintain some sort of financial stability, I realized a lot of my friends were really into photography. Spending a lot of time hanging out within my friend group I often found myself at music and popular culture events, where I kind of felt left out of the creative craft. At the time I remember my friends D’Andre and Tiger were really into photography, and after pondering on it for some time, I’d decide to give it a shot myself. Besides, I had managed a Santa Claus photography location for a number of years at this point… and could trouble shoot a camera based on a training guide, how hard could it be right?
When I first started, I remember asking friends if they’d let me do some creative portraits with them, and I’d come up with ideas for cool locations and ideas we could shoot. I just wanted to build my technical skills. Luckily during this time I had met my friend, named Stefan.
Stefan and his brother Conrad ran a series of talent showcased local talent called “UNCROWND” , and always allowed me to shoot the show. I had something to prove, I always did my best, and tried to return the photos as quickly as possible. Photography was definitely something that often forced me out of my comfort zone.

Fast forward, and as time went on I quickly spent more and more time doing photography, I found myself really wanting to leave the retail industry and pursue photography for myself as a full time endeavor.
Photography really turned my life around in the sense that it gave me a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment in a world where I was trying to find my place. It has given me countless friendships and partnerships, and is truly work I enjoy.

Actually, as I write this, it is crazy to reminisce and remember all the amazing experiences and places that photography has taken me.

Leading to today, photography still gives me super cool opportunities, and is something that I still enjoy doing after many years!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel like there has been some ups and downs, sometimes you do get creative block.
Social Media is a lot, and demanding, as creatives we always feel like we need to post to stay relevant. Its kind of a never ending toxic relationship.
There’s a lot of pressure to constantly create relevant content for socials.
I also feel like we become our worst critics, as sometimes I sit and wonder if my work is on par to where I need it to be.
It’s always remember to take a minute and remember the victories and accomplishments as well.
Camera gear is also super expensive!

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?
So a lot of what I do all exists within the creative industry, splitting my time as a talent agent and a photographer!
I do portraits, headshots and creative editorial work along with weddings.
I’m mostly known for my work with musicians.

Moments I’m most proud of?
Some of my most accomplishments include shooting a Canadian Gold certified single cover for “lilyisthatyou”, having some of my work featured on platforms such as Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Complex Canada. I’ve had a few billboards in Toronto, and also one in Times Square, and I’ve been pulled off the street off Rodeo drive outside the Louis Vuitton by Offset and Cardi B, as they requested some photos!
Honestly, finally being able to support myself with photography.

I’d also say what sets me apart from others is the desire to creative bold, and fun content.
I mean also you get to hang out with me, when we shoot, and what can I say?! That’s an experience in and of itself!

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Persistence breaks resistance.
Being a creative isn’t easy, or ideal at times but I think my journey has really reminded me that finding happiness and passion in your career is very important.
Its important to invest in yourself to give yourself the tools to succeed!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avantgardemedia.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashkev

Image Credits
Photos: Kevin Nguyen