Daily Inspiration: Meet Tyler Vu

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

Hi Tyler, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I Moved to San Jose from New Orleans in 2000. Got a job as a graphics designer (minor in college) at the Mercury News,
San Jose’s largest news Media. While working there, I made friends with other Designers. Because he knew I loved take photos with my point and shoot film camera, one of the designer friends of the Convinced me to purchase My first DSLR , a Canon 10D, a flash and 24-70 Lens ($5000) in 2005. I did it without even knowing how to use a camera. AT that time, we all wanted to do freelance design work to make extra side money. We created a website for design portfolio. I had the idea of shooting photos for local and school events like talent shows or beauty pageants. We posted the photos on our website for people to se them and see that we offer graphics design as well.

One of those people who visited noticed our photo composition and ability to capture candid moments, and asked us to photograph her wedding. We rejected her three times and told her we had no experience with wedding shoots , but she was so Persistent. We cover the entire wedding with each of us with one camera, three total. We delivered to her about 400 well exposed and sharp photos. But I was the weakest link, I was only able to contribute 30 photos. Most of the photos I shot were blurry or over exposed. The the 30 photos I had, were the most creative and captured the best moments. From there on, we told ourselves let’s book some more since we had so much fun and we could use this money to fund our hobby by buying more lens and equipment.

Between the three of us, I am the only one still working as a wedding photographer.
Two other two got burnt out and changed career. One remained as a graphics designer at another company., while the other
became a tattoo artist.

Wedding photography is a career I’ve never imagined could take me this far and surprisingly
still love to this day

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was a smooth road for 15 year until Covid Pandemic happened. We were shut down from shooting large events for 14 months , which were the meat of our income. There are struggle now from new competitors who are great and content and social media.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wedding and portrait photographer. Wedding, Engagement shoot, family shoot, maternity shoot.
I’m proud that I have been able to last 20 years by adapting to trend. Still fresh. I have the uncanny ability to capture the best moments of the event. It’s an Anticipation skill.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love movies. I am a movie buff. Going to the movie theater is my escape and how I de-stress. Love watching football

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tylervu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylervu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylertuanvu/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylervu/
• Twitter: https://x.com/tylervu
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tyler-vu-photography-san-jose-2?osq=Tyler+Vu&override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability

Image Credits
Photo: Norma Lopez