Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Nguyen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey began with my love for photography. I have been taking pictures ever since I got my first camera phone. I take pictures of everything that I’m interested in, but majority of my pictures are of food because that is a big part of my life. I have been sharing my food photos on Yelp for over ten years and on Instagram for about two years. My food page is where I showcase some of my favorite places or best photos.
In the beginning, it was a hobby to take pictures and to share them with others. As my account grew bigger with more followers, I committed myself to provide higher quality content. I strive to improve my skills and techniques each day through practice and through inspiration from other photographers. I pay more attention to the details that go into capturing the perfect photo, such as the lighting, the right angle, the surrounding, food styling, and many other factors.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing good is ever easy. There were a lot of struggles along the way. My biggest struggle is balancing my time between work, life, and Instagram. I have a full-time job with frequent travel that is quite stressful and makes it difficult for me to devote my time fully to Instagram. I also have to prioritize my time with important people in my life. My next struggle is competing with other food accounts. There was a temptation to take the shortcut route by using bots or buying followers and likes to grow, but I chose the organic route because my page is a representation of me. Growing organically can be slow, but it is rewarding to gain real followers and engagement.
My advice to others who are just starting out is to set a realistic goal and to work hard to achieve that goal. There will be conflict and drama along the way, but don’t let any of that get in the way. Don’t compare yourself to others, but focus on yourself and challenge yourself to improve each day. The number of likes or followers is not a reflection of you, but the actual content speaks a lot more.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
I run a food blog on Instagram that presents mostly food photos in Orange County and Los Angeles, with a little snapshot of my life. My content is a mix of food from businesses that I collaborate with as well as from my personal experiences. I find joy in taking pictures and helping local businesses promote their product. I specialize in food photography that focuses on the details and aesthetics of food.
I am proud of my improvement over the year. I take pride in my work and I am dedicated to capturing and posting only quality content. I am grateful for meeting many genuine people and making new friends, as well as the opportunity to trying out new food and experiences that I may not have had without my food page.
Who have you been inspired by?
I have been inspired by many people but my biggest inspirations are my mom and my former supervisor. What they have in common is that they both work hard for something they are passionate about. They are strong, confident, and always maintain a positive attitude no matter what obstacles are in their way. They are encouraging, supportive, approachable, and enjoyable to be around.
Contact Info:
- Email: eats.with.tina@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eats.with.tina
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/eatswithtina
- Other: eatswithtina.yelp.com
Image Credit:
@eats.with.tina
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