Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Huynh.
Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
To be honest, photography/videography was never an intended career path for me. For the longest time, I was adamant about pursuing a career in logistics. I was so committed to that goal, that I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management from the University of Tennessee in 2018.
In retrospect, my story began in 2015 right after Christmas when my aunt, unexpectedly, gifted me a camera. Soon after that, she took me on my introductory session at Victor Ashe Park. It was a cold, rainy day and I was really overwhelmed by it all. I did not enjoy that experience nor was I sold on photography, to say the least.
Yet, things began to change once I decided to combine my hobby, at the time, of shoe collecting with photography. My best friend, Nathaniel Shine, and I would go all around Knoxville doing streetwear and shoe photography. All though this is a very niche area within photography, it had a very big following on Instagram at the time.
The next major turning point for me came in May of 2017. I had the opportunity to take prom pictures for my dear friends Nathaniel and Haley Shine. This was my first official portraits session and I was extremely nervous, but it definitely helped since it was with them. I truly owe them a great debt of gratitude.
They have supported me from the beginning and have always pushed me even when I would doubt myself. With many more photo sessions and the support of my friends and family, I am where I am now. I still have a lot to learn and I am excited about the future!
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?
I can wholeheartedly say, it was not a smooth journey. Where do I even start? Well, from the beginning, I never wanted to turn this into a job because I was afraid it would cause me to lose the joy I got from it as my creative outlet. For the longest time, I would do photoshoots for free.
I am now just becoming comfortable with starting the process of making this an official business and charging for my work. It was just a deep core belief I had. This was by far the biggest obstacle I had to overcome. Although I do not regret that season I went through. I believe it helped grow my passion for photography and fueled my desire to get better. Not to mention, the bouts of doubt and fear that come and go.
Comparison is an easy way to lose passion for something. A current obstacle for me is trying to navigate the process of making this an official business. Anybody that has started their own business knows what I mean. There is just a lot more to it than you would initially expect. There is just a lot of legal aspects to understand and meet.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
There is nothing special about me. I’m just a guy that loves taking photos. I would rather be known for being a guy that loves Jesus and loves His people.
I believe God gives each of us gifts and talents that allow us to love on people, build relationships, and bring Him glory. I believe He blessed me with photography so I could have more opportunities to build relationships with people in our community.
I specialize in lifestyle photography so I have the blessing of working with clients of all ages and all walks in life. Serving others through photography is why I do it.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory has to be my biggest blunder during a baseball game in 5th grade. So during a really tight game, a line drive was hit into the outfield down the baseline.
I ran to pick up the ball, and I knew there was something wrong the moment I picked it up. I promise you when I say something slimy was on that ball. Yet, none of my friends ever believed me. So, as I go to make the throw, that ball launches about ten feet in the opposite direction. That ball slipped right out of my hands.
I was laughing so hard from knowing how unathletic and dumb that was, that my teammate had to sprint over from left field to bail me out. I think everyone at the ballpark had a good laugh that day. I will say, I did make up for my mistake with a 2-run double in the following inning.
Contact Info:
- Email: andrewhuynh_photos@yahoo.com
- Website: https://andrewhuynh.smugmug.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewhuynh_photography/
