Today we’d like to introduce you to John Khuu.
John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Interestingly enough, a big chapter of my life came to a close and photography started to unfold. She and many others always said I had a good eye and that I should put it to use. In college, I majored in information sciences and technology for design and development. I’m a nerd for sure but always up to something wild on the creative side of things. My best friend Brittany Julious kick-started my photography career.
Honestly, if it wasn’t for her giving me the chance to be her photographer for a project, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. She connected with me with so many people from her circles which then became my circle and so on. I’m really thankful for her giving me that chance and supporting me along the way.
I was NOT good at editing at first but now I’m a lot better. I only got better by challenging myself and putting myself out there. I’m very extroverted and talk to strangers all the time with no problem but it’s still nerve-wracking. I met so many talented and interesting people just sitting at the bar at some restaurant just eating/drinking. There’s something about sitting at the bar by yourself and talk about whatever to whoever’s around you. They come and go, a new conversation. A lot of my connections developed from that route.
I never went to school or taken a class on photography. There’s still a lot to learn and I’m not the best at it. I know for sure that I’m not. There’s always room for improvement and with the right attitude, it will take me places. It’s been working so far. I just got to keep going.
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?
Yes / No – being a freelance photographer can be very volatile. Definitely has its ups and downs and it happens frequently. When it’s going my way, hell yeah. When it’s not, yeah nope. I have a full-time job at a digital agency doing functional & UX work. This is a side hustle that can eventually become a bigger thing someday. When? I honestly don’t know yet.
Sometimes it’s all great, people need photos. It feels good inside that someone is looking at you to capture something special because you have a combination of personality flair, a unique eye or knack for a particular style. Then sometimes it can be so depressing and nothing ever comes through. Chicago is a very competitive market and there’s a lot of great photographer’s who are also good friends that do it full time. I don’t and I respect those who do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with John Khuu – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am Chicago based photographer specializing in portraiture, weddings, travel, and food & drink photography. I started as a food and event style shoots and I got tired of that. I’ve been getting myself into the wedding and portraiture side of things lately and people are starting to see my unique take of portraiture – lots of colors, bright harsh lighting, etc. On the flipside of things, very sultry and seductive in-home style shoots.
Friends tell me that they like my candid “in the moment” style and it’s very distinct compared to others. It apparently stands out from the typical photos they see on social media.
The thing I’m most proud about is the variety of people giving me a chance to work with them. This ranges from designers, models, friends & families, food, drink, etc. I can’t isolate myself to be that guy who does “x” really well. I don’t ever want to miss an opportunity. I want to try it all.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Yeah, it’s a big change up from what I’ve been doing! I’m slowly moving to the wedding, model, people/portraiture realm. The whole candid and people in their element or in the moment style kind of goes hand-in-hand of what I’m aiming for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnkhuu.com/
- Email: john@johnkhuu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john.khuu/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnkhuuphotography
Image Credit:
John Khuu ©
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