Meet Dylan Pham | Photographer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dylan Pham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I see images as a powerful medium for storytelling, and this realization paved the way for my photography business: dphamphotography. As a photographer, my mission is to capture endless smiles and memories that people can cherish as they look back on their lives. My passion for photography ignited at the age of 12 when my uncle entrusted me with what seemed like a giant DSLR camera. I was in awe as I wrapped my hands around its sturdy frame. Since then, my journey has led me to offer various services, from couple portraits to graduation photos to helping other young entrepreneurs, providing not only a fun and relaxing experience but also creating images that allow my clients to share their stories with future generations.

My path took a new turn when I entered college at The University of Southern California, where I discovered that my particular skill set could be of service to others. In April 2023, a couple of my senior friends approached me, aware of my photography background as a Historian for various club organizations, and asked if I could capture their graduation photos. It became apparent to me that many people aren’t used to having their pictures taken in a professional manner, prompting me to ensure that my sessions are as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Through informative emails with wardrobe recommendations and taking the time to get to know my clients on a personal level, I strive to turn any initial anxiety into genuine smiles during our shoots.

When considering how to market my business, I aimed for a simple and organic approach. I wanted my platform to be relatable, which is why I maintain a style of simple editing and clean aesthetics in many of my photos. My website also embodies this philosophy and has become a popular means for new clients to connect with me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am incredibly excited about the future growth of my business. Conducting 25 shoots within the first 4 months of starting my venture fills me with pride. I even had the honor of having one of my photos featured on the front of UCI’s Instagram page. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to work with graduating seniors from schools across socal such as USC, Chapman, UCLA, and UCI. Over the past months, I’ve been shifting my focus from graduation photos to helping new entrepreneurs with their start-up businesses. Photos play a pivotal role in today’s age as marking and media are more mainstream than ever. My hope is that my images help to increase other people’s reach and bottom line.

Interestingly, much of my professional development can be attributed to my previous job as an Ocean Lifeguard for the City of Huntington Beach. This experience not only honed my interpersonal communication skills but also taught me the importance of being respectful in an effective manner. The way I conduct my business and interact with clients is greatly influenced by my lifeguarding background. For me, professionalism came naturally as I always put myself on the receiving end and asked, “is this how I would like to be served?” Leading by example is important to me, and I always ensure that I wouldn’t ask my clients to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. For instance, to make my clients feel comfortable during sessions, I like to model the pose myself.

By drawing from these experiences, I have developed a strong sense of professionalism that goes beyond just photography. Building meaningful connections with clients and creating a comfortable environment during shoots are vital aspects of my approach to running my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re in OC definitely check out Seaside Donuts Bakery in Newport Beach! They have the best iced green Thai tea and jalapeño ham and cheese croissant. Go there after 6 pm since parking is free :). I would also grab a burger at Shake Shack in Crystal Cove and enjoy the beautiful ocean-side views. If you are looking for some adventure, there are so many spectacular hikes in Crystal Cove so definitely check out All Trails for those.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my photography journey. Your encouragement has been the driving force behind my growth and success, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without your belief in me. A special shout-out goes to my mom and dad, whose constant support and investment in my passion for photography have been invaluable. Their belief in my vision has given me the strength to pursue this path with determination and dedication. I also want to extend a huge thank you to my friend Robin, who played a pivotal role in catalyzing my photography journey. Last but not least, I am grateful to my fellow photographer, Vincent Dang, who mentored me along the way. His wisdom and expertise have been a guiding light, and I am thankful for the knowledge and insights he has shared.

Website: https://dphamphotographyy.wixsite.com/my-site

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dphamphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-pham-1b0a77225/