Today we’d like to introduce you to My Bui.
My, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is My (it’s Vietnamese for Brave).
I’m a Vietnamese-American born in Vietnam whose family migrated to the states when I was two. Both of my parents were born during the Vietnam war, and the fall of Saigon brought them to this country. (My mom could literally write a book, I scream at her to do it all the time.)
I’m one of (4) sisters, second oldest. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot as my parents were navigating this foreign country, but this allowed me to be able to make something out of nothing. I didn’t have a lot, but my imagination was huge! I love non-fiction, and escaping real world through books was (still is) my safe place.
Regarding how I started doing photography. I don’t know if I have an extravagant story. I just knew we needed family pictures for our Christmas card, during a pandemic. I was determined to make it look decent so I taught myself manual mode. That changed the game for me. I’ve always loved taking pictures, but learning how to edit and use my camera properly, made all the difference. I always enjoyed making everything around me beautiful and creating ambiance. Ask my husband, he teases me about it all the time. If it were up to him, we would have lawn chairs for furniture.
Jokes aside, inspiration comes from my mom, who is a licensed cosmetologist. I believe it allowed me to view the world through the lens of beauty because I grew up seeing her making everything and everyone feel beautiful.
Storytelling photography kind of just fell into my realm of familiarity. Allowing me to escape reality, and being able to tell yours is my passion, even if I didn’t know it at first.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think we are all our own worst critic, and sometimes the voices inside get very heavy and prevent us from being our truest self. Telling us we’re not enough, telling us to compare ourselves. I think that is the hardest part for me. For a long time, I didn’t want to show the world who I really was, being scared I wouldn’t be accepted. I think a lot of it stems from the culture within the four walls of my childhood home to then experiencing life outside of those four walls. Having to switch back and forth and adapting to life in America, but I am turning 30 next month, and I plan to move forward with life deserving of all good things. Creating even if only for myself. Living in my truest form and allowing myself to take space.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a photographer based in Austin, TX. I started my photography business January, 2021. I specialize in capturing families + couples through imagery inspired by art, and real moments valuing all the in between. Moments that are forgotten. I am most proud of the connections I’ve built, and the memories I get to create. I think what sets me apart from others is that when you are booking me, you are booking a friend. You are booking someone who is genuinely curious about you as a person and human outside of our “business – client” relationship. I want to push people to be entirely themselves, taking space, and not letting anyone dim your light.
What matters most to you? Why?
My family matters the most to me. In all things, they come to my mind, first and foremost. I am a mother of two, and didn’t know I wanted to be a mom until I met my children. I understand my purpose now through the eyes of little people.
As cheesy as it might sound, the small things in life are what matters to me.
Pricing:
- Family sessions start at $400
Contact Info:
- Email: takespacephotography@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/takespacephotography
- Facebook: takespacephotography
