Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Nguyen.
Hi Joseph, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I arrived in Austin in late 2016 as one of many transplants that visited and fell in love with Austin. For me, it was also a way to start over and refocus a lot of my energy. What a lot of people don’t know about me is that main occupation for most of my adult life was not in anything creative per-say. I am a healthcare professional and continue to work in the field to a certain degree, despite my occupation change to photographer/filmmaker.
My story is one that should resonate with a lot of individuals that may feel trapped in their current jobs, wishing they had gone another route that reflected their true interests. I had a ten years career in healthcare before ever picking up a camera. Healthcare was rewarding work for the most part and gave me a lot of my profession experience, but the moment I bought a camera it all changed…
In 2018 I purchased a modestly priced used interchangeable lens Sony camera and the rest is history. All of the years of dormant creativity bursted out. I couldn’t stop taking photos or videos. I didn’t care so much where it took, as I did with my career, just that I could do more of it and learn more about it. Fast-forward 3.5 years later, my work is appreciated by thousands and I have worked for major local and international brands seeking to access my creativity to be a part of their advertising.
It’s honestly been wild and I credit my move to Austin and the local creative scene for reminding how important it is that we express ourselves. It sounds so cliche, I know. I also feel like there is value in slow and steady growth, rather than society’s message of always going “all in”. By continuing my healthcare job for a few years, I was able to not worry about money when it came to taking work. This opened so many doors for me to do things I cared about simply because I cared.
My goals remain the same as three years ago, even as the pandemic has largely pushed me to slowly let go of healthcare. I want to create things that evoke emotions in people. I want to learn new ways of telling stories that make people connect with each other more. Because, well, it’s never too late…
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I recall being discouraged from pursuing a career in anything artistic as a child and into my teens. Being born to immigrant parents, the mentality they sought to instill in their children was one centered around practicality and education. So, although my fondest memories were taking photos and drawing, I placed creativity on the back burner for over a decade.
It was at the age of 33 that I rediscovered my love for photography, which led in to filmmaking. I dusted off all of the previous lessons in technical film photography and went about rekindling a flame that, I believe, I will keep lit forever.
As for some of my recent struggles. My work with patients in the hospital during the pandemic took a major toll on my psyche. I was unable to create or even focus on anything other than just making it through my shifts. It accelerated my shift towards doing more work in photo and video. It has been going very well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The work for which most people know me for is my travel photography. I have always had a desire to experience new cultures, connect with people and see new places. It is something that both keeps me grounded and expands my perception of what it is to be human on this planet. My photos and videos are largely a reflection of those experiences. They are a true representation of what I am feeling and what I enjoy.
And, if you follow my Instagram stories, you will see a great diversity of interests. Everything from motorsports travels to pop culture, I share what’s on my mind. I won’t say that I do not keep others in mind when I work, but it’s mostly because I wanted to do whatever it is that I did. This mindset seems to really connect with people. I know that following specific rules may allow for more social media growth, but for me, it wouldn’t be genuine to not post things that interest me just because it will get fewer likes.
Any big plans?
I want to create things that evoke emotion. I want to connect people with something that I am feeling. Whether that leads me to do feature-length films/documentaries or I just continue along this path as a freelancer, I don’t know. All I know is, I’m loving the journey.
Contact Info:
- Email: joewin.co@gmail.com
- Website: www.visualwash.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/joe.nwin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtGe1DuvH2t2iYFYs64Zmlg
