Andre Nguyen

Photographer and Southern California native, Andre Nguyen, has amounted over 147 thousands followers on his Instagram, @yourfriendandre, through his captivating and colorful photography. Photography wasn’t always his dream, but the older he grew, the more he realized his passion for art and photography. Mad Sounds had the opportunity to talk to Andre about the pursuit of his creative dreams as a photographer and his journey in achieving them. Read our interview to learn more about our friend, Andre!

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring SIERRA FURTADO @sierrafurtado

Hi Andre, thanks so much for chatting with us today! To start off, can you tell us about a typical day for Andre Nguyen?

A typical day in my life is very spontaneous. Normally, I wake up and start my day off at school but I have recently dropped my classes and am now pursuing photography full-time. Now, my days usually start off answering emails and messages. I usually try to have one or more shoots planned everyday in order to keep my social media content fresh and new and also fit in client shoots and brand deals.

How did first you get into photography? When did you first discover your passion for photography?

Photography initially started out as something fun that I would do with friends in order to capture memories when we’d go to fun places and eventually became something that I am now passionate about.

What are some challenges you’ve faced when it comes to photography?

Some challenges when it comes to photography is being taken serious as an artist and a creative. A lot of people underestimate the amount of time, effort and creativity that goes into a photographer’s work and it’s easy to feel undervalued, especially in a very competitive industry. It’s definitely also a challenge maintaining all my social medias, especially Instagram, as the platform continues to evolve and change.

How do you describe your style as an artist?

I would describe my photography style as vibrant and fun. I love bringing out people’s personalities in my photos and try to invoke certain emotions depending on the vibe of my photos.

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring SIERRA FURTADO @sierrafurtado

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring AUBREY DESTREMPS @aubreydestremps

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring MEREDITH FOSTER @meredithfoster

Who are some of your inspirations in the photography world?

It’s hard to pinpoint just a few inspirations because I’m inspired by so many different people from fellow photographers to models and other influencers/bloggers. If I follow someone on Instagram, it usually is a good indicator that they inspire me in some way.

When did you realize that photography was something you wanted to pursue long term?

When, I first started getting into photography a few years ago, it was always in the back of my mind but didn’t become a reality until recently when my social media began to grow and I started receiving more clients and recognition. As previously stated, I have recently dropped all my classes at school to pursue photography full-time.

What do you love the most about living in Southern California?

Southern California is such a beautiful place and I love the weather, the beaches, and most importantly, the people. I would not be able to thrive as an artist without the amazing people I have met and worked with in the past few years.

Does living in Southern California help your creativity and dreams?

Definitely!

Can you tell us some of your favorite go to places in Southern California?

I love Laguna Beach for the scenery and the beaches.

What are some of the biggest differences between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara?

Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are so different in many ways. LA definitely has the city vibe whereas SB has a more beach town feel to it. I love SB for the scenic beaches and mountains but I love the hustle and grind that is present within the city of LA.

I noticed you love pizza, Where is your go to pizza place in Southern California?

Dominos. Hands down.

What is the biggest misconception when it comes to being a photographer?

The biggest misconception when it comes to being a photographer, as briefly stated before, is that we are undervalued in today’s industry. People think that photographers just take pretty photos of pretty people but there is so much more that goes into the process, from answering emails, negotiation deals, location scouting, planning, and editing… the list goes on.

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring ADELAINE MORIN @adelainemorin

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring CHARLY JORDAN @charlyjordan10

In your mind, how do you continue to accomplish your dreams?

I believe that if you set your intentions on a positive path and tell yourself everyday that you’re going to kill it, you can manifest your dreams into a reality.

What is your dream job?

I’m pursuing photography full time now so I feel like I already have my dream job.

When you’re in a creative slump, what is something you do to get out of it?

When I’m in a creative slump I like to go through Instagram, Pinterest, or other platforms to draw artistic inspiration. I also like to also just grab a friend or model and do a spontaneous shoot and see what we can come up with on the spot. Creative slumps are inevitable but if you push yourself to create, and do shoots that you love, you are bound to create something you’ll be proud of.

Over the years, how have your dreams changed or are the same?

When I initially went to college, I wanted to be a physical therapist but that quickly changed after I discovered my love for being behind a camera.

What is your biggest advice for chasing your dreams?

Do what you love and do it often. Don’t let anyone, including your family and friends, stop you from pursuing what you love doing. Take risks and trust your instincts. If there’s a will then there’s a way.

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring AUBREY DESTREMPS @aubreydestremps

photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre featuring DEVIN JOOS @devinjoos

interview by JANET GARCIA @slimjaney photography by ANDRE NGUYEN @yourfriendandre