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

Hi Linda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was that I didn’t want to work in an office job, stuck inside a building for the rest of my life. I wanted to live a life where I can focus on my growth and gain financial freedom so that I can eventually travel and do whatever I want. I’ve always loved photography and tried to pursue it as a career right out of high school, but it didn’t happen because I let the negative criticism and thoughts affect my decision and moved forward with getting a degree in business administration instead because it seemed like the right choice at the time given that I didn’t know what else I wanted to major in.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My business/name is mmphotos by Linda Tran and I am an event and lifestyle photographer. ‘mm’ stands for making memories because I love capturing those candid moments that evokes emotions. Its also a play on words for ‘millimeter’ for the lens sizes we use! I thought I’d try and be clever with my business name! My editing style is cute, vibrant, natural and sometimes dramatic. I can’t say what sets me apart from other event and lifestyle photographers other than just being me because I understand that photography is very subjective. I support all other photographers by helping them shoot whenever they need another photographer!

It was not easy getting to where I am today professionally and it is still not easy. I am only into my second year as a full time photographer, so there is still a lot of work to do in improving my business and myself. One of the biggest challenges I had to go through was changing from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial mindset. I started watching a lot of YouTube videos on how to help me work towards not only building a solid foundation for my business, but also for my life. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned was the power of habit. We live our lives having conscious and subconscious habits and until we recognize which habits we do are good and bad for us, thats when we can actually start to change. I am still working to improve myself with this challenge, but as long as I continue to learn and grow, my photography business will also grow.

If there is anything I want the world to know about me, its that I love to help others, especially when it comes to making memories! I find joy and inspiration in making memories for other people because it widens my experience to other people’s happiness. I do feel like my purpose in life is to capture the love, happiness, smiles, laughter, even funny, crazy and sad moments for others to be able to recreate that day through photos that I hope will evoke emotions felt that day!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friends know I love hiking with a view, especially with a nice sunrise or sunset, so I would definitely take them on a hike! Some of the best hikes with a view would be in Laguna Beach or in Malibu! Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach and Los Leones in Malibu are a couple great hikes with a view to name a few!

I’m not much of a foodie, but I absolutely love trying new food! OC Lau in Orange County is probably one of my favorite seafood spot to eat! Parks BBQ in KTown might be one of my favorite kbqq spot (anything with marbled meat, really! Yum!) Howling Rays is still by far my top Nashville style chicken sandwiches. If I had a favorite sushi spot I would name it but I actually don’t, as long as the fish is fresh! I usually let others pick a food spot as I don’t get picky with where to eat and I can be indecisive, haha! I hardly say no to a place recommendation!

I love going to art exhibits and sightseeing on my spare time, or anything cat or even animal related, haha! As for the night life, I do love to dance! Music leaning more towards the house/edm scene is what I enjoy dancing too, but I also love dancing to hip-hop/pop/r&b as well! I don’t have a favorite bar or venue, as long as there is room to dance, I’m all for it! I also love going to concerts when a favorite artist is in town! That is where you will find me singing my heart out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a major shoutout to all my past, present and future clients for trusting me in making memories for them as I continuously grow my photography skillset! Without you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love, which is to make memories for you! I would also love to give a shoutout to those that supported me since day one! You know who you are! <3

Website: www.mmphotosbylindatran.com

Instagram: mmphotosbylindatran

Other: mmphotosbylindatran@gmail.com

Image Credits
all photographed by me.

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