Meet Bryant Vu | Photographer

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

Hi Bryant, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When I reflect on risk, my thoughts gravitate toward my parents—brave souls who risked everything to immigrate to the United States during the Vietnam War, driven by the hope of a brighter future for my elder brother and me. Our Vietnamese heritage is a cornerstone within my social circle. While my viewpoints often differ from my parents’, particularly on about 70% of their advice, I’ve always admired them, especially my father. He served as a paratrooper in the South Vietnamese army, dedicating himself to defending his beloved homeland. The stories my father shared about risking everything for his convictions left a profound impact on me. They inspired me to leave my retail job and pursue a career in photography. Although the journey I embarked on was fraught with uncertainties and challenges, I treasure the lessons learned from those experiences. Without embracing risks and persevering through adversity, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to meet exceptional models, mentors, and friends who have greatly enriched my life’s journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One aspect of my photography journey that fills me with pride is the progress I’ve made. It all began with capturing images of a crush I admired. As I delved deeper, I discovered a profound love for photography, leading me to enroll in courses at a local community college. There, I not only honed my skills but also connected with fellow photographers, which eventually led me to work with models.

Transitioning from personal projects to professional endeavors wasn’t easy. Initially, I faced rejection and silence, which took a toll on me, especially considering the challenges I was already dealing with, such as depression. Despite these setbacks, I persevered, focusing on fashion and editorial photography, my niche.

Throughout this journey, I’ve embraced a crucial lesson: resilience. Remembering the words of my childhood hero, John Cena, “Never give up,” has been my guiding light.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles and Los Angeles County boast some of the best Asian cuisines in the city, and if you’re looking for recommendations, Summer Rolls in Rosemead is a must-visit. They have two locations, one on Rosemead and Mission and the other on Rosemead and Las Tunas, but I suggest opting for the original spot on Rosemead and Mission for that authentic taste. I’ve been going there with my parents since it opened in the late 1990s, and the nostalgia and flavor have stayed consistent over the years.

Another gem I’d recommend is Kazunori in Los Angeles near Little Tokyo. While it may be on the pricier side, the quality of their sushi rolls is exceptional. Every bite takes me back to Japan, especially when paired with their subtle and authentic wasabi, which I believe is imported from Japan.

For Thai food lovers, Pa Ord Noodle on Sunset Ave in Los Angeles is a must-try. Their Tom Yum with egg noodles at a mild spice level is my go-to, and it’s as close to authentic Thai cuisine as you can get outside of Thailand. Just a word of caution: Thai spicy is no joke, so stick to mild unless you’re ready for a serious kick!

As a bonus recommendation outside of Asian cuisine, La Azteca in East LA is a hidden gem known for its Chile Relleno with Asada Burrito. Even after years, I still remember the unforgettable taste of their dishes.

Lastly, if you’re visiting from out of town and love Disney, Disneyland in Anaheim is a must-visit. It’s the original Disneyland overseen by Walt Disney himself, and the magic of the park is truly special. Many of the attractions you’ll see there have inspired other Disney parks worldwide.

Overall, Los Angeles offers a diverse culinary experience that’s not to be missed, whether you’re craving Asian flavors or exploring local favorites.

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?
Big shoutouts to my incredible friends David, Chris, Tony, and Robert! They’ve been by my side on every photo shoot, and I couldn’t have made it without their support. I also want to pay tribute to my late grandma; her unwavering strength has shaped me in ways I can’t fully express. And a special thanks to the amazing professors at East LA College, especially Mike Tasi and Kathy Russell. Their guidance and mentorship have been pivotal in my photography journey, keeping my passion alive to this day.

Website: https://bryantvu.net/

Instagram: Panda.kr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryant-vu-3154a16b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bryantvukr/

Image Credits
special thanks too Jayden, Jocelyn, Lex, and Leah