Meet Hunter Pham of Greensboro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Pham.

Hi Hunter, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
While both my mother and father were visual artists, leading me to be raised in a very creative household, it was my mother who pursued her talent in both fine art and portrait photography. My mother was a photographer and graphic designer who did a lot of freelance work in addition to working full-time for our local newspaper and, years later, M.J. Soffe. I spent much time with my mom on these freelance jobs. I would go with her to these shoots, carrying her bags, lighting equipment, and spare batteries and ensuring she filled her water cup before we left the house. It wasn’t until I was in high school that she became more interested in editorial portrait photography and used that to express her love for vintage fashion as she experimented with natural and studio lighting. I became her subject for many of her ideas, spending much time in front of the camera.

In my first year of college, she gave me her old camera. It was a Nikon D3200, pictured in my self-portrait above. Along with this body, she gave me her 18-55mm lens to start with. I took it back to campus and began taking pictures of my friends lying on the lawn and having fun. The fun didn’t last long. Shortly after my mother gave me my first camera, Covid-19 forced everyone off campus and back home. Two weeks later, my mother passed away very unexpectedly. Her camera bag with all the bodies and lenses she had worked so hard to earn remained untouched for weeks. Finally, I decided to resurface her cameras and resume my learning from where I had left off. I started photographing my little sister and my cats and taking some self-portraits. In the spring of 2021, I started taking photos professionally and continued to pursue my education in graphic design while also studying photography at UNC Greensboro.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
It most certainly has not been a smooth road. While I did spend a lot of time with my mother, I only became interested in photography myself shortly before she passed away. This meant that I spent much of my quarantine teaching myself with youtube videos and trial and error. While I did learn a lot, it wasn’t the most efficient way of taking high-quality photos. I remember being at sessions and thinking, “Oh my god. They’re paying me for this and I have no idea how I will pull this off.” This, of course, was when I first started. I took Digital Photography I and II this past school year with Lindsay Metivier. Lindsay is a photographer based out of Carrboro, NC. Lindsay opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of photography and showed me a much more efficient editing process. She taught me things about my camera that I didn’t even know existed. If you ever have the time to visit Peel Gallery, please do.

One of the hardest challenges I’ve faced is wanting to show my progress to my mother. There are days when I’m editing photos, and I start crying because of how proud I am of my work and how badly I wish I could show it to her. Thankfully, Lindsay, my friends and family, and my mother’s best friend, Rachael Santillan (also a photographer), have provided a listening ear and much support regarding my work. Because of them, I am much more knowledgeable, confident, and proud of my work.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a lifestyle and editorial portrait photographer. I also dabble in some fine arts photography when I travel. I hope to gain more experience in fashion and editorial photography. Still, my portfolio includes lifestyle photography, such as senior portraits, wedding photos, engagement photos, families, couples, etc. I’m most proud of my ability to capture a moment people can cherish forever. I feel as if my photos not only capture a smile or a pose but a feeling. I always aim to portray the love and light shared between people that we can’t always put into words. The goal is to encapsulate all of those little quirks that come with interpersonal relationships.

I am most proud of my ability to show people how they deserve to be seen. Many people shy away from doing a session because they believe they’re not photogenic. It’s always so fulfilling to share the final product with my clients and watch their eyes light up as they see how beautiful and stunning they are.

Something that sets me apart from others is that I am very comfortable photographing a wide variety of people. I have seen many photographers who seem as if they only photograph people who fit the common beauty standard. Looking at my portfolio, you will see people of different races, face shapes, body sizes, etc. I want people to know that there is no one particular way to be beautiful and that my business is a safe space for everyone; all are welcome.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My biggest advice for starting with photography is to TAKE PHOTOS! I know cameras are expensive, making photography quite the commitment, but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t take photos with your phone. Art is about making what you can with what you have, so don’t be intimidated by those camera prices. Use your phone or whatever camera is available to you, and photograph everything, whether it be shadows, plants, landscapes, portraits, or windows. Whatever you can think of, capture it. The first step is discovering what interests you. If you develop a passion for it, invest in a new or used camera. Once you get your camera, ALWAYS shoot in manual and make sure you are taking RAW photos, never JPEG. This will allow you to have more creative control over your photos and also force you to learn the features of your camera.

Pricing:

• Headshots (Starting at $150)
• Editorial & Solo Sessions (Starting at $300)
• Couple’s Session (Starting at $350)
• Micro Weddings & Elopements (Starting at $800)
• Family Portraits (Starting at $400)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hjphamstudios.com/
• Instagram: @hjpham_studios and @_jxde.main_