Meet Christian Vu | Point of Vu Photography Owner and Photographer

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

Hi Christian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I work in medical device sales, and did my college and masters degree in engineering. It wasn’t until I hit my late 20’s that I realized I had no creative outlet, so I decided that I wanted to try photography. I was mentored on how to take very basic photos, and do simple edits and I would use that knowledge and skill to play around with a camera I bought from Costco, and take photos of my friends.

That hobby evolved into a business when I took photos of a local fitness trainer, and at the end of the shoot he asked me how much he owed me. That trainer has since went on to become my best friend and featured male model on my page and portfolio. I always tell people if it wasn’t for him asking a very simple question and telling me to believe in my worth and abilities, I wouldn’t have the business that I have today. From there I have spun off from taking photos of anything, to being more selective in a niche that most do not do, which is fitness and adventure photography, while still dabbling here and there with engagements and senior portraits (have to be well rounded and keep up the skills!). It never once crossed my mind that my hobby would have the ability to evolve into the business that it is today, but I am so thankful that it did.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other photographers, is that I studied Biomedical Engineering and Biomechanics, so movement and the human body to me, while art, is also very methodical. Everything has to move with purpose and even if model’s body looks awkward from one angle, a shift in perspective and field of vision can make all the difference. I pair that to my knowledge of watching fashion and modeling reality tv shows as a kid so I get both the art and calculative aspects of my brain working together. I usually work with clients and models who have never been in front of a camera before but I pride myself on my ability to have my models feel comfortable and make my models, who are usually on the more athletic side and not your typical “model” aesthetic , look and feel like they belong on a magazine cover.

For me, to start my business was easy, because every one needs photos, for whatever occasion. The hard part was finding my niche to keep me excited and set me apart from the big world of photography where anyone who has a camera can call themself a photographer. I ended up reaching out to local gyms saying that I would take photos of their trainers for marketing. Pretty soon, all the members of the gym would see me photographing trainers, but more importantly the clients (those who don’t always have a perfect body or self confidence) and that would inspire the members to inquire about my photography services.

It has been a grind that is for sure, and of course I have days where I feel like I can and could do more but then I sit and reflect that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and I count my blessings that I have achieved so much with what little time I’ve had my business and that I can only go up from here!

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 would love to thank my parents who gave me my first camera from Costco, with all of us not knowing where this journey would end up. I would also love to thank Jeff, the one who asked the question “how much do I owe you?” that started it all, and to all my friends who have used me as their photographer for important moments of their lives without ever once asking for a discount or free session because they support my craft and business. All of you are the ones who helped me get to where I am today!

Website: pointofvuphotography.com

Instagram: @pointofvuphotography

Facebook: Point of Vu Photography

Image Credits
All images are done and owned by Point of Vu Photography / Christian Vu