Meet Randy Bui

Today we’d like to introduce you to Randy Bui.

Randy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started to show interest in photography during my last two years of high school. I started taking digital photography as an elective and ever since then I’ve always show interest with taking pictures. My photography teacher at that time would always compliment how my pictures show a lot of emotion and tells a story. I remember when my parents got me my first ever camera, which was a Samsung Point and Shoot, and I was so excited to use it. I used that to take pictures everywhere I go and literally the amount of pictures would not be enough for my 8GB SD card back then! My sister and friends would sometimes be my “model” but I never really publicize my works until I open my Instagram account. Instagram was where I started posting my photos and I would sometimes get compliments like “Randy, your photos are awesome.” I was looking for more improvement so I started applying filters to my photos and keeping a consistence theme on my Instagram. I later upgraded to a Canon EOS Rebel T5 and started taking a lot of nature photography and would sometimes walk around downtown Phoenix and shoot whatever was interesting. Fast forward to today, I shoot with a Canon 77D and my go to lens are my 50MM prime lens and the 24MM wide angle lens.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Many obstacles did slowly arise. I graduated high school and I really wanted to major in photography but my parents was not supportive of that decision at all. I started taking general classes to get by college but my love for photography would not stop. I met a friend who was also very interested in taking photos and I started shooting with him. We would take photos of each other or anything that is interesting. We wanted to explore outside of Arizona so we would sell clothes that we don’t wear anymore and work part-time to have money and explore other places like California to expand our photography skills. Although I did not get to major in photography like what I wanted to, I continue to take pictures until today and on my days off from work, I would drive around the city and use my wife as a model to take pictures anywhere that caught my eyes. Photography and art can be created with anything. I’ve seen people taking amazing photos with just their phone. If you a positive mindset anything is possible.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Recently, I’ve been really into portrait and nature photography. I just actually graduated with my Bachelors in Social Work. It has nothing to do with photography but my job allows me to meet new faces everyday. My coworkers would follow my Instagram account and I get very nice compliments on the photos I take. Since I don’t own a brand or have a specialty skill, I am mostly proud that I did not give up and was able to get out of my comfort zone.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I want to give a shout out to my wife, family, and friends who let me use them as models. I appreciate them for sticking out with me. Sometimes I’m out shooting and I want to try something new with my camera they are so patient with me. All my works can be view on my Instagram @randybuiphoto.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/randybuiphoto

Image Credit:
All pictures are use with Lightroom and VSCO A6 filter taken with Canon 77D camera.

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.