Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Nguyen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rebecca. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a little complicated. I didn’t find something I was interested in and turned it into a passion. I realized I had this complex amount of creative anxiety that I really needed to address in order to become a happier version of myself. So I started to look for outlets to funnel that anxiety into which led me to photography. Originally I had done a lot of painting, drawing and fashion design, but the interest in those died down due to the lack of a designated space to create works of art. Photography didn’t require anything but digital space and time.
First I photographed motorsports such as Global Rallycross, Formula Drift, NASCAR, a few local track days and automotive events like SEMA. I spent about 5 years shooting cars before I decided to step out in front of the camera. It was honestly by accident. A friend of mine had picked up a camera and we used to wander around town taking photographs of each other and our environment. The more I stood in front of the camera I noticed that my self confidence in my physical looks started to grow, but who was I to think I could call myself a model? Well I decided in order to find out I should work with professionals and see what it would be like and would take in order for me to take it to the next level.
One day I booked a hair and makeup artist: Stevie Rosalie who a fashion photographer friend of mine suggested, to get me ready for a studio session with Jim Hesterman. These two people I would say were the biggest influencers of my modeling career. Stevie Rosalie with her expertise and supporting advice as a fellow model as well gave me confidence leading into the shoot while Jim Hesterman coached me through my first legitimate photo shoot.
It wasn’t until years later did I finally start up a designated space for my modeling content which became known as RHN Model. Since then I’ve worked with well over 100 photographers from all levels of experience and have expanded my portfolio quite a bit. I’ve been published online and in print a few times for modeling and plenty of times online for my photography. While expanding my modeling portfolio I also expanded my photography into product, new born, maternity, engagement, wedding and portrait photography. I’ve also moved into video/film and have produced a few product videos and interviews with local motorsports athletes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I always tell everyone who asks that I have always taken the hardest path I could. Was it a healthy choice? Not really, and I’m getting better at choosing the right time to take that rough path. But the majority of the road that lead me here has been filled with challenges, struggles and self-development. The number one struggle I had was with my anxiety from being too hard on myself. Constantly telling myself that I could have done better slowly started killing my morale without my realizing it. The second I noticed it however I made myself improve on celebrating the victories little or large no matter what. Another struggle was time management and I still struggle to this day.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about RHN Model – what should we know?
Well, that’s hard to say. So I’m a model, photographer, videographer and a marketing specialist. My day job I am a Marketing Coordinator for an automotive related company in Arizona. RHN Model encompasses my modeling side while RHN Media is my photography/video side. For modeling I’m best known for my variety and creativity. I never shoot in the same thing and always make sure to do things differently every shoot so that not only I, but the photographer also shoots something unique. On the photography side I’m known for my motorsports photography and aggressive panning shots.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I definitely have had a great number of amazing people influence me over the years. Currently, Alyssa Pakes (Pakes Photography) has been a huge inspiration as a photographer and just as an overall awesome human being. My boyfriend Stan Guintchev is a huge contributing factor in my success thanks to his continued support and patience. He’s always there when I have an anxiety attacks and always supports me where he can.
Contact Info:
- Website: RHNmodel.com
- Email: rebecca@RHNmodel.com
- Instagram: RHNmodel
- Facebook: RHNmodel
Image Credit:
Pakes Photography
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