Meet Trailblazer Mi Pham

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

Mi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a kid, I remember always being drawn to photographs of people and places. I think I was mesmerized by the moments captured and always imagined what was happening in the photo. When my sister had her first seizure at the age of 5, I remember the look on her face. Her skin was pale, her lips were cracked, and she just laid there with this blank stare as I held her hand. I was six years old at the time; but in a way it was captured like another photo in my mind. A moment I would treasure forever.

I grew up with a disabled sister with Angelman Syndrome. I guess you can say hospitals became a second home growing up. My parents did whatever they could to provide a safe, happy, and comfortable environment for my sister and I. When my sister was 11, she overdosed on morphine after her foot surgery. Thankfully she was brought back to life. My sister can’t talk or walk, so no one knew she would overdose. Every day is a blessing she is still alive. I guess you can say; my story began when I turned 15. I watched my best friend die in a car accident with a drunk driver. It was that summer, I held her in my arms as I watched and screamed for someone to call for help. She died that night. I have dealt with mental illness most of my life and I guess because of that; photography became an outlet for me.

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?
Like most things, there comes struggles. There is always a stigma attached to the sayings, “I am depressed.” “I have anxiety.” and “I am not good enough.” What most don’t know is that depression is REAL. It is so much more than just getting over it; because it is your life and how you choose to live it. A lot of my battles comes from inside. I feel like with social media, it is easy to compare yourself to others. My inner dialogue became negative and with that in itself became my worst enemy and limitation when it came to my own photography. I remember telling myself I needed breaks; but the truth is I didn’t feel like I was good enough.

My advice to other young women or to anyone really….be kind to yourself. Ask yourself what your purpose is. Put in the work and expect imperfection because by the end of the day it is about YOU and the work you choose to let the world see. Live your life with intention. Practice on growing your craft, surround yourself around those who will lift you up, and most importantly HAVE FUN!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
People are always surprised when I tell them photography is merely just a creative outlet for me. My main passion lies with children and mental health. I recently got hired to work at Children’s Hospital Colorado and I only hope I can advocate for these kids. My goal is to inspire those to continue living life in the NOW and to be a friend/healthcare professional to those who need it.

I want to continue to grow my photography and make genuine connections with other creatives. I hope my photography somehow portrays a story to my audience. I am proud of the fact I can do all these things and still be able to stay true to myself.

I think what sets me apart from other photographers is my mental health background. I believe I am able to connect with my models on an authentic level. I believe I bring skills in terms of vision, direction, and editing. To do this, I believe in the collaboration process and being able to cultivate it into something more than just a fashion or lifestyle photo; but a memorable moment in which is meant to be captured forever.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I believe regardless of gender and sexual orientation; if you have a vision or goal only YOU can make it happen. I realized we live in a society solely based on social media and technology. Social media can paint a perfect life and sometimes paint a picture of what you; yourself believe you should be. But I truly believe the opportunities are presented to those who genuinely work hard. Working hard is never easy because there comes other factors such as; Are you good enough? Am I pretty enough? Smart enough? Special and talented enough?

The truth is: you are enough. No matter what you feel you should be, You have control. My mom always told me “Don’t ever let anyone make you feel small, because you can do it too.”

Contact Info:

• Email: portsbymi@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shotby_mi/

Image Credit:
All images are my work – Mi Pham /@shotby_mi

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