Meet Thien Minh, Vietnam’s Dashing Creative Multi-Hyphenate
One of Vietnam’s renowned portrait photographers is also an all-around creative: actor, singer, performer, model, and more. Whatever Thien Minh does, he pursues with much passion and enthusiasm
Behind the lens and in front of it
Thien Minh was all smiles when he arrived on the set of VMAN Southeast Asia’s first digital cover shoot in Vietnam. He brought a radiant energy that lit up the otherwise dreary rainy morning that we had at Saigon’s historic Ben Thanh Market. “I’m so excited [for this shoot] because I, a photographer, now have a chance to be a model!”
Thien Minh has built a name as a professional photographer in Vietnam, specializing in black-and-white portrait photography. In his photography account, one sees the 35-year-old’s love for the simple and ordinary things, but captured with a creative eye: city life in Hanoi, still-life photography, intimate portraits, and more. Last year in Saigon, he launched his first solo exhibition, ‘Hoa Mắt,’ to celebrate his tenth year in the industry. According to the exhibition notes, the name combines the Vietnamese words for “flower” and “eyes,” representing Thien Minh’s love for nature and how we perceive beauty.
“I began my photography career fueled by a passion for storytelling through images. From a young age, I loved capturing everyday moments,” he shares. “However, it was my desire to document the unique beauty of people and culture that truly motivated me to seriously pursue this path.”
“The people around me and the simple, ordinary things I see every day—they all carry beauty and serve as my greatest inspiration. Every subject I photograph brings a distinct story and unique charm. Additionally, renowned photographers from around the world inspire me to constantly learn and innovate,” Thien Minh adds.
This sense of refined simplicity also informs how Thien Minh approaches fashion. “I admire minimalist styles that still hold a strong personal identity. For me, fashion is not just about clothing but also a medium to express ideas and emotions. I am drawn to designs that embody cultural narratives, sophistication, and sustainability. I aim to reflect my identity through fashion—a balance of simplicity and modern thinking.”
A multi-faceted artist
But there’s more to Thien Minh than what meets the eye—or what his eyes meet, so to speak. He shares that he actually tried his hand at acting when he was younger. However, his passion ultimately drove him to move to the United States. “I went to Pasadena City College [in California,] studied photography, and lived my dream. Actually, I’m living my dream until now.”
It doesn’t stop there: Thien Minh has also showcased his singing and performing chops in a Vietnamese reality TV show, ‘Call Me By Fire,’ where seasoned celebrities gather to perform and compete as a boy band. Wearing bold, vibrant looks that are fit for the bright lights and electric energy of the stage, Thien Minh unleashed a side to him that’s more outgoing, dynamic, and colorful—a stark contrast to his more contemplative and elegant photography work.
“I love photography, I love singing, I love traveling… I love beautiful things in life. Whatever makes me feel beautiful, makes me feel alive. And I do it,” he affirms.
It’s this love and enthusiasm for life and creativity that shone through Thien Minh’s shoot. He kept his focus, even if motorbikes were zooming by, and busy marketgoers were accidentally entering the set at Ben Thanh Market. He had no qualms lying down and posing on a row of parked motorcycles—not the most stable of foundations—just to get a great shot. And in between takes, Thien Minh was more than happy to share more about his creative career and how he was having so much fun, impending rain and urban chaos be damned.
“[I just want to] enjoy life and do whatever I like. That’s the way I live,” he quips.
Vietnam’s creative future
Looking ahead, Thien Minh is focusing on developing more creative photography projects that combine elements from fashion and culture.
“Men’s fashion in Vietnam is rapidly evolving, with designs that showcase individuality and cultural fusion. This is a place brimming with creative potential, ready to make its mark on the global fashion map,” he affirms.
“Vietnam is not just about stunning landscapes and delicious food; it’s also home to a generation of young, artistic, and passionate individuals. Moreover, the country’s traditional culture and unique handicraft villages are treasures the world should explore. I hope to explore more international collaborations to bring the essence of Vietnam to the world.”
Photography Nhu Khoi
Creative direction Vic Lee
Fashion Freddy Nguyen
VMAN SEA Fashion direction Rex Atienza
Grooming Xi Quan Le
Hair Quan Le
Vietnam Art direction Huy Hoang and Nguyet Duong
VMAN SEA art direction Mike Miguel
Retouching Dam Thoai My
Video Minh Luan Nguyen
Production Artclass Vietnam
Fashion assistants Dieu Vy, Minh Tuan, and Tuan Anh
Support Thanh Sang and Pham Huy Hoang
Sittings editor Patrick Ty
On Location Ben Thanh Market
