Phan Tien

Phan Tien doesn’t travel to any weddings without his wife and their 5-year-old son. “They are the best assistants I have,” he says, and their energy inspires all of his photos. Tien quit his job as a computer science engineer to pursue wedding photography. “This career teaches me a lot about myself and the world,” Tien says, putting into perspective what matters most in life and what a central role love plays in it.

A Nikon photographer, Tien says he is obsessed with telling stories that are sincere, sensual and adventurous. Each of them is unique, and he aims to get to know each of his clients and capture their personalities fully. “It seems every time I’m a part of their day,” he notes, “and I’m so grateful for that.”

He views post-production as a place for boundless creativity, and he doesn’t box himself into one particular look. “Depending on the story and the message I want to tell, it can be natural or unrealistic,” Tien says.

Check out the official announcement of this year’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography, along with the editors’ observations on the list of 2021.