From classroom to camera: How Vietnamese creator Linh Vo effortlessly balances life as an educator and big brand photographer

Meet Linh Vo, a beauty, product, and lifestyle photographer from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. While her day job is teaching at an international school, Linh leads a dynamic double life as a creative. Beyond educating students, Linh creative passion sees her capturing the essence of brands through her captivating photography.

Linh’s exceptional talent (and flatlays!) immediately caught our eye, and we were thrilled to welcome her into our community. With the ever-rising demand for Vietnamese creators, Linh quickly became a key member of our team. Her remarkable skillset has earned her high-profile projects with renowned brands like Dove, BIC Razor, McCormick, Shiseido, and Close Up, to name a few. Linh is now one of our go-to creators in the region.

Linh consistently achieves excellence as a creator, mirroring her accomplishments as an educator. Her ability to balance these two worlds speaks volumes about her versatility, dedication and professionalism.

Join us as we explore how Linh discovered her passion for photography and how she navigates her dual roles with remarkable success.

Let’s chat with Linh

Hi there! I’m Linh Vo. I’m from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. I’m a teacher at an international school and a freelance creator, photographer, and stylist. Also, I am a mum of two beautiful…cats ;)

Ever since my university days, I have loved taking flatlay-style photos. I got started in photography when my friend, who owned a handmade cosmetics shop, asked me to photograph her products. What started out as a hobby has become a full-time passion. A passion I strive hard to get better at every day.

While flatlays have always been my true passion, I’ve been recently enjoying lifestyle photo shoots, especially family-focused ones. I can capture simple yet very special moments, such as intimate family photos.

When it comes to my photos, I like my work to be bright, fun, and positive. I like to create positive images and moods for the audience.

Journey with Creatively Squared

Everything started during COVID-19 when schools were closed. I was actively posting my flatlay photos on Instagram. As a result, I got an email from the Creatively Squared team offering me a chance to join their community.

Reading the email, I saw that the opportunity seemed too good to be true. It seemed like I was dreaming. But I wasn’t. And it was true. I was so happy when their account manager Yna sent me another email offering the chance to work on a project for Dove Vietnam. My journey started from there. I’m so grateful to the Creatively Squared team for recognising my work and giving me many wonderful opportunities. Thank you!!

Linh captured these beautiful video and stop motion assets for Dove and BIC Razor. Source: Creatively Squared

My most enjoyable and also my most challenging project so far has been Enfamil Vietnam. The client was looking for nine pregnant women with young kids or toddlers. The project fell during Chinese New Year so everything was closed and everyone was in their hometowns with their families. It was a challenge, to say the least, to find suitable models. But what started as a challenge turned into a very enjoyable project. I really enjoyed working with kids and I was really pleased with the end results.

Another challenging but rewarding project was one I worked on for Bic Razor. This was my first time creating a stop motion video. There was a lot of trial and error and mistakes along the way but I got there in the end and the client was very happy.

Tools of the trade

In all my projects pre-2024, I used a Canon 750D. Yes, that’s right!! Who knew a camera mainly for beginners could be so effective and excel in a professional environment? Now I use a Camera Canon R8. My go-to lens are my Canon 50mm f1.8 and Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. I will buy a Canon 24-105mm f4 lens very soon!!

Tripods for video and product photography are, of course, a must.

My favourite props: You can’t go wrong with a bit of blutack; it can solve most problems. I love to use homely curtains to create mood and to play with the light like I did on the Shiseido Anessa Sunscreen project.

Most of my work now revolves around lifestyle photography so I like to select normal everyday locations like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Otherwise, I will book an Airbnb or a studio with a home setting if the brief asks so.

I also love to work from my office at home where nothing (or not much) distracts me. I don’t mind working somewhere else as long as there’s air conditioning ;)

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Linh’s creative process

I’m not a spontaneous person. I like to work from a plan whenever I have a photoshoot. I always create mood boards, pin up reference ideas, timelines, and other images for inspiration.

As a one-woman team, careful and thoughtful planning goes a long way and can make up for not having an assistant. My husband is my number one supporter and he will chip in and help when needed. I am also really lucky as there are always some good friends willing to be my talents or assistants during photoshoots.

If I want to get into the creative zone, I play a nice and relaxing Studio Ghibli piano playlist. It always calms me and gets my creative thoughts flowing.

Finding inspiration

I always go to Pinterest for inspiration. I also love the work of @koko_secretrainbowpath and @windaate. My favourite hashtag to follow and check too is #flatlaylover.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

This year, I want to enhance my editing skills and play around more with artificial light.

Thank you, Linh, for being a valued member of our community and a loyal Creatively Squared creator. We truly appreciate your dedication and have loved following your inspiring creative journey with us.

Follow Linh's Instagram @linhvo_joie to see more of her inspiring beauty, product, and lifestyle photography.