Today we’d like to introduce you to Tami Nguyen.
Tami, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I found my interest in photography when one of my older sisters attended Boston University and was modeling in Boston. She took me to fashion shows and many shoots. My dad gave me a helping handing (hand*) by buying my first DSLR camera at Best Buy, a place that I went to often. Best Buy was essentially my Chuck E. Cheese because I was obsessed with technology.
I remember being maybe 9 and taking photos of my sister’s junior prom on a disposable camera. I picked up my DSLR at 13. Around 16 I started shooting nightlife. I officially kickstarted my photography business when I was 19 and bostontamcam was born. As a sophomore at Boston University, I interned and freelanced in the nightlife, sports and entertainment industry in Boston.
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?
I’ve learned to take everything with a grain of salt. For every 10 no’s I occasionally get a yes. It is a balance between work and school and a test for my patience. No one is entitled to any opportunities and it is a job itself to stay motivated and to seek out avenues for open doors. Patience is key, but most importantly, networking is essential. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my bosses, professors, mentors, friends and family. Everyone needs a good support system for when you fall and when you rise.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I started out shooting fashion but now I specialize in events in sports, music, and nightlife. My roots are in photos and I now work part-time shooting video for jumbotrons at TD Garden and Agganis Arena. I love video, but I have to say photos are worth so much more. I am known for my Boston pride and my knowledge of events happening in the city. Working with The Boston Calendar has been a very fitting friendship.
I am most proud of bostontamcam for slowly becoming a brand. I created the name at 20 years old because I wanted to rebrand myself. I didn’t realize I was rebranding a business. I think what sets me apart from others is that although I have many part-time gigs and I attend many events in Boston, I am still kid at heart who loves her friends and family. I use my business and I show the college side of being an entrepreneur. I am still a goof writing essays and failing exams.
What were you like growing up?
My parents and my two sisters immigrated from Saigon, Vietnam and we resided in Lawrence, Massachusetts. I would say we grew up in Methuen, Massachusetts, and my parents and sisters all have houses there now. Our parents never forced us to do well in school but we were all competitive with ourselves and pushed each other. I grew up in an environment where my oldest sister Tram was top of her class at Methuen High and Han was a triple threat athlete.
I’m 8-10 years younger, so I had very high bars set for me in grade school. Tram is now an attorney and Han is a businesswoman in the liquor industry. I’m the black sheep who found a love for film, music, and sports. I have always loved technology so I was fascinated by computers, the VCR, the TV, the disposable cameras. I think by being the baby of the family, I was able to get away with everything, including going to a school for communication. Thanks mom and dad.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bostontamcam.com
- Email: bostontamcam@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bostontamcam
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/bostontamcam
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/bostontamcam
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