As a designer working at M&M Communications, and also a member of MLifeOn  a community and culture platform within the company’s ecosystem, Luan Nguyen came to photography in a rather simple way, initially just to support his work. Over time, however, holding a camera gradually became a familiar part of his daily life, accompanying him across different places and experiences.

When photography began with everyday work

At first, Luan did not expect to pursue photography for long. He took photos because his job required it, not worrying about perfection. But as he worked, he noticed more, from light and people to small details that were once easy to overlook.

There was no clear turning point. He simply traveled a bit more, took a few more photos, until one day he realized he was still holding his camera even when it was no longer related to work. By then, photography had become a habit, and also something he genuinely wanted to continue pursuing.

Luan’s first memory of photography was not one of excitement, but rather a sense of hesitation and fear. He recalls that at the time, holding a camera and going out to shoot still felt unfamiliar, and he was not completely at ease. "Fear of invisible distances and barriers between people stems from a lack of soft skills, shyness in communication, a lack of social knowledge, and a lack of understanding of the places one visits," Luan shared.

For Luan, taking photos, especially of people and everyday life, is not only about technique but also about how one steps into a space that does not belong to them. When he does not understand it well enough, he chooses to pause and observe, spending more time with each scene so things can unfold naturally before capturing them at the right moment, instead of trying to create a moment on purpose.

No fixed destination, only unexpected moments

Where he goes matters less than what he notices along the way. Luan does not set specific expectations for each trip, because every place and every moment carries its own stories, and what matters is whether he gives himself enough time to recognize them.

“Missing a train by chance sometimes takes you to the places you actually want to reach. That was me in the beginning,” Luan shared. He recalled a time he woke up early in Da Lat to chase the clouds, without much preparation, just going to see what would happen, yet those moments stayed with him longer than expected. “Maybe because I always feel a bit reluctant to leave, I tend to leave something unfinished, so I have a reason to come back another time,” he added, as a quiet explanation for his returns.

Luan does not limit himself to a specific genre of photography. For him, landscapes, architecture, and everyday moments all hold something worth capturing.

Landscapes bring a sense of discovery, a journey of moving and waiting to witness a vast scene.

Architecture helps us understand a place, how people live and leave their marks over time.

When it comes to everyday moments, what he cares about is not outward beauty, but how natural things are. As images become easier to create, what happens genuinely in daily life becomes more worth keeping.

Travel more to see more …

Luan’s journey stretches from North to South Vietnam, and even to trips abroad. Each place carries its own rhythm and culture, yet what stays consistent in his photos is the way he sees and approaches everything.

Lo Lo Chai, Tuyen Quang

Don Ca Bridge - a section of the railway line on Hai Van Pass

Go Ken Pagoda, Tay Ninh

Le Giang Ancient Town, China

Lao Night Market

Wherever he goes, Luan takes time to fully take in what is happening around him. For him, photography is personal, no two people see things the same way, so he chooses to capture what feels meaningful in the most natural way.

… and keep them through photographs 

Luan Nguyen is currently building and maintaining a Facebook community page, with the intention of preserving what he has seen and experienced as a kind of intangible “asset” that still holds its own unique value over time.

Gradually, the page slowly reached more people. The photos were no longer just for himself, but he began to create quiet connections. Some come to learn, some to revisit old memories, and others simply see it as a place to keep the things they love.

But for Luan, the reason he started remains the same. Everything, first and foremost, is still for himself, and perhaps that is what makes his work feel so relatable to viewers. Through his journey alongside MLifeOn, he has had more opportunities to travel to different places and continue pursuing what he loves. Along the way, what he captures also helps further spread the values that MLifeOn stands for.

Conclusion 

If you’re drawn to everyday stories told in a simple and honest way, stay with MLifeOn and continue exploring the many perspectives and journeys being quietly kept each day.

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CREDIT: 

- Photography: Luan Nguyen 

- Content: Vy Vy 

- Design: Phuong Nguyen