Thảo Như
Thảo Như (she/her) is a food photographer based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She’s been pursuing this craft for over five years, and the deeper she delves into it, the more she discovers its endless fascination and the vast opportunities to learn. Như is passionate about exploring culture through food and always strives to weave stories into every image she creates. She dreams of bringing Vietnamese cuisine and culture to the world, sharing the inspiring tales behind each dish.
Hi Như! Tell us a little about yourself — when did you first become interested in photography and how did you get to where you are today?
Hello, I’m Thảo Như, a photographer from the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of diverse cuisines, lively markets, and a rich blend of cultures. Growing up here shaped my deep love for food and inspired me to tell its story through the art of photography.
Every piece of my work draws from the heart of my childhood memories and everyday life. My mission is to celebrate the food and culture of my hometown through a fresh, vibrant, and modern lens—a perspective that feels alive and bursting with energy.
Creativity has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I was captivated by cooking and drawing, dreaming of becoming either a food critic or an artist. But everything changed when I discovered photography—it was like opening a door to a whole new world. Photography gave me a way to capture fleeting moments and share the cultural richness of where I grew up. Still, at that time, I never imagined it could become my career.
I pursued a degree in English Literature, but deep down, I felt a pull toward something different. I wandered through various jobs, searching for purpose and passion, until an internship at a photography company changed everything. From the moment I held a camera in my hands, I knew I had found my calling.
The journey hasn’t been easy. It’s taken countless hours of hard work, self-discipline, and pushing myself to explore new horizons. But every challenge has brought me closer to where I am today—a place where I can bring stories to life through my lens, celebrating the beauty of food and the creative limit that you can go with it.
“Capture what you love from your unique perspective—that’s what will help you attract loyal clients who align with your style.”— Thảo Như
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far? What would be your dream creative project or subject to shoot?
One of my favorite projects is a personal one I created with ANCHOI CREATIVE called THE CHILD. This project was a celebration of International Children's Day, reminding everyone that we all carry a child within us. That inner child is a precious gift—a reminder to dream freely and create without limits, no matter how whimsical or unconventional those creations might be.
For THE CHILD, we reimagined childhood games like marble shooting, kite flying, and spinning drums, but with a twist—they were all crafted from food, such as vegetables, jelly, and other edible elements. Working on this project felt like fulfilling a childhood dream of mine, where creativity knew no bounds and imagination reigned supreme.
As for my dream creative project, it would be traveling across Vietnam to photograph moms and grandmas alongside their signature dishes—especially in the countryside or highland regions. I’d love to hear their stories, be inspired by their wisdom, and infuse my own vibrant, colorful style to create striking yet heartfelt portraits. Through this project, I hope to build a visual tapestry that not only showcases their culinary heritage but also fosters a deeper connection between people.
What techniques or tools have you found most effective for keeping food looking appetizing throughout a shoot?
When it comes to food photography, paying close attention to the texture of each dish is essential to make them look as appetizing as possible. For example, with dishes that have soft surfaces like meat, or those that wilt easily like fresh greens, it’s important to brush or spray them with water to keep them moist. You can even add a light mist to fruits to give them a plump and juicy appearance.
For harder textures, like crispy pastries, or dishes that expand and change shape, such as noodles, always have extras on hand. Test-shoot with samples first, and save the best-looking pieces for the final shots. This ensures the textures and shapes remain perfect and visually appealing in your photos.
What's the most impactful feedback you've received on your photography, and how did it influence your development as a photographer?
There was a time when I posted a personal project online, back when I was still an intern. I received feedback from an older brother figure, a photographer whom I deeply respected. He said, "The core of food photography is that the dish must first look beautiful and appetizing, then comes the concept and props. If a photo has a great concept but the food lacks appeal and freshness, then the photo is soulless."
Since then, I’ve held onto that statement as the standard for my work. I always pay close attention to each dish and strive to present it in the most appetizing and authentic way possible. I seek to convey the flavor of the dish through its ingredients, plating, and even the smallest details. For example, crispy pastries should have visible crumbs, spicy dishes should feature slices of chili, and sauces need to have a glossy sheen with a bit of sauce spilling on the edges for a touch of realism. From that point on, I began noticing the food I ate, savoring it fully, and channeling that experience into my photos. That’s when I realized I had grown into a more thoughtful and dedicated photographer.
You’ve worked with a range of commercial clients. What’s your creative process like and how do you approach creative collaboration with your clients?
When I take on a brief, I always have thorough discussions with the client. I delve into their product, its purpose, and the message they want to convey. Once I have all the necessary details, my team and I dedicate hours to researching additional information, looking for elements that could enhance or inspire a standout big idea. From there, we move on to creating a moodboard, gathering references, and sketching concepts.
To ensure the idea is communicated as fully as possible, I always explain my creative treatment in detail and ask if the client has any additional insights or elements they’d like to include. After all, they know their product best. At the same time, it’s important to maintain my artistic perspective so that together, we can arrive at the best possible solution.
I believe communication between both sides is key to producing a successful outcome. By balancing the client’s insights and my creative vision, we can craft something that truly resonates.
Do you work on personal projects in addition to client work? If so, why are personal projects so important to pursue?
I’ve always enjoyed working on personal projects alongside commercial ones because I believe personal projects are a way to balance my artistic identity in photography. They’re how I nurture my individuality and imagination.
When you work on a personal project, you’re creating for yourself, not anyone else. There are no constraints on content or creativity, and you’re not bound by any rules or limitations. It’s a space where you can fully explore your ideas, express your personality, and do exactly what you want. For me, personal projects are essential—they keep my creative spirit alive and help me stay true to who I am as an artist.
Given the speed at which AI is progressing in content creation, the landscape and future of photography are shifting rapidly. What opportunities and/or and challenges do you think AI will present for photographers?
I think the most obvious benefit AI brings is saving time. AI can help complete smaller tasks, especially in Photoshop, significantly improving work efficiency. Additionally, AI assists in visualizing and sketching out ideas. This is an incredible tool for those who aren’t skilled in drawing or creating perspectives, as it helps us visualize concepts more clearly and make adjustments easily if needed.
However, it’s crucial to remember that all ideas must originate from us. If we rely too heavily on AI, we risk losing our uniqueness, individuality, and creative imagination. Therefore, AI should only be viewed as a practical support tool and used only when truly necessary.
Are there any specific pieces of equipment, such as particular lenses or lighting setups, that you consider essential for your shoots?
There are 2 lenses that are very useful in Photography:
EF 24-70mm: easy and flexible to use
TS-E 90mm F2.8L: It is often used to achieve deep focus and to ensure that photos of glasses or drinks remain perfectly straight.
What advice would you give to photographers interested in food photography who are just starting out?
No matter what stage you’re at, you should always maintain a spirit of learning. Photography—especially food photography—is constantly evolving. There’s always something new to learn, and more importantly, after learning, you need to practice. Pick up your camera and start shooting.
Capture what you love from your unique perspective—that’s what will help you attract loyal clients who align with your style.
Additionally, broaden your knowledge in related fields like fashion, painting, architecture, and more. At some point, you’ll realize how interconnected everything is, and this will greatly enhance your ability to conceptualize and find creative materials.
And finally, dive in and try every role. Help others in any way you can, and don’t hesitate to ask questions of those who came before you. Everyone has their own approach and experiences that no book can teach. These lessons will prove invaluable in your future.
What are you currently working on now and what’s up next for you?
I am currently working on commercial projects for the upcoming festive season: Lunar New Year. In the new year, I hope to dedicate more time to personal projects and share my work and photography experiences through workshops.
