Postcards From Portugal
Behind the Lens with Anthony Duong
Meaningful photography is all about capturing the moment, and not just any moment. The
moment. A bike whizzing by, your little one taking a step towards you, a simple glance
from a stranger. Whether a moment of joy, tenderness, beauty, or adrenaline, all is lost
if you miss it. All is gained if you catch it.
Photographer and Graphic Designer Anthony Duong recently returned from Portugal with a bounty of insights on the matter — and captivating photos to prove it. Here, he shares his lessons on being present, patient, and always open to adventure.
Photographer and Graphic Designer Anthony Duong recently returned from Portugal with a bounty of insights on the matter — and captivating photos to prove it. Here, he shares his lessons on being present, patient, and always open to adventure.
Hi! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hi, I’m Anthony Duong. I’m a graphic designer, a photographer, a dog dad, and I live in the city that never sleeps (although I myself have an early bedtime). My 9 to 5 is working as an in-house brand designer for a tech company, while my 5 to 9 includes photography and chasing after sunsets. I’ve dabbled in both photography and graphic design since I was a teenager (anyone else design their own MySpace layouts?) and am very fortunate to be working in both worlds for a living. Most of my paycheck goes to traveling — being able to capture little moments that make me happy, staying in on a weekend and editing pictures, and sharing them with anyone who cares to see brings me so much joy.
Hi, I’m Anthony Duong. I’m a graphic designer, a photographer, a dog dad, and I live in the city that never sleeps (although I myself have an early bedtime). My 9 to 5 is working as an in-house brand designer for a tech company, while my 5 to 9 includes photography and chasing after sunsets. I’ve dabbled in both photography and graphic design since I was a teenager (anyone else design their own MySpace layouts?) and am very fortunate to be working in both worlds for a living. Most of my paycheck goes to traveling — being able to capture little moments that make me happy, staying in on a weekend and editing pictures, and sharing them with anyone who cares to see brings me so much joy.
“I love people-watching and capturing the quiet, mundane interactions that we
often overlook during our busy lives.”
What drew you to Portugal?
When I visited Lisbon a few years ago, I told myself that I would have to see more of Portugal and what it has to offer. The Portuguese people are some of the kindest people I’ve met, the town colors make me happy, and the winding hills all make for the perfect trip in every sense. For my solo birthday trip this year, Madeira and Porto were calling my name. I wanted a mix of both natural wonders (Madeira) and bustling city culture (Porto).
When I visited Lisbon a few years ago, I told myself that I would have to see more of Portugal and what it has to offer. The Portuguese people are some of the kindest people I’ve met, the town colors make me happy, and the winding hills all make for the perfect trip in every sense. For my solo birthday trip this year, Madeira and Porto were calling my name. I wanted a mix of both natural wonders (Madeira) and bustling city culture (Porto).
We love the way your photos capture the color and spirit of a place. How do you
approach editing so that the final images stay true to color while also allowing
you creative freedom to enhance the image how you want?
When I’m editing (which I’m actually fairly new to the world of editing) I try to remind myself that places, people, and things are beautiful the way they are and don’t need much help. Obviously what our eyes see and what our cameras capture are very different. My goal is to edit my photos to match what I physically saw in that moment and how I felt. I dabble with setting the mood of a picture sometimes by using the color mixers and of course, a fun crop or a saturation boost is fun at times. Honestly, capturing the spirit of a place happens in the moment rather than in post-production. I love people-watching and capturing the quiet, mundane interactions that we often overlook during our busy lives.
When I’m editing (which I’m actually fairly new to the world of editing) I try to remind myself that places, people, and things are beautiful the way they are and don’t need much help. Obviously what our eyes see and what our cameras capture are very different. My goal is to edit my photos to match what I physically saw in that moment and how I felt. I dabble with setting the mood of a picture sometimes by using the color mixers and of course, a fun crop or a saturation boost is fun at times. Honestly, capturing the spirit of a place happens in the moment rather than in post-production. I love people-watching and capturing the quiet, mundane interactions that we often overlook during our busy lives.
“I probably stood at this chapel for 20 minutes taking photos to have enough options
to choose from. It’s really about testing and learning and not taking yourself too
seriously.”
Your photos capture a lot of movement (water, people, trains) — what advice do
you have for people traveling who also want to capture movement but don’t always
want their photos out of focus?
My advice when it comes to these types of photos is be intentional, be patient, learn, and repeat. For example, I knew I wanted to capture the bustling movement at the Chapel of Souls: people crossing the street and mopeds zooming by with the beautiful chapel tiles as the background. When I’d see an interesting subject — let’s say a person carrying groceries or a moped approaching — I’d make sure my camera settings were set to a slower shutter speed, focus on the person, and click away when the moped drove by.
My advice when it comes to these types of photos is be intentional, be patient, learn, and repeat. For example, I knew I wanted to capture the bustling movement at the Chapel of Souls: people crossing the street and mopeds zooming by with the beautiful chapel tiles as the background. When I’d see an interesting subject — let’s say a person carrying groceries or a moped approaching — I’d make sure my camera settings were set to a slower shutter speed, focus on the person, and click away when the moped drove by.
Do you shoot primarily on film or digital? Why?
As much as I adore my film camera that came from a camera shop in Tokyo, I’ve been focusing on developing my skills in digital photography, from shooting to editing. Shooting digitally is more forgiving than film, which allows for more experimentation without having to think of the number of frames left or spending the money for film.
As much as I adore my film camera that came from a camera shop in Tokyo, I’ve been focusing on developing my skills in digital photography, from shooting to editing. Shooting digitally is more forgiving than film, which allows for more experimentation without having to think of the number of frames left or spending the money for film.
What inspires you to get behind the lens when you travel?
I mainly take pictures to send to my mom so that I can share my travel experiences with her… haha. My parents are Vietnamese immigrants who came to the States and didn’t have the means to travel abroad. So I think I’ve always wanted to introduce both worlds of photography and traveling to them, and I finally get to do that.
Similarly, another reason that I love coming home with thousands of images to go through and edit is to share my experience with those who want to relive a certain place, or are hoping to travel to that place someday, or maybe who aren’t able to travel. I honestly didn’t start traveling until my late twenties, when I had a job that allowed me to do so combined with a growing curiosity of the world. So to be able to pay it forward to others who may not have the opportunity to do so motivates me. The fact that we’re able to capture small to big moments in an image is incredible so I hope to continue doing that.
I mainly take pictures to send to my mom so that I can share my travel experiences with her… haha. My parents are Vietnamese immigrants who came to the States and didn’t have the means to travel abroad. So I think I’ve always wanted to introduce both worlds of photography and traveling to them, and I finally get to do that.
Similarly, another reason that I love coming home with thousands of images to go through and edit is to share my experience with those who want to relive a certain place, or are hoping to travel to that place someday, or maybe who aren’t able to travel. I honestly didn’t start traveling until my late twenties, when I had a job that allowed me to do so combined with a growing curiosity of the world. So to be able to pay it forward to others who may not have the opportunity to do so motivates me. The fact that we’re able to capture small to big moments in an image is incredible so I hope to continue doing that.
What are your favorite images from the trip you took and why?
I have so many photos that I love, but these two do it for me. The moped zooming by in front of the Chapel of Souls in Porto and the locals of Madeira shopping for their produce at the buzzing Mercado dos Lavradores. To me, these photos really embody the mood and experiences I had traveling through Madeira and Porto.
I have so many photos that I love, but these two do it for me. The moped zooming by in front of the Chapel of Souls in Porto and the locals of Madeira shopping for their produce at the buzzing Mercado dos Lavradores. To me, these photos really embody the mood and experiences I had traveling through Madeira and Porto.
Can you share a few recommendations for anyone traveling to Portugal soon?
Where should they go? What should they see?
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a must for any first-timer in Portugal. It has all the quintessential Portuguese experiences: the winding hills, the ocean views, the sunsets, the Michelin-rated restaurants and the local hole-in-the-wall restaurants, the art, the nightlife, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to try all of the pastel de nata the town has to offer as you walk around and explore by foot, by train, or by metro. My go-to recommendation for traveling: Wander, get lost (but have your phone with you, of course), stay curious, and do what the locals do.
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a must for any first-timer in Portugal. It has all the quintessential Portuguese experiences: the winding hills, the ocean views, the sunsets, the Michelin-rated restaurants and the local hole-in-the-wall restaurants, the art, the nightlife, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to try all of the pastel de nata the town has to offer as you walk around and explore by foot, by train, or by metro. My go-to recommendation for traveling: Wander, get lost (but have your phone with you, of course), stay curious, and do what the locals do.
How do you curate your camera roll after a trip?
My mindset when shooting is the more, the merrier — so that I have multiple options to choose from. I really enjoy going through my photos and editing the ones that have the most potential — it’s a form of therapy for me. When it comes to which photos I’ll be sharing on social media, it’s a balance of wanting to tell a story of the city, while also reminding myself to just simply upload a photo if I like the way it came out.
My mindset when shooting is the more, the merrier — so that I have multiple options to choose from. I really enjoy going through my photos and editing the ones that have the most potential — it’s a form of therapy for me. When it comes to which photos I’ll be sharing on social media, it’s a balance of wanting to tell a story of the city, while also reminding myself to just simply upload a photo if I like the way it came out.
What advice do you have for everyday travelers or photographers who have a trip
coming up and want to capture more images on vacation?
First, remind yourself to enjoy your travels and take in your surroundings with your eyes instead of constantly through a screen. I often forget to live in the moment because I was too busy setting up the “perfect” shot on my camera. Second, don’t be afraid to shoot whatever makes you happy in whatever style you want!
Want to follow Anthony? Make sure you follow @antduong on Instagram
First, remind yourself to enjoy your travels and take in your surroundings with your eyes instead of constantly through a screen. I often forget to live in the moment because I was too busy setting up the “perfect” shot on my camera. Second, don’t be afraid to shoot whatever makes you happy in whatever style you want!
Want to follow Anthony? Make sure you follow @antduong on Instagram