Through the Lens: Duc Ngo
Observing Vietnam through texture and atmosphere
‘Through the Lens’ is a series that explores in detail the images of fashion image-makers in Southeast Asia, shedding light on their creative and technical processes.
Duc Ngo, The Women of Ho Chi Minh City for Atmos, 2024.
Duc Ngo approaches image-making with a sensitivity to atmosphere and texture, moving between observation and storytelling. His instinct for capturing subtle details of everyday life is reflected in images shaped by the evolving rhythms of Vietnam, shown across a body of work that spans editorials, commercial campaigns, and documentary projects. Alongside his independent practice, Duc also serves as Head of Photography at Artclass Vietnam, a Ho Chi Minh City-based creative house and educational platform centred around fashion and visual culture.
Hi Duc! Could you start by telling us a bit about your background? When did your interest in photography begin, and what led you to pursue it more seriously?
I actually started out studying visual effects in college. But the deeper I got into VFX, the more I realised it was too technical for me. I wanted something more human, such as shorter projects, more interaction and the chance to meet different creative people. Photography was originally just a minor, but over time it naturally became my main focus. That is when I started taking fashion photography seriously.
Duc Ngo, Dahan.
Duc Ngo, Dung.
Duc Ngo, Red.
What inspirations or influences have shaped your practice over the years, and how has working in Ho Chi Minh City informed your visual perspective as a photographer?
Most of my inspiration comes from everyday life. I pay attention to small details such as sound, colour, atmosphere, people, culture, films and different forms of art. Working in Vietnam has deeply shaped my visual language. I think my work reflects a sense of rawness, culture, documentary elements and human figures.
“I think my work reflects a sense of rawness, culture, documentary elements and human figures.”
Could you walk us through your creative process when approaching a shoot, from concept development to execution? What kinds of challenges or considerations tend to emerge along the way?
It often begins with conversations, exchanging references and ideas with my team until a visual direction naturally forms. I find the heat and humidity in Vietnam challenging.
Duc Ngo, CDAM.
Your work spans a range of different contexts, from fashion editorials to commercial campaigns. How do you balance your own creative perspective with the different needs of each project?
With commercial work, I prioritise understanding the client’s needs and delivering their vision through my execution. I try not to let my ego get in the way. At the same time, I balance that with personal projects where I can create more freely and reconnect with what I genuinely want to experiment with.
Duc Ngo, Velvet.
You are also the Head of Photography at Artclass Vietnam, a creative house based in Ho Chi Minh City offering services across fashion marketing, brand consulting, photography, videography, and creative education. Could you tell us more about how Artclass Vietnam began, and what vision shaped it?
Artclass began through workshops, driven by a desire to share knowledge and create opportunities for younger creatives in Vietnam. Over time, Artclass evolved into a creative house in Saigon focused mainly on fashion and commercial projects.
Artclass Vietnam also runs creative workshops focused on the fashion industry. What importance do education and community-building hold for you within the platform?
We created a creative community and platform for collaboration, a space for people to connect, share, inspire, support and exchange.
Duc Ngo, The Women of Ho Chi Minh City for Atmos, 2024.
In 2024, you worked on an editorial for Atmos titled The Women of Ho Chi Minh City. Could you tell us more about that project? What shaped the visual direction, and what did that experience open up for you creatively or personally?
It was a group project celebrating everyday Vietnamese women through a fashion perspective, blending traditional elements with documentary. It was a simple concept that was honest and full of life.
Lastly, what is next for your practice? Are there any ideas, visual directions, or collaborations you are currently interested in exploring?
Right now, I am focusing on collecting and refining my work. I hope it will become a book or exhibition in the near future.
See more of Duc’s work on Instagram at @ducngostudio and @artclassvn.