Building Bridges with Food and Photography

By Kenty Chung

My name is Kenty Chung, and I am hungry.

I am always hungry for what is next — to photograph food, to eat it and to share it with you.

I am a Charlotte native. I moved to Southern California for about six years, but I fell back in love with the Queen City when I returned for a visit a few years ago. Charlotte’s growth has really taken off the last several years, and it isn’t stopping. I wanted to be a part of that. What better way to contribute than to combine my love for food, photography and community?

A Lifelong Love Affair … with Food

My love for food started with my mom. While my family and I lived in California, my parents owned a Vietnamese restaurant, Thu Thuy, inside Orange County’s biggest Asian mall.

I remember seeing people of different cultures react as they took the first bite. It was priceless. There is a saying that “food bridges cultures.” I believe that. It’s a mantra for me.

Seeing my parents own their restaurant and so many people of so many cultures come in to eat and share those experiences informs my goals with food photography.

I want to build bridges through my creative work.

I started my Instagram page in 2019. I dedicated it to sharing and highlighting locally-owned restaurants. I had a Sony a6500 camera at first but had no idea how to use it for food photography. So, I decided to use my iPhone.

I took some time and learned from food photographers on YouTube and within the Charlotte community.

The second half of the year, I began using my Sony a6500, using what I learned and applying it toward my photos. In late 2019 and early 2020, restaurants started to reach out to me about food photography.

After my first paid shoot, I realized I want to do this full-time.

I am nowhere near that point yet, but I am extremely fortunate and grateful to combine my love for food, passion for sharing it with the community and make it a side hustle. Throughout the journey, I have been lucky to have met other foodies, food photographers, chefs and business owners.

I hope my food photos have made you hungry for your next meal!