Shooting Spree

Audience members at hip hop dance shows around Southern California are probably accustomed to seeing a Vietnamese guy running around with a huge camera on his neck. And performers at these shows know to go extra full-out when he’s standing at their feet. If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m talking about one of the few people I know who can get down on stage and also do your headshots - Photographer and CADC/Breed/Chill Factor Alum Louis Trinh. Introduced to the scene as a dancer in 2000, Louis is now the go-to guy for SoCal hip hop dance event photos, and is known for his ability to capture perfect onstage moments.

That’s Fresh: Tell us about your dance background.

Louis Trinh: Haha, it’s been awhile since anyone’s asked that question. Well, it all started with CADC in 2000 - eee I think we have the right to be called old school now! But yeah, I am a proud CADC alum from 2000 to 2005. Then I joined OG Breed OC/LA in 2003, and danced on and off until 2007. Then, [I danced with] Chill Factor Crew from November 2006 to December 2007. Phew, only 3 teams, not like Chi Hoe, hah.

TF: How did you get into photography?

LT: My dad, hands down. I wouldn’t have been interested if it weren’t for him. He’s been shooting since he was in his twenties too, so he always had a camera in hand when I was growing up. He eventually switched to digital, and got me my first Nikon for graduation. And ever since then, I have been trying to master the skills like him.

TF: What is Tikko Studios?

LT: A beast, says Tigran hah.
Tikko Studios was created by Tigran Tovmaysn and Albert Cotraviwat in Fall 2006. At the time I was already freelancing, and was approached by the two to help start the company. I thought it’d be cool to expand the network with two other great photographers. It was different, something fresh, so I wanted to see where it could go. What started at UCI Greek parties has now spanned into the hip hop dance, fashion, commercial, and wedding industries. At Tikko Studios, we strive for quality in all phases of the project: from inception, consultation to final product. We pride ourselves on creativity and long-lasting relationships with our clients as well.

TF: Can you give us some tips on how to increase our chances of getting photographed at an event? C’mon, we need some new pictures for our Myspace pages.

LT: You better get staged well, son! It’s funny because sometimes I really do just get front center and have the other photographers shoot the sides. Or if you see us walking around, grab a buddy and we’ll take a quick snap!

TF: Who will win America’s Best Dance Crew?

LT: All I know is that Southern California is representing very well right now. But I’m going to say Kaba because they’re the most versatile, and Tony Tran is Vietnamese - come on now!

TF: A lot of people know you as either Louis the dancer or Louis the photographer. What are your other interests besides dance and photography?

LT: Being around family and friends
Eating
Bass fishing
Basketball
The NFL
Traveling
Zen
**(Thanks for (almost) alphabetizing those for us, Louis)

TF: Do you have any pictures that you could blackmail people with?

LT: Yea I do, mostly at the parties we shot. Haha, oh man.

TF: What is the funniest/strangest thing you’ve ever photographed?

LT: Haha surprisingly, people make some goofy faces when they dance. So at every dance event so far, we’d have a couple dozen close ups of some hilarious facials. Other than that, I have an archive full of my friends being ridiculous.

TF: Of what work are you most proud?

LT: Hmm, a tricky question. In regards to photo, I am most proud of the work we put into building on the vision of the company. I’ve been involved in all of the logistical and back-end parts of the business, so that definitely makes me feel most accomplished. But in terms of specific projects, maybe some of the weddings we’ve done. It’s just an important day where each moment matters, literally. Haha, definitely some intensity for you!

TF: What’s in the future of Louis Photo Op?

LT: Haha, it’s funny I still get called that. Well, basically Louis Photo Op is more of my personal work and development. I just hope that everything I do will eventually translate into Tikko Studios.

TF: And lastly, if there were a Louis Photo Op movie, who would play you?

LT: Johnny Depp or anyone baller like that.

**To check out the work of Louis and Tikko Studios, visit tikkostudios.com.