• Research Storytelling: Positive Outcomes for Orphans (POFO)

    Research Storytelling: Positive Outcomes for Orphans (POFO)

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  • Humanitarian Storytelling: Lighthouse Creative Leadership Experience

    Humanitarian Storytelling: Lighthouse Creative Leadership Experience

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  • Research Storytelling: The National Evaluation of Quality of Childcare in El Salvador

    Research Storytelling: The National Evaluation of Quality of Childcare in El Salvador

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  • Recent Projects: Ecological Portraiture

    Recent Projects: Ecological Portraiture

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  • Featured Blog:

    Featured Blog: "Find a cause where your heart doesn't feel inactive."

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  • Exhibition: Returning, Reconnecting

    Exhibition: Returning, Reconnecting

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  • Recent Projects: Mindful Environments

    Recent Projects: Mindful Environments

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  • Photo-Story Blog

    Photo-Story Blog

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MY NAME IS DR. HY V. HUYNH, AND I'M
A COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGIST &
HUMANITARIAN PHOTOGRAPHER.

I HELP HUMANITARIAN PROFESSIONALS MAXIMIZE THEIR SOCIAL IMPACT WITH ETHICAL AND HUMAN-CENTERED VISUAL STORYTELLING.

THEORY LENS

You probably won’t meet too many photographers with a Ph.D. in the social sciences, but maybe it’s time you did. So much of my community psychology and social justice academic background informs my intentional approach to photography.

PRACTICE LENS

My 10+ years in domestic and international community development work has made me highly attuned to the ethical needs of the humanitarian and photojournalism sector. It’s time there’s a new norm for ethical and human-centered photography.

STORYTELLING LENS

I’ve worked in personal branding and do freelance web design and copywriting. I’ve also facilitated storytelling workshops for both youth programs and undergraduate classes. Basically, I’ll make sure your images are more than just documentation.

PORTFOLIO

TESTIMONIALS

“When a photograph evokes immediate empathy, you become invested in a stranger’s story in a way that the strange is washed out and you are left with familiarity. Hy’s work captures universal human feelings and presents them naturally. It is evident in each photograph that the moment captured is carefully framed but spontaneous in form. You get a feeling of being in the middle of the story without intruding, which speaks to Hy’s skills in making the effortful seem effortless.” 
– Julian Cadena, Asheville, NC


“Hy is able to capture the LIFE in people, their moments of progress and milestones, small and large; their moments of promise; their humanity. A lot of times what is missing from humanitarian organization websites, is real, in-the-moment photos in which the personality and humanity of the individuals and community served shine through. There’s a great need for the humanitarian field to capture the essence of individuals in the real moments, and I truly believe they need someone like Hy to fill that niche.” 
– Nghi Phan, Oakland, CA


“I see Hy’s work as both thoughtful and thought provoking- much of his work displays his perspective and invites the viewer into contemplation themselves. His work is deeply respectful. His photos never feel voyeuristic. He’s able to capture a person or place in such a way that the viewer can feel the respect, love, and connection he feels to his subject. In this way, his photos feel more like sharing than displaying. This is an incredible talent and a common thread in his work (and his way of being in this world).” 
– Elizabeth Green, Boston, MA