As a photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, and two assignments from Geo France allowed me to explore the rich and varied world of photography in Vietnam. The first project was an adventure up Mount Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, where I accompanied journalist Sebastien Desurmont to document the trail starting at Trạm Tôn. The second brought me to Huế, where I photographed Thái Kim Lan in her beautiful garden house. These assignments, though different in nature, gave me a deeper understanding of the landscapes, culture, and people that make photography in Vietnam so unique.
The Fansipan trip
Mount Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina,” stands at 3,147 meters and presents a unique challenge for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This trek provided the perfect setting to explore photography in Vietnam’s natural landscapes. My goal for this project was to photograph the mountain and capture the climbing experience alongside Sebastien. The journey started at Trạm Tôn, offering lush forests, rocky paths, and constantly shifting weather, which created a dynamic canvas for my photography.
However, it wasn’t just the scenery that made this project special. The people we met along the way—local guides, fellow trekkers—added depth to the story of photography in Vietnam. I wanted my images to reflect these interactions, showcasing the relationship between people and nature. The approach was straightforward: focus on the raw, authentic moments that make trekking in Vietnam such a unique experience.
Portraits of Thái Kim Lan in Huế
Following the Fansipan expedition, my second assignment brought me to the ancient city of Huế to photograph Thái Kim Lan, a prominent cultural figure. Her garden house, a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for capturing a quieter, more introspective side of photography in Vietnam. Portrait photography demands a different approach. It’s about more than simply capturing a face; it’s about telling a story through that person’s connection to their surroundings.
Thái Kim Lan’s calm and thoughtful presence, combined with the serenity of her garden, allowed me to explore the cultural depth of photography in Vietnam. Whether she was explaining the significance of the plants or simply enjoying a peaceful moment in her garden, each photo aimed to capture the harmony between her and her environment.
Exploring Vietnam Through Photography
These two projects gave me the chance to explore the diversity of photography in Vietnam—from the rugged beauty of Mount Fansipan to the tranquil charm of Huế. Each location had its own story, and my goal was to capture that essence through my lens. What stood out most was the variety of experiences that Vietnam offers, whether it’s trekking through dense forests or walking through the historic streets of an ancient city.
While the Fansipan project was about documenting action and movement, the shoot in Huế focused on stillness and personal connection. Both projects, however, allowed me to delve deeper into the emotional side of photography in Vietnam. For me, photography is about more than creating beautiful images; it’s about capturing moments that reflect the true essence of the place and the people within it.
Reflecting on these two projects, I find both experiences rewarding. The climb up Mount Fansipan offered a chance to capture the natural beauty of photography in Vietnam, while photographing Thái Kim Lan provided a more personal glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Both assignments taught me something new about photography in Vietnam and deepened my connection to the country.
In the end, photography in Vietnam is about making connections—whether between people and nature or between individuals and their surroundings. Through these commissions, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s landscapes and culture, and I look forward to capturing more of what this country has to offer.