My recent art photography tour with An Bui Photography through beautiful South and Central Vietnam was an very enriching and memorable experience. From the moment we arrived at our first shooting location, it was clear this was not just a tour, but an immersive photographic experience crafted with passion and expertise. An Bui, along with his esteemed colleagues, Mr. Man and Mr. Son, delivered a journey that exceeded all expectations, showcasing the beauty and soul of Vietnam to create a special experience for our small group of photographers.
One of the tour's strengths lay in its carefully planned itinerary, which balanced landscape opportunities with intimate, culturally rich portrait sessions. An Bui and his team's extensive network of connections opened doors to unique encounters with skilled artisans, fishermen, dignified elders, and beautiful young women, each offering compelling subjects for our cameras. The improvisational nature of the tour, where spontaneous stops were made to capture unexpected moments, added an element of authentic discovery that enriched the experience.
An Bui’s leadership was invaluable, and he consistently went above and beyond to ensure everyone was satisfied and captured memorable photographs. An’s easy going nature and gentle leadership made everyone feel at ease. An and his colleagues provided many opportunities for us to capture images that conveyed the quiet elegance of young women to the dignified humor of elders, and the hardworking ethos and cultural diversity of the Vietnamese people. Mr. Son's artistic vision and skill in posing, directing models, and manipulating light resulted in stunning, classical portraits that conveyed deep emotions and respect for the Vietnamese people. I, personally, gained invaluable insights into environmental portrait photography, an area where I felt I needed improvement.
Mr. Man, our driver and an enthusiastic photographer himself, added joy and humor to the journey and our photographic shoots. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his helpful spirit and affable nature made the tour a real pleasure.
The tour's organization was great. Everything ran smoothly, with minor, beneficial tweaks to the itinerary to maximize photographic opportunities. The accommodations were fantastic in my opinion, and the food was delicious and more than plentiful, ensuring we were well-nourished for our photographic adventures. I also enjoyed the company of our group of photographers who were fun and interesting, supportive and collaborative.
After a while, it became apparent to me that An Bui, Mr. Man, and Mr. Son are not just colleagues but friends, and their comradery and enthusiasm during the tour added to our sense of being on a shared adventure. Each of them was generous with what they had to offer - their time, support, knowledge, or equipment. Their dedication to ensuring each participant captured excellent images was evident in their tireless efforts and patient instruction. I feel that the value of the tour for the price was exceptional, making this tour a worthwhile investment for any photographer seeking to improve their skills, and experience real Vietnam.
Tips for Future Participants:
• Bring ND filters and consider graduated ND filters for landscape shots.
• Bring plenty of memory cards and a backup hard drive if possible
My favorite shoot turned out to be a frenetic surf-side fish market at dawn, showcasing the raw energy of Vietnamese life. However, the more structured portrait sessions, guided by Mr. Son and An Bui, were exquisite and provided the most significant learning experience for me.
Overall, An Bui's Art Photography tour offers a great deal for any photographer seeking an authentic and enriching experience. The blend of expert guidance, unique photographic opportunities, and genuine cultural immersion makes this tour an unforgettable journey. I returned home with not only wonderful images (I'm still going through them, and will be for a while!) but also a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the Vietnamese people. Thank you!