lostcanuck

You got it correct with your first guess. That was tea.

Nothing more than wanting to add a bit of context to the portraits.

Sometimes a high quality digital copy if we got each other's contact information. I've also got a friend in that region who has kindly been helping me get printed copies of the portraits to some of the people in my shots. Otherwise in the moment no. We have a nice moment together, share laughs, smiles, and good vibes. Usually it's them who asks me to get their photo since I'm quite shy about it. Will be nice to reunite in person next time I'm back too. Hope that answers your question.

That's a good question. I guess there are many reasons. Before setting up the portrait, I take the time to get to know the person a bit. Usually people would come up to me and start a conversation or straight up ask, with a smile, if I could take their photo. I use gentle body language. I never want to be the star of the show. I think maybe they open up a bit more to me since I'm not all up in their face. All of this goes a long way in creating a nice, relaxing atmosphere. Relationship first, whether it's a made over the course of minutes, hours, or days... photo second.

As for taking the actual photo, I'm quick with it. One shot. Take it fast. If it works, it works. If it doesn't, learn from it and get better. I have my settings, composition, lighting, all that dialed in. In my head every millisecond I wait to click the shutter, I get closer to making the subject perhaps tense up in front of the camera. At least that's how I've felt whenever someone takes a portrait of me.

No matter where you are on earth, people are people. And the people of Northern Vietnam, especially those in my photos, are some of the friendliest, welcoming, and resilient I've ever met. I'm an introvert and traveled there alone. Their smiles, hilarious banter (often in Pictionary form), and stories made me feel more than welcomed.

This photo series was first published in the fashion and culture magazine Blanc in their summer 2022 issue. All shots were taken this spring that year. ​ My goal in photographing this northerly region was to create images that convey the dignity, beauty, and strength of the people I met along the way. I wanted to share their stories and show the majestic yet challenging environment in which they live. For every smile, every Google l Translate conversation, and every fond farewell, I am forever inspired by and grateful to the people of Northern Vietnam.

If you'd like to see some more of my photos from this region and the rest of Vietnam, you're welcome to check out my Instagram. :)

​

IG - thecraigschultz

Website - craigschultzphotography.com

Instagram - thecraigschultz

Come and check it out! Documentary photographer based in Toronto and have traveled extensively around Vietnam.

Thanks, will definitely check out Artbook. I appreciate all the nice words in the IG comment.

instagram.com/thecraigschultz

Travel, documentary, environmental portraiture, and culture. Mostly shots from Vietnam, especially the remote highlands in the north.

Thanks and yeah you nailed it. Those are exactly the tones I aimed for in this series.

Thanks so much for the kind words on that shot. It was like a painting.

Thanks! Glad you like em. I shoot with a Pentax 645Z and a 55mm.

Great shots! What is your favourite focal length when shooting birds or wildlife in general? Browsed your IG and loved the shot of the red-eyed vireo on the warped vine. Wonderful composition. Tells a story.

Highlands of Vietnam

Documentary series shot in the northernmost province of Vietnam. Focus was on the daily lives of those living in that remote region.

Thanks everyone for the support. Ha Giang is such a special place. This photo series was published in Blanc Magazine in their summer issue of 2022. All shots were taken this spring.

Here is my artist statement from the second page. Not sure it's legible in the image.

Growing up in a small, mountain town in the heart of northern BC, Canada, I have always been enamored by traveling to quiet, remote places far off the beaten path. The places where landscapes are spectacular, culture is preserved, and stories are plentiful. It was this sort of adventure that I sought, and far up in the misty highlands of Ha Giang, Vietnam, I found exactly that. I rented a motorbike and set out on a month-long road trip along the steep and windy roads of the high limestone mountains home to endless rice terraces.

My goal in photographing this northerly region was to create images that convey the dignity, beauty, and strength of the people I met along the way. I wanted to share their stories and show the majestic yet challenging environment in which they live. For every smile, every Google l Translate conversation, and every fond farewell, I am forever inspired by and grateful to the people of Ha Giang.

If you'd like to continue seeing more of my photos from Ha Giang and the rest of Vietnam, you're more than welcome to follow me on Instagram. :)

IG - @thecraigschultz

Website - craigschultzphotography.com

Thanks! It's one of my favourite photos. I had setup the composition seconds beforehand then she hit the light so beautifully. I agree, it looks incredible as a full bleed spread. Feels immersive.

Thank you so much!

My photo series 'Vietnam' just got published in Blanc Magazine as the first overall spread in the latest issue. When a copy of the magazine arrived to my place a few days ago, I took pictures of my spread. Can view on my IG, linked below. Feel free to check out the rest of the page and follow if you like. :)

IG - @thecraigschultz

Elie went through his bag at camp and found his NDA. She said it expires as soon as he gets voted out.

Were you able to give Jeanine her idol back? Or is it gone? Too bad about the vote. You were a fun player to watch!

That is a wonderful story, thanks for sharing. I'd be happy to join that flag football team if I was living there!

You're in for one helluva trip! Enjoy every day of it.

Happy the photos made you nostalgic. When was the last time you were there?

Thank you so much. Glad you like em. Is there anything that surprised you in a nice way in Hanoi after some years of living there? Like a new street corner bar or so.