Any RFF in Vietnam/Travel advices

[ShinX414]

Hello all dear RFF members,

lucky enough i too will have the opportunity to travel, in my it's going to be Vietnam (in august). Unfortunately i have to admit that i do not know any decent to visit. I'm not talking about typical tourist spots but rather places where i can capture some panoramic shots.

Besides panoramic shots my focus will of course be street photography, documentary and if time allows some planned model shoots. Regarding the last point i have tried to contact ppl via modelmayhem but the changes to arrange sth are rather slim, so does anyone know a better website or method to scout for models?
Do i have to keep some things in mind while shooting in vietnam (law-related)?
besides that if times allows i would love to meet some RFF members to shoot together and hang out.

I'm still thinking about what kind of gear i want to take with me but i try to keep it as lightweight as possible so I'm currently testing out some combinations. i pretty much settled down with a CV 15mm and a CV 40mm but i'm still thinking about addind a CV 75mm. From experience, are longer lenses useful in these countries?

 

[oftheherd]

I cannot tell you anything about modern day Vietnam. I left there in 1972. I know there are several RFF members who live there and/or travel there. If you don't get more responses, I suggest you put this in another sub-forum so it gets more exposure.

I hope you enjoy your trip. I found the people mostly friendly, but then maybe that was the times. I am looking forward to seeing your photos when you return.

 

[ShinX414]

thank you a lot for response.
isn't this the travel section? so how can i put it into another sub-forum?

 

[benji77]

Hi Shin
I have visited Vietnam a number of times, all I can share are my personal experiences, so you would have to take it with a pinch of salt.

In general, they are OK with cameras, though the elderly may not be that keen due to a 'belief' I have heard, that the cameras capture their 'soul'.

In touristy areas such as Sapa, they do ask for $$, and that could ruin experiences. In Hanoi and HCM, it is busy, hot (especially in their summer) and very vibrant. I enjoy B&W there.

Personally, focal ranges of 20 - 50mm (full frame) work for me. I have seen nice shots with focal lengths longer than 85, but I dont really enjoy it.

Getting close to them for photography is OK, just be gentle about it.

Enjoy!

 

[Kent]

Try not to get stung, bitten or eaten. 😉