hlockwood
Well-known
In what way was it a mistake? Did the M7 fail?
Harry
Harry
Vietnam Trip Report: M6, 35mm, 50mm, Ektar and BareBones Bag (long post)
- Thread starter monochrome_joy
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John Lawrence
Well-known
Some great images and I enjoyed reading the write-up. Thanks for posting this.
Andrew Sowerby
Well-known
Great post and even better pictures. After the foolish bickering in some recent threads, this is a breath of fresh air. Thanks.
FrankS
Registered User
Those are REALLY excellent photos!
Bingley
Veteran
Jeremy -- Thanks for starting this thread. I liked the discussion -- your observations about what worked and did not work for you -- and the photos are terrific. I particularly liked the opening shot w/ the flags, and the five pots w/ steam rising from them -- magical!
I'm one of those who likes the "what to take" threads, but I find the post-mortem variety -- "what I took" -- even more enjoyable. Thanks again for posting!
I'm one of those who likes the "what to take" threads, but I find the post-mortem variety -- "what I took" -- even more enjoyable. Thanks again for posting!
Tim Gray
Well-known
Nice photos.
FA Limited
missing in action
great write up and i like the photos
glad you take the time to do these kinds of travel write ups, these are the kinds of things i enjoy reading the most on camera forums
glad you take the time to do these kinds of travel write ups, these are the kinds of things i enjoy reading the most on camera forums
retnull
Well-known
One of the reasons these photos are so good is that it's clear the photographer has made a comfortable connection with his subjects. That's a rare ability...something you can't find on ebay, at any price.🙂
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Jeremy, a wonderful portfolio of your trip. If I had to pick one favorite, it would be #6 - the incense.
monochrome_joy
Analog Enlightenment
Thank you all, again, for your kind comments.
It's not that I find gear discussion not worth having, I've had many questions answered by trolling the threads. I've just resisted posting most of my thoughts because they were already answered or pointless.
I think I've just matured as a photographer and I've slowed down a bit. Actually, I slowed down and then I matured. The Leica definitely helped me get to this point. I think the Leica is a great camera but I don't think it's the end-all be-all of cameras. I said in the post that I really lust after an M8, but practically speaking I'll probably get a 5D MkI and a few primes. That has entirely more to do with the kind of photography I want to do and be available for than anything to do with my love affair for the Leica.
There were a few photographers I met in Saigon who upon seeing my camera recognized it and talked of their dreams of someday owning one. Realistically speaking they probably never will as it's not a very practical or cheap camera to acquire.
A few months ago I had this basic but visceral realization that a camera is simply a light-tight box that holds a film plane and allows light to hit it for a fraction of second. It was kind of a "zen" moment for me despite how simple and obvious it sounds.
I concentrated on making connections with people even if it was only exchanging a few words in my broken Vietnamese. Some of these photos were assisted with the help of my friend who spoke better Vietnamese and his girlfriend who is bilingual. In all honesty, "hello" (the correct way as each generation is addressed differently) and "happy new year" opened more doors for me than anything else.
Being comfortable with yourself and around others helps situations like these stay fluid. Realizing that we're all human beings and that kids in Vietnam like to play just as hard as kids in the states (sometimes harder), realizing that parents love to watch their kids laugh and play, and realizing that we're all trying to make our way in this world in our own way helps a photographer move through the culture.
In some places, the idea of being an "invisible" "fly on the wall" photographer is impossible. The village we stayed in, where I made most of the black and white photos, maybe sees a westerner once or twice a year. Needless to say, we were a spectacle and drew a huge crowd. Over time, they got used to us and "protected" us. The people were not distracted by the size or kind of the camera but by our skin color and stature.
I hope and think my post will be helpful and educational. I would certainly rather travel with two bodies and a 35 Summilux and a 50 Summilux, but my budget only allowed me to take a 35 Nokton and a 50 'cron. I don' think either one of those lenses held me back in any way. If an image is a little soft, it adds to the character. Images start with light and end with sharpness and resolution.
Finally, the reason I usually don't appreciate nor read which lens/camera combo to take is because it is entirely up to the photographer. You can list your $10,000 worth of camera equipment and your $5000 get-away but it tells me nothing about you or what you hope to capture. Before leaving on my trip I knew I wanted to connect with and make photos of the people and the culture. For my style of photography, a 35 and a 50 worked really well. Others may want wider, others may want longer. Traveling is not only about experience but also education. Most people will probably over-compensate on their first few trips, I did. Over time you realize what photos you want/expect to make and pair down your gear to accommodate that.
I'm happy that my images helped illustrate the point. In the end it's not about the kind of camera or lens but about the photographer.
It's not that I find gear discussion not worth having, I've had many questions answered by trolling the threads. I've just resisted posting most of my thoughts because they were already answered or pointless.
I think I've just matured as a photographer and I've slowed down a bit. Actually, I slowed down and then I matured. The Leica definitely helped me get to this point. I think the Leica is a great camera but I don't think it's the end-all be-all of cameras. I said in the post that I really lust after an M8, but practically speaking I'll probably get a 5D MkI and a few primes. That has entirely more to do with the kind of photography I want to do and be available for than anything to do with my love affair for the Leica.
There were a few photographers I met in Saigon who upon seeing my camera recognized it and talked of their dreams of someday owning one. Realistically speaking they probably never will as it's not a very practical or cheap camera to acquire.
A few months ago I had this basic but visceral realization that a camera is simply a light-tight box that holds a film plane and allows light to hit it for a fraction of second. It was kind of a "zen" moment for me despite how simple and obvious it sounds.
I concentrated on making connections with people even if it was only exchanging a few words in my broken Vietnamese. Some of these photos were assisted with the help of my friend who spoke better Vietnamese and his girlfriend who is bilingual. In all honesty, "hello" (the correct way as each generation is addressed differently) and "happy new year" opened more doors for me than anything else.
Being comfortable with yourself and around others helps situations like these stay fluid. Realizing that we're all human beings and that kids in Vietnam like to play just as hard as kids in the states (sometimes harder), realizing that parents love to watch their kids laugh and play, and realizing that we're all trying to make our way in this world in our own way helps a photographer move through the culture.
In some places, the idea of being an "invisible" "fly on the wall" photographer is impossible. The village we stayed in, where I made most of the black and white photos, maybe sees a westerner once or twice a year. Needless to say, we were a spectacle and drew a huge crowd. Over time, they got used to us and "protected" us. The people were not distracted by the size or kind of the camera but by our skin color and stature.
I hope and think my post will be helpful and educational. I would certainly rather travel with two bodies and a 35 Summilux and a 50 Summilux, but my budget only allowed me to take a 35 Nokton and a 50 'cron. I don' think either one of those lenses held me back in any way. If an image is a little soft, it adds to the character. Images start with light and end with sharpness and resolution.
Finally, the reason I usually don't appreciate nor read which lens/camera combo to take is because it is entirely up to the photographer. You can list your $10,000 worth of camera equipment and your $5000 get-away but it tells me nothing about you or what you hope to capture. Before leaving on my trip I knew I wanted to connect with and make photos of the people and the culture. For my style of photography, a 35 and a 50 worked really well. Others may want wider, others may want longer. Traveling is not only about experience but also education. Most people will probably over-compensate on their first few trips, I did. Over time you realize what photos you want/expect to make and pair down your gear to accommodate that.
I'm happy that my images helped illustrate the point. In the end it's not about the kind of camera or lens but about the photographer.
Andrew Sowerby
Well-known
Well said. I find it bizarre when people ask strangers on the internet about what lens they should use in Guatemala (or wherever). If you can't answer that question for yourself, what chance does anyone else have? Anyway, such discussions are easily avoided. 🙂
A
astroman
Guest
Posted buy johnsonjj22
Finally, the reason I usually don't appreciate nor read which lens/camera combo to take is because it is entirely up to the photographer. You can list your $10,000 worth of camera equipment and your $5000 get-away but it tells me nothing about you or what you hope to capture.
I'm happy that my images helped illustrate the point. In the end it's not about the kind of camera or lens but about the photographer.
He speaks many truths
Finally, the reason I usually don't appreciate nor read which lens/camera combo to take is because it is entirely up to the photographer. You can list your $10,000 worth of camera equipment and your $5000 get-away but it tells me nothing about you or what you hope to capture.
I'm happy that my images helped illustrate the point. In the end it's not about the kind of camera or lens but about the photographer.
He speaks many truths
R
ruben
Guest
Dearest Jeremy,
I would hardly find the words to describe the joy I got from your images. It was like healing an old wound I carry about that country.
Of course the reportage of Philip J Griffits, "Vietnam at Peace" comes to my mind, but to my somewhat deception this latter book was, to my humble opnion, very much of an extension of his first iconic book "Vietnam Inc." I thing Mr Griffits was overwhelmed by his sad feelings when doing his second book.
In contrast, you have been able to show the smile of a nation so devastated. Your pictures are timely welcome. They do transmit me your joy about what you have seen at least and your great comunication with the people. What a pity you was able to stay just a week.
Nevertheless I am very thankfull to you for having shown me what no other media, or person, has shown me before.
Cheers,
Ruben
I would hardly find the words to describe the joy I got from your images. It was like healing an old wound I carry about that country.
Of course the reportage of Philip J Griffits, "Vietnam at Peace" comes to my mind, but to my somewhat deception this latter book was, to my humble opnion, very much of an extension of his first iconic book "Vietnam Inc." I thing Mr Griffits was overwhelmed by his sad feelings when doing his second book.
In contrast, you have been able to show the smile of a nation so devastated. Your pictures are timely welcome. They do transmit me your joy about what you have seen at least and your great comunication with the people. What a pity you was able to stay just a week.
Nevertheless I am very thankfull to you for having shown me what no other media, or person, has shown me before.
Cheers,
Ruben
monochrome_joy
Analog Enlightenment
Ruben, you are very kind. Thank you. Comments like that make me want to return even more.
hans voralberg
Veteran
John, I'd suggest that you return sometime around end of April, Vietnam will be celebrating it's Liberation Day on the 30th for roughly a whole week this year so you'll have a lot more to shoot 😉
marke
Well-known
I couldn't agree more. I think this can be one of the most challenging, and yet, rewarding things about this kind of photography. I'm so new at street/documentary photography, and I have so much to learn. But when I am able to see and read about experiences such as you've shared here, it provides encouragement and ideas for myself (and others I'm sure).
Well said.
Sounds like you had an experience that no amount of money can buy. For me, this is what I hope to achieve in my photography also. Thanks again, for sharing your experience here. I hope you can find a way to use it to educate others also, not just photographers.
fleetwoodjazz
Established
I like the photos especially the one with a boy sitting on a roof top holding the National Flag.
Btw, it is Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh, not Than Pho Ho Chi Minh 😉
Btw, it is Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh, not Than Pho Ho Chi Minh 😉
cidereye
Film Freak
I realy enjoyed viewing your pictures and your interesting report. A couple of them reminded me why I love to take photographs so much and how hard at times it really can be to capture what seemingly is a simple shot but making the shot look so natural and vibrant can so often be another thing altogether.
I like many have become a bit fed up these days at times with the ever onwards digital race and I cannot wait to get my hands on the M6 that I am currently saving up for. I took an old Nikon F2A on a trip to Barcelona two years ago and compared to me taking my D200 on the same trip a few months back I was reminded what a bain that digital photography can be sometimes and also that nothing beats a roll of Velvia or Tri-X and taking time to think about things.
I like many have become a bit fed up these days at times with the ever onwards digital race and I cannot wait to get my hands on the M6 that I am currently saving up for. I took an old Nikon F2A on a trip to Barcelona two years ago and compared to me taking my D200 on the same trip a few months back I was reminded what a bain that digital photography can be sometimes and also that nothing beats a roll of Velvia or Tri-X and taking time to think about things.
