A Photographer's guide to tackling Vietnam

Whenever I tell people I’ve been to Vietnam, most people simply say “Wait, Why?!”.

And hey I’m sure you are asking that too. Vietnam isn’t usually the top vacation spot for Americans. I actually went to visit a very close friend, groomsman in my wedding party, Dao. Dao was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam. Him and my husband were college roommates and even from growing up on opposite sides of the world, they had so much in common. Dao quickly became apart of our family. He even is in our annual thanksgiving family portraits. So our trip to Vietnam was pretty inevitable.

Hanoi, is hands down the most charming city I have ever been too. I think it has something to do with how genuine and authentic it is. Walking around something feels untouched in Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay ~ the bay of descending dragons

When I think about Ha Long Bay, I still find myself speechless. It is so beautiful, so breathtaking, there is seriously nothing else I can compare it to. The water was so green, but not like a gross green like a light emerald green. I found myself waiting for an open sea of water but the mountain kept going and going. Our overnight cruise let us off, to explore the mountains, We had just enough time to hike up the side of the mountain and into the most gorgeous caves. I remember not wanting to leave the cave because of how cool it was! In awesomeness and temperature!

Now something you really need to know about Ha Long Bay (especially you photographers out there), it’s hella humid. Like your lens, oh gosh your camera will fog up A LOT, like an insane amount of times. Ha Long Bay in August, is very very humid. Hotter and more humid then NY and Florence combined! So just be prepare yourself for that…but the sunsets are the most gorgeous, so I highly recommend doing an overnight cruise!

It has been about 2 years, since I’ve been to Vietnam, over 1 year since I have seen our dear friend Dao. I keep thinking of my trip to Hanoi, because I am once again heading to Asia. This September I’ll be making my way with my Husband, Matt and two of our friends to Tokyo, Japan. In Tokyo, we’ll be meeting up with our dearest friend and his fiance. So be ready in the next few months for travel photos! And maybe even a few couple sessions!