Vietnam retrospective | 2 decades on assignment
A collection of images shot on assignment over decades of work covering Vietnam mostly for the New York Times.
Vietnam Photography Collection
Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of documenting Vietnam through my lens, photographing the country’s evolving landscapes, people, and culture. This series includes images captured during more than 100 assignments for The New York Times and other publications, offering a unique perspective on Vietnam’s rich history and rapid transformation.
This is an ongoing collection that I update periodically, reflecting my continued journey through Vietnam. My goal is to one day turn this body of work into a book—a visual narrative that encapsulates the essence of Vietnam through my experiences as a documentary photographer.
Two Decades of Documentary Photography in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country of contrasts, where ancient traditions coexist with modern progress. Through my assignments, I have witnessed and documented these shifts firsthand—capturing everything from quiet moments in rural villages to the fast-paced energy of urban life. Each photograph in this collection tells a story of resilience, tradition, and change.
A Diverse Collection of Vietnam’s People, Culture, and Landscapes
This series showcases the many facets of Vietnam, including:
Photojournalistic Moments: Capturing breaking news, political events, and cultural shifts as they unfold.
Portraits of Everyday Life: Intimate images of the Vietnamese people—farmers, fishermen, street vendors, and artisans—going about their daily routines.
Vibrant Street Scenes: The bustling markets, chaotic traffic, and layered textures that define life in Vietnam’s cities.
Breathtaking Landscapes: The serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, the endless rice terraces of Sapa, and the remote fishing villages along the coastline.
Shot on Assignment for The New York Times and Beyond
Many of the images in this collection were taken while on assignment for The New York Times, allowing me rare access to moments and stories that might otherwise go unseen. These assignments have shaped my approach to photography—teaching me the importance of patience, observation, and respect for the people I document.
In addition to The New York Times, my work has appeared in various international publications, each piece contributing to a broader visual narrative of Vietnam’s transformation over the years.
A Future Book in the Making
This collection is an ongoing project, evolving as I continue to explore and photograph Vietnam. My ultimate goal is to compile these images into a book—one that not only showcases the country’s visual beauty but also tells deeper stories of its people, traditions, and resilience.
Follow My Photography Journey
I regularly update this collection with new images and insights from my work in Vietnam. If you’re passionate about documentary photography or looking for inspiration, follow my journey on Instagram and YouTube, where I share behind-the-scenes stories, photography techniques, and my experiences from the field.
This project was featured in the BBC.
Images are for sale as fine-art prints on Justin’s online store below.