Photography tours in Asia are getting very popular, and you can find someone running tours or workshops pretty much everywhere you go. I have tested two different photography tours in Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) to help you decide which one you should go for. Spoiler: it is going to be hard to choose!
Having been running photography tours in Asia for over 15 years with Hoi An Photo Tour and Pics of Asia, I always keep in touch with the market in Asia. I follow photographers who run tours in the area, and as you know, I have been working with most of them (only the cool ones!). In January of this year, I went down to Saigon as I was commissioned to photograph the Hilton on Phu Quoc island (fancy!) with my company Danang Photographer. So I took this opportunity to join 2 different photography tours from 2 friends of mine: Adrien Jean and Frederik Wissink.
If you have been following my blog for some time now, these names should sound familiar! Frederik has been running tours for me in Hoi An and Adrien has also been running a few tours for me in central Vietnam. I was very excited when I heard they were launching their own photography tours in Saigon, both of them having a different style and approaches to photography.
So here is how I would describe their photography tours in Saigon.
Both Adrien and Fred have their own style. Not only in terms of photography but also about their whole approach to the craft and people interaction. Both of them venture into the less visited areas of Saigon and you will surely have a fantastic time with them. I told you, it is going to be hard to choose!
Adrien Jean: Saigon Photo Tours
I have known Adrien for several years now (every cool photographer knows each other in Vietnam!). Adrien has more of a street photography approach, which you can directly tell when you look at his images. I can very eagerly recommend you to join a photography tour in Saigon with Adrien as he has been leading some of my photography tours in central Vietnam. He knows what he is talking about and you will surely learn a lot and have a great time with him.
We met with another friend for coffee and Adrien took us to some narrow streets along the railway. As we were all amongst friends, Adrien told us he wanted to explore more of a certain area, so we followed his expert guidance. We spent over an hour shooting and chatting with some very nice pool players. Adrien had been meeting them several times in the past year so they knew him and were very easy to approach and photograph.
Later on, we strolled through some narrow streets and met the local people living there. I am always amazed when I take photos in Saigon. Even though it is a very big and bustling city, the people living there sill walk around in front of their houses, they go and meet their neighbors or simply sit on a chair and watch the traffic go.
Adrien is also working on some documentary & street photography workshops to bring clients to traditional festivals in South Vietnam and develop photo stories on these unique events. So stay tuned and follow him on social media to get all his updates.
Here is what you can expect from joining a photography tour in Ho Chi Minh city with Adrien:
– Google form to assess the photography level and interests of the client & manage logistics -> helps me to get a first idea of the client’s profile prior to the conversation we have around a coffee to start the tour
– I start by giving them a small booklet as a gift, basically an introduction to street photography with different composition techniques that we will discuss during the tour and that they can refer to afterwards
– Conversation with the client to give them details about the tour and share my vision of photography: more or less time on technical stuff depending on their knowledge and I share my settings for street photography and the reason behind these settings, to be more reactive, etc. / elements that make a great street photograph and techniques to try and combine these elements in a frame (fishing/hunting) / how to tell better stories through their images (establishing shots, daily life, detail…) and small challenge for the tour/ways to approach people in the streets
– Hit the streets: I share how I work some scenes and compose my images but I focus more on helping the clients unlock their own vision and develop their confidence in photography. Ask them open questions to push them to refine their compositions. Facilitating their exchanges and experiences with locals
– At some point, we sit for a refresher and review the first bunch of images, what works/what doesn’t
– End of the tour: thank you email with inspiration list
Frederik Wissink: Saigon Street Photography Experience.
I have known Fred for many many years. First as a friend, and then as someone who I trusted to run my photography tours in Hoi An. Needless to say, he is solid and has vast experience in many different genres of photography. I wanted to see what kind of photography tour he is running in Saigon so I asked him if he had anything planned.
He told me to meet up with him and a few other friends in a remote area of the city I had never been to before. When I arrived there, I instantly understood why Fred decided to meet up there: a busy local market and lots of very narrow alleyways with plenty of activities going on. A great spot for photography!
We began with a leisurely cup of morning coffee and met up with a few other friends. As we meandered through the vibrant streets, we explored the narrow streets where people specialize in metalwork. There were so many great photo opportunities in every corner, with people welding metal, banging with hammers and doing all kinds of metalwork stuff. Overall, it was an enriching experience that left me inspired and eager to explore more of Saigon’s hidden treasures.
Here is what you can expect from joining a photography tour in Saigon with Fred:
Step into the heart of Saigon with Fred on an unforgettable journey through its bustling streets and hidden corners. During this photo experience, you will venture off the beaten path, immersing yourself in non-touristy spots and mingling with the friendly locals. Along the way, you will soak up invaluable photography tips and intriguing historical insights about the city’s downtown and its architectural wonders.
- start over coffee at a local coffee shop and have a chat about people abilities and interests in photography.
- move on to some basic tips on how to look for things, details, light, how it affects certain scenes.. ect as well as how to approach people when we meet them and how to politely and respectfully make their photos.
- start wandering, This is also a mini-history tour as I find the history of Saigon as fascinating as the photographs it offers.
- we wander through old buildings, down alleyways and into homes where we can. As well as simply picking up shots on the streets between stops.
- Some stops include an old colonial-era courtyard apartment and a Chinese temple.
- During the entire walk, we focus on looking for the small things and getting friendly with the locals. Notice the details, look for patterns, shapes and textures as well as interesting people.
- at the end of the walk, we stop at a cafe and they are free to wander more or simply head back to their hotels.
If you happen to be in Ho Chi Minh City and you’d like to improve your photography skills in the best locations then contact Adrien of Frederik, you will not be disappointed! It may be hard to choose between these 2 photography tours in Saigon, so simply check out their Instagram profiles and see what style you like more. If you’d rather have a French-speaking guide, then go with Adrien. But both of them also run their tours in English.
And remember, if you also travel to Hoi An check out my photography tours in Hoi An.
